FAQs
Stamp duty in WA is calculated on a sliding scale based on the property value.
For homes valued at $200,000 or less, a lower concessional rate applies if the home will be your principal place of residence. Above that, the general rates apply, rising to $28,453 plus $5.15 per $100 above $725,000. These rates apply in 2026-27. You can see the full tables on the WA Department of Treasury and Finance website (wa.gov.au).
If you are a first home buyer, you may pay less (see below).
The government charges additional fees for land purchases and mortgages.
The transfer fee is charged for registering your interest in the property. In WA, it is based on the property value.
The mortgage registration fee applies if you are buying with a home loan. It is a flat fee of $225.10 for the 2026-27 financial year.
Yes. In WA, eligible first home buyers pay the first home owner rate of duty. From 7 May 2026, you pay no stamp duty on a new or established home valued at $600,000 or less, and a reduced rate between $600,000 and $800,000. Above $800,000, the general rate applies. For vacant land, the exemption applies up to $450,000, with a reduced rate up to $550,000.
The eligibility criteria generally include:
You and any co-applicants must be buying as individuals, not through a company or trust
You must all be 18 or older
You must meet the First Home Owner Grant eligibility rules, including never having owned residential property in Australia
You must move in within 12 months and live there for at least 6 continuous months
See the WA Department of Treasury and Finance website for the full rules.
Yes, Western Australia has a foreign purchaser duty surcharge. This is in addition to standard stamp duty rates. This foreign owner surcharge is calculated as 7% of the property value.
You are not considered a foreign owner if you are any of the following:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident
- a New Zealand citizen with a special category visa.
In WA, if you are a foreign owner jointly purchasing with your non-foreign owner partner, you are still required to pay the 7% surcharge on your part of the property.
Please note that you may be subject to other costs, in addition to this duty surcharge.
