Stamp Duty Concessions for Apartments in WA: How to Save Thousands

Buying a new apartment in Western Australia has become significantly more affordable thanks to the State Government’s off the plan duty concessions. These concessions reduce the amount of transfer duty (often called stamp duty) payable on eligible apartment purchases and can save buyers thousands of dollars. Whether you are an owner occupier or an investor, understanding how these concessions work is essential. 

What is the Off the Plan Duty Concession? 

The Off the Plan Duty Concession provides eligible buyers of new apartments or townhomes in strata or community title schemes with a reduction in transfer duty. The type of concession you may receive depends on whether your contract is a pre-construction contract or an under-construction contract. 

Key points include: 

• An upfront duty concession is available if you enter into a pre-construction contract between 23 October 2019 and 30 June 2026 to purchase a new dwelling off the plan. 
• An upfront duty concession is also available for under construction contracts entered into between 31 August 2023 and 30 June 2026 for a new dwelling purchased off the plan.
• For under construction contracts entered into earlier, between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020, in multi-tiered developments, the concession was provided as a rebate rather than an upfront reduction.
• The concession does not apply to off the plan purchases of dwellings on survey strata plans. 
  

How Much Can You Save? 

Pre-construction contracts 

• Eligible contracts entered between 21 March 2025 and 30 June 2026 qualify for a concession.
• A 100 per cent duty concession applies to properties valued up to $750,000, capped at $50,000.
• For properties valued above $750,000, the concession phases down from 100 per cent to 50 per cent, with the $50,000 cap still applying. The 100 per cent concession reduces at a rate of 0.05 per cent for every $100 in dutiable value that exceeds $750,000.
• For properties valued at above $850,000, a 50 per cent concession applied to the duty payable, again capped at $50,000. 

Under construction contracts 

• Eligible contracts entered between 21 March 2025 and 30 June 2026 qualify for a concession.
• Buyers may receive up to 75 per cent off the duty payable, capped at 50,000, for properties valued up to $750,000.
• For properties valued between $750,000 and $850,000 the concession phases down. The concession available is between 75 per cent and 37.5 per cent of the duty paid or payable, capped at $50,000. The 75 per cent concession reduces at a rate of 0.0375 per cent for every $100 in dutiable value that exceeds $750,000.
• For properties valued at or above $850,000, the concession is 37.5 per cent, again capped at $50,000.  
  

Why These Concessions Matter 

These concessions provide meaningful financial benefits for buyers, including: 

• A lower upfront cost to enter the market.
• Improved investment feasibility due to reduced purchase costs.
• Increased attractiveness of new apartments in well located strata developments.
• The opportunity to secure a premium product with less initial outlay.
• The potential for the property’s value to increase during the construction period, while your off the plan purchase price remains locked in, providing an opportunity for immediate equity growth upon completion. 

For investors, these savings can improve rental yield and long-term return potential. For owner occupiers, it makes premium living in sought after locations more attainable. 

Key Eligibility Criteria 

To qualify for the off the plan duty concession, your purchase must meet specific WA Government requirements. These include: 

• The contract must be for a new dwelling purchased off the plan in a strata or community title scheme.
• The contract must fall within the eligible date ranges.
• The property must not be part of a survey strata plan.
• Applications for the concession must be lodged within 12 months from the date the dwelling is registered on the certificate of title.
• The correct application form must be submitted by your conveyancer or settlement agent. 

You should confirm eligibility early in the process and ensure your development, contract date and dwelling type all meet the required criteria. 

The off the plan duty concession is a major opportunity for buyers looking to secure a new apartment in WA. With savings of up to $50,000 available, purchasing off the plan has never been more financially appealing. Understanding the eligibility criteria, contract timing and concession structure is essential to unlocking the full benefit. 

If you are considering an off the plan purchase, we encourage you to explore Cedar Woods’ eligible development, Incontro Apartments in Subiaco. This thoughtfully designed project offers a premium opportunity to make the most of the available duty concessions while securing a high-quality home in one of Perth’s most desirable inner-city locations. 

Sources & Further Information:

• WA Government: Apply for an off the plan duty concession 
  
• WA Government: Taxation and Duty
• WA Stamp Duty Calculator