The Western Australian government has made a bold move to improve housing affordability with significant changes to stamp duty exemptions and concessions.

This policy shift is set to benefit more than 22,000 home buyers across the state, providing financial relief and making it easier for many Western Australians to achieve their dream of home ownership.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, investor, or looking to purchase off-the-plan, these changes could offer significant savings and opportunities in the WA property market.

Key Changes to Stamp Duty Exemptions and Concessions

Starting from 21 March 2025, the WA government is increasing stamp duty exemptions and concessions across different property types, regions, and purchase stages:

Perth and Peel Regions:

• The stamp duty exemption threshold rises from $450,000 to $500,000.
• The stamp duty concession threshold increases from $600,000 to $700,000.
  

Regional WA:

• The exemption threshold for properties outside Perth and Peel increases from $450,000 to $500,000.
• The concession threshold increases from $600,000 to $750,000.
  

Vacant Land Purchases (Statewide):

• The stamp duty exemption threshold for vacant land increases from $300,000 to $350,000.
• The concession threshold increases from $400,000 to $450,000.
  

For those purchasing properties under $500,000, these changes could mean savings of nearly $18,000. Buyers of vacant land up to $350,000 could save up to $11,000 in stamp duty costs.

These changes provide an invaluable boost for those looking to enter the property market, whether purchasing an established home or land to build on.

Supporting New Housing Supply and Economic Growth

Premier Roger Cook highlighted that the policy changes come at a time of rapid economic and population growth in WA.

With the state’s population expanding and housing demand increasing, these changes are designed to support new housing supply while addressing affordability challenges.

“Western Australia has the fastest-growing economy and population in the country, putting pressure on housing supply,” Premier Cook said. “These sensible changes will make homeownership more affordable and help thousands of Western Australians achieve their dream of owning a home.”

By raising the exemption and concession thresholds, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on home buyers, enabling more people to step onto the property ladder and contribute to the state’s growing housing supply.

Expanded Off-Plan Purchase Concessions

In addition to the increases in stamp duty exemptions for established homes and land, the government has also expanded stamp duty concessions for off-the-plan purchases. This is part of the government’s broader strategy to encourage new property developments and increase housing density.

For Pre-Construction Purchases:

• No stamp duty is payable for off-the-plan purchases up to $750,000 (up from the previous $650,000).
  
• A 50% concession will apply for properties above $850,000.
  

For Under-Construction Purchases:

• A 75% concession applies to properties up to $750,000.
  
• A 37.5% concession will be available for properties above $850,000.
  

New Inclusions:

• Townhouses on strata plans now qualify for the concessions, which is a significant move aimed at increasing housing diversity and offering more downsizing options for seniors.
  

These expanded concessions apply to off-the-plan purchases from 21 March 2025 until 30 June 2026. Buyers can potentially save up to $15,000 per purchase, making it an attractive proposition for those looking to buy property before or during construction.

A Positive Step for WA Home Buyers and Investors

The expansion of stamp duty exemptions and concessions is a major win for home buyers across Western Australia.

By reducing upfront costs and encouraging new housing developments, these measures will help ease housing affordability challenges and provide more opportunities for both first-time buyers and property investors.

With the WA property market already showing positive growth trends, these changes offer even greater incentives for those looking to purchase their first home or expand their investment portfolios.

Whether you’re looking to buy an established home, vacant land, or an off-the-plan property, the new stamp duty exemptions and concessions provide a financial boost that brings homeownership and investment opportunities closer within reach.

If you’re looking to make the most of these stamp duty savings, it’s important to speak with an expert who can help guide you through the process and ensure you secure the best possible financing options for your property purchase.

Get in Touch with Loan Nerds

At Loan Nerds, we are here to help you navigate the changes in WA’s housing market and find the perfect loan for your needs.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, investor, or looking to purchase off-the-plan, we can provide expert advice and guide you through your loan options.

Contact Loan Nerds today to discuss how these new stamp duty changes can work in your favor and help you make the most of WA’s growing property market.