Can foreign buyers get stamp duty exemptions in Perth?

No. Western Australia's first home buyer concessions require you to be a first home buyer occupying the property. Foreign buyers pay standard transfer duty plus a 7% foreign purchaser surcharge with no relief.

What are WA's first home buyer thresholds?

From 21 March 2025, full exemption on homes up to A$500,000 (previously A$430,000) and a concessional rate from A$500,001 to A$700,000 in Perth and Peel. Regional thresholds differ.

Which Australian state has the best stamp duty deal for foreign buyers?

Victoria, because of the off-the-plan duty concession — the only significant concession genuinely available to foreign purchasers. It applies to strata apartments and townhouses to 21 April 2027, and charges duty on land value plus works completed rather than the full price.

How much stamp duty will I pay as a Singaporean buying in Perth?

Standard WA transfer duty on the purchase price, plus a 7% foreign purchaser surcharge, plus FIRB application fees. No first home buyer concession applies.

Perth Now Offers No Stamp Duty for First Time Home Buyers

Key takeaways

From 21 March 2025, Western Australia raised its first home buyer duty thresholds — full exemption to A$500,000, concessional to A$700,000 in Perth and Peel.
These concessions are for first home buyers who will occupy the property. They are not available to investors or foreign buyers.
A foreign buyer in WA pays standard transfer duty plus a 7% foreign purchaser surcharge, with no first home buyer relief.
The relevant saving for an overseas buyer is Victoria's off-the-plan duty concession, which is open to foreign buyers, on strata stock, to 21 April 2027.
Foreign buyers remain restricted to new dwellings until 30 June 2029 in every state.

Did you know that Perth just revamped its stamp duty system in March 2025?

That means, right now, you can pay ZERO stamp duty on select properties — whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or overseas buyer.

Let me walk you through this one-on-one, because the savings are real — and the window to benefit is limited.

If You're a First-Time Buyer in Perth – Read This Carefully

As of March 21, 2025, the Western Australian government has increased the thresholds for stamp duty exemptions in Perth and in Peel.

Full Exemption: Pay ZERO stamp duty on homes up to $500,000 (Previously: only up to $430,000)

Concessional Rate: Homes from $500,001–$700,000 get reduced duty (Previously phased out at $600,000)

That’s up to $18,000 in savings right there.

If you’re buying vacant land to build on:

Full Exemption: Up to $350,000

Concessional Rate: Up to $450,000 (Used to cut off at $300k–$400k)

That means you can save nearly $11,000 when buying land to build your first home.

According to the WA government, 22,000 first-time buyers are expected to benefit — and around 8,000 will pay zero stamp duty when buying land. That’s how massive this shift is.

Buy Off-the-Plan in Perth — and Save Up to $29,740 Instantly

Here’s what the new rebate scheme looks like (valid until June 30, 2026):

1. If You Buy Before Construction Starts

100% stamp duty exemption for homes up to $750,000- 50% stamp duty discount for homes $750,001 to $850,000
Example:Buy an off-the-plan apartment at $750,000 and pay $0 in stamp duty — that’s a $29,740 saving.
2. If You Buy During Construction
75% stamp duty rebate for homes up to $750,000- 37.5% discount for homes $750,001 to $850,000
Applies to apartments, townhouses, and villas (strata title)- No need to be a first-home buyer- No need to be a citizen or PR

Yes, this is not just for apartments anymore. It now covers townhouses and villas on strata plans too.

These changes are meant to boost housing density, help downsizers, support young families, and stimulate construction jobs.

And unlike in Victoria or Queensland, where concessions are often targeted only to locals or first-home buyers, Western Australia opened this up for all buyers, including Singaporeans and overseas investors.

Why This Matters — And Why You Should Act Now

Let’s talk numbers. Stamp duty in WA is normally:

About 4.8% on a $500,000 home = $18,000
Around 5.1% on a $700,000 home = $25,000

If you qualify for the new concessions, that’s money straight back in your pocket.

Example:

Buy a $750,000 off-the-plan apartment today before construction starts, and you’ll pay zero stamp duty — saving $29,740 instantly. This is one of the biggest cash incentives we've seen in the property market in years.

But these savings are only in place until June 30, 2026, and many of the most in-demand projects are already seeing a spike in buyer interest.

Why You Should Look Twice at Perth

Perth isn’t just affordable — it’s on the rise.

Rents are growing due to tight supply.- Vacancy rates are under 1%.- Migration is driving demand, especially in the Perth-Peel growth corridors.- And now, with stamp duty savings, your entry costs are significantly lower.

You’re not just saving money — you're buying into Australia’s next growth wave.

Here’s My Honest Advice — Let’s Sit Down and Talk.

You’ve just seen the numbers. You’ve seen how Perth is finally stepping into the spotlight, and the WA government is making it easier for everyone to enter.

But here’s the thing… Most people will still miss this.

Not because the opportunity isn’t good, but because they didn’t get the right guidance in time.

That’s where I come in.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in Australia, or you’re just wondering if Perth could be a better play than Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane…

Let’s talk. One-on-one.

This Saturday, May 31, 2025 — I’m opening up a few private slots for exclusive 1-on-1 consults.

Time: 10AM to 4PM (strictly by appointment only)

Message us to book your private session now!

Josh Tay