Home buyers in Western Australia could see lower upfront costs under an expanded stamp duty concession scheme announced by the state government, with new measures aimed at widening the range of eligible properties and encouraging more housing development.
The Cook Government has committed $70.6 million in the 2026 to 2027 State Budget to extend and broaden stamp duty concessions for dwellings purchased off the plan or while under construction. The policy change forms part of a broader effort to address housing availability and affordability across the state.
Under the updated scheme, concessions will apply to survey strata dwellings for the first time. This change brings smaller residential developments such as duplexes and triplexes into the program, alongside apartments, townhouses, villas and units that were already eligible.
Government officials say the expansion aims to increase housing options for buyers while encouraging developers to build more medium density housing. Properties purchased off the plan or during construction in eligible strata schemes will now qualify for assistance, provided they fall within the updated price thresholds.
The thresholds for the concession have also been raised by $50,000. The maximum value for full assistance will rise from $750,000 to $800,000, with the upper limit for partial concessions increasing from $850,000 to $900,000.
Under the revised structure, buyers who purchase an eligible dwelling off the plan valued up to $800,000 will pay no stamp duty. The concession gradually reduces for properties above that level, tapering until it reaches a 50 per cent concession at $900,000.
Properties bought while under construction will qualify for a 75 per cent concession up to $800,000, tapering to 37.5 per cent at the upper threshold of $900,000.
Government figures suggest the change could save buyers more than $32,300 on an $800,000 property purchased before construction begins. Those purchasing a property during the construction phase could save more than $24,200.
The measures take effect immediately and will remain available until 30 June 2028. The previous version of the concession scheme had been scheduled to finish on 30 June 2026.
Officials say extending the timeline provides additional certainty for developers and buyers who are considering projects that may take several years to complete. Multi residential housing projects often involve long planning and approval processes, and industry groups have frequently argued that policy stability is needed to support new construction.
The government says the changes are also intended to encourage infill development in established suburbs. Medium density housing such as townhouses and smaller strata developments can increase housing supply without requiring large new suburban expansions.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the policy forms part of a broader housing strategy that will feature in the upcoming state budget.
“These changes are the first of several measures being introduced through the 2026 to 2027 State Budget to boost housing supply and affordability across Western Australia,” she said.
Saffioti said expanding the concession to more types of homes would give buyers greater flexibility when choosing where and how to live.
“By expanding stamp duty concessions to more homes, we are giving buyers more choice and helping reduce the cost of purchasing a property,” she said.
She also pointed to potential benefits for older residents considering a move to smaller homes.
“This means Western Australians looking to downsize can save thousands when buying a new apartment, townhouse, villa or unit off the plan or during construction,” she said.
Finance Minister David Michael said the change to include survey strata dwellings would increase the range of properties that qualify for assistance.
“Expanding the concession to include survey strata for the first time will help boost housing density and increase housing choice,” he said.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the government was focusing on policies that support construction and encourage buyers to consider newly built housing.
“We are focusing on measures that increase housing supply, including changes to stamp duty that encourage people to invest in new apartments and townhouses,” he said.
Housing affordability has become a central policy issue in Western Australia, as it has across much of Australia. Rapid population growth, construction costs and limited housing supply have placed pressure on property prices and rental markets in recent years.
Economists and housing analysts often view stamp duty concessions as one tool among many that governments use to influence the housing market. Supporters argue such measures can reduce upfront costs and make it easier for buyers to enter the market. Critics sometimes note that concessions may also add to demand, which can influence prices if housing supply does not increase at the same pace.
State governments across Australia have introduced a range of policies aimed at boosting housing supply, including planning reforms, incentives for developers and assistance for first home buyers.
Western Australia’s latest changes are designed to encourage new developments while offering financial relief to buyers choosing recently built homes. By including duplexes, triplexes and other smaller projects in the scheme, the government hopes to broaden participation in the program and support more diverse housing options.
Further details on eligibility requirements and application processes are available through the Western Australian Government website. Officials say buyers considering off the plan or under construction properties are encouraged to review the updated rules before making purchase decisions.
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