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KEY POINTS |
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First Home Owners' Scheme provides $7000 towards the cost of your first home, subject to eligibility. |
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The Scheme came into effect on 1 July 2000. |
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The Scheme is open to all eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents, and is not means tested. |
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HOTLINE |
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1300 363 211 |
What is the First Home Owners’ Scheme?
The scheme provides for a grant designed to help people purchase or build their first home. It is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
The grant compensates for price increases associated with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced on 1 July 2000. All the States and Territories provide the grant under uniform arrangements agreed with the Federal Government.
When did the grant scheme commence?
The grant is paid to first home owners who entered into a binding contract on or after 1 July 2000 to buy an established home or construct a new home. For owner builders, construction must have commenced on or after 1 July 2000.
If you entered into a binding contract to buy or build a home or start construction as an owner builder before 1 July 2000, you are not eligible for the grant.
If you entered into a binding contract and are therefore not eligible for the grant, this does not give you the right to get out of the binding contract.
Proposed First Home Owners’ Scheme
The Western Australian and Federal Governments aim to help people purchase or build their first home through a $7,000 first home owners’ grant.
This brochure explains how the grant works and is a guide as to whether you might be eligible. It should not be relied upon to determine your eligibility under the scheme.
What if I own or bought land before 1 July 2000?
As long as you did not enter a binding contract to build or construct a home on the land prior to 1 July 2000 you can still be eligible, provided you meet all other criteria.
Your eligibility could be affected if you bought land where the purchase is conditional on building a home, such as a "house and land" package deal.
How much is the grant?
The grant is $7,000 or the amount which you must pay to purchase or build the house, whichever is the lesser amount.
Who can apply for the grant?
A first home buyer, who fulfils the eligibility criteria listed below.
Who is an eligible person?
To be eligible:
- At least one of the applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency in Australia.
- None of the applicants must have previously owned a home anywhere in Australia.
- Applicants must occupy the home purchased as their principal place of residence.
- If an applicant’s spouse or de-facto partner has previously owned a home, no grant will be available.
- Except in the case of legal disability, applicants must be natural persons (that is not a company).
- Everyone with an interest in the home is considered an applicant.
What type of dwelling qualifies for the grant?
It can be a single dwelling, duplex, flat, townhouse etc. Any dwelling that is suitable as a residence. It must be connected, through the land, to water and sewerage services. A houseboat or caravan is not eligible. The grant will not be available for renovations to an existing building or for the purchase of vacant land.
Does my income affect the grant?
No. The grant is not means tested. The income of applicants is not taken into account when establishing eligibility for the grant.
Does the value of my home affect the grant?
No. Provided your home is valued at $7000 or more. There is no valuation ceiling on the home you purchase or contract to build.
Where can I get more information?
Information is available through our hotline and published brochures.
First Home Owners' Grant Bill 2000
To download a PDF copy of the First Home Owners' Grant Bill 2000 (209kB) click on the link below. For more information on PDF documents, click on the PDF icon.
First Home Owners' Grant Bill 2000 
First Home Owners’ Scheme
1300 363 211
Web-sites:
The Ministry of Housing web site and the State Revenue Department web site will be updated with information on the progress of the scheme.
State Revenue Department
www.wa.gov.au/srd
State Revenue Department
Mount Newman House
200 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA
GPO Box T1600
Perth WA 6845
To download a PDF copy of the First Home Owners' Scheme brochure (131kB) click on the link below. For more information on PDF documents, click on the PDF icon.
