First Home Buyers in Perth
Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and it can feel overwhelming. At Affordable Living, we have helped thousands of West Australians into their first home with straightforward advice, affordable pricing and a build process designed for first timers.
Whether you are renting and ready to make the switch, or just starting to explore your options, this guide covers everything you need to know about buying your first home in Perth.
Grants and Schemes for First Home Buyers in WA
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) — The WA Government offers a $10,000 grant to eligible first home buyers building a new home. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and must not have previously owned property in Australia.
Keystart Home Loans — Keystart is a WA Government-backed loan scheme that lets you build with as little as a 2% deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance. Learn more about Keystart.
Stamp Duty Concessions — First home buyers in WA receive concessional stamp duty rates on new homes, saving you thousands compared to buying established.
First Home Guarantee — This federal scheme allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a deposit as low as 5% without paying lenders mortgage insurance. Places are limited each financial year.
Check what you qualify for — our team can help you understand which grants and schemes apply to your situation.
How to Buy Your First Home in Perth
Here is a simple roadmap to get you from renting to owning:
Step 1: Check your finances — Use our loan calculator to get a rough idea of what you can afford. Talk to a broker or Keystart to get pre-approved.
Step 2: Choose your location — Think about your commute, schools, lifestyle and budget. Our house and land packages cover suburbs across Perth’s north and south.
Step 3: Pick your home design — Browse our range of 3 and 4 bedroom designs. Visit a display home to see the quality in person.
Step 4: Sign your contracts — You will sign a land contract and a building contract. Our team handles the paperwork and explains everything throughout the process.
Step 5: Build and move in — We manage the entire build from approvals to handover. You will get updates at every milestone. Most builds take 10 and 12 months from slab pour to handover.
Why First Home Buyers Choose Affordable Living
We have been building homes in Perth for over 20 years and have helped more than 15,000 West Australians into their own home. Here is why first home buyers choose us:
Fixed pricing — No hidden costs or surprise variations. You know what you are paying before you sign.
Keystart specialists — We work with Keystart every day and understand how to structure a deal that works for low-deposit buyers.
Quality inclusions — Stone benchtops, floor coverings, window treatments and LED lighting are all included in our base price. View our inclusions.
Simple process — We guide first timers through every step so nothing gets missed or misunderstood.
First Home Buyer FAQs
What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in WA?
What is Keystart and how does it work?
Keystart is a WA Government initiative that offers low deposit home loans starting from as little as 2% to help residents purchase their first or subsequent homes. Designed to remove the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Keystart acts as a transitional lender for those who may not meet traditional bank deposit requirements, with the aim of helping borrowers refinance with a standard lender over time.
What are the Keystart eligibility requirements?
You need to meet income limits (these change periodically) and the property must be under the current price cap of $800,000 in metro Perth. Visit keystart.com.au for the latest figures or ask our finance team. See Keystart details.
Do I need a 20% deposit to build a home?
No. With Keystart you can build with as little as a 2% deposit. Other lenders may accept 5% with the First Home Guarantee scheme (no LMI on a 5% deposit for eligible buyers). Explore finance options.
Can I use the FHOG as part of my deposit?
Yes. Many first home buyers use the $10,000 FHOG to cover part of their upfront costs. Your finance broker can explain exactly how this works with your loan. Read about grants.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in WA?
First home buyers in WA receive a concessional rate on stamp duty for new homes, but it is not a full exemption. The amount depends on the value of your property. Learn more about first home buyer grants and concessions.
Ready to Buy Your First Home?
Check your eligibility for grants, Keystart finance and our affordable house and land packages.
Check If You Qualify