The WA Government’s 2026-27 State Budget has committed a record $4.7 billion to housing – the largest single-year housing investment in the state’s history.
The Budget is heavily focused on boosting housing supply, supporting first home buyers and addressing long-standing construction bottlenecks.
Here’s what the 2026 Budget means for first home buyers, investors and downsizers.
First home buyers
First home buyers are among the biggest winners from this year’s Budget.
$208 million has been allocated towards a third round of stamp duty relief, including higher exemption and concession thresholds for established homes and vacant land. Around 6,000 first home buyers per year are expected to benefit.
The First Home Owner Grant cap will also increase from $750,000 to $800,000, while Keystart property price limits will rise from $800,000 to $860,000, potentially expanding access to finance for more first home buyers.
In addition, $375 million has been committed to building 500 affordable homes exclusively for first home buyers, including access to shared equity loans through Keystart.
Investors and downsizers
The Budget also prioritises measures aimed at encouraging higher-density housing development to boost housing supply.
The off-the-plan transfer duty concession has been extended for another two years, from 30 June 2026 to 30 June 2028, with increased exemption and concession thresholds. The concession will also expand to survey strata developments for the first time, which may improve the feasibility of villa, townhouse and apartment projects.
To help developers get projects moving faster, Keystart will offer a $250 million Pre-sale Guarantee for apartment developments where at least 30% of dwellings are affordable housing.
These measures will benefit investors seeking opportunities in areas expected to see strong tenant demand, while also giving downsizers greater choice in well-connected lifestyle locations.
Unlocking more supply
Western Australia remains more than 6,600 homes behind its National Housing Accord target. To address this, the Budget is committing substantial funding towards unlocking land supply and increasing construction capacity.
This includes:
- $686 million for DevelopmentWA to deliver new residential lots and activate METRONET precincts.
- $522 million for power and water infrastructure that will open up thousands of new residential lots in key growth corridors.
- $51 million to expand the construction workforce through apprenticeships, migration incentives and fee-free TAFE places.
What this means for Perth buyers now
While the Budget outlines significant long-term investment in housing supply, much of this new stock will take years to reach the market.
That means the imbalance between supply and demand is unlikely to ease in the near term, particularly in Perth’s established housing market, where competition remains strong.
Well-located homes in suburbs with strong infrastructure, transport access and lifestyle appeal are likely to remain in high demand while new supply makes its way through the pipeline.
For buyers acting now, timing, strategy and local market insight matter more than ever.
That’s where Resolve Property Solutions can help. From suburb selection and due diligence through to negotiation and acquisition, we’ll support you in making informed decisions based on data, local market intelligence and long-term growth fundamentals.
Looking to buy a property in Perth? As expert Perth buyer’s agents, Resolve Property Solutions can help. To discuss your options, book a free discovery call with our team.
