REIWA wants WA stamp duty thresholds lifted before next budget

REIWA president Rob Mandanici said prices are now declining but strong growth in recent years had made buying more expensive. He said, “We’re asking for the stamp duty thresholds to be increased to reflect bracket creep due to price growth,” and argued higher thresholds could also help downsizers move.

The numbers

Mandanici said that for buyers who are not first home buyers, Perth’s median house price on REIWA’s measure has exceeded the top duty bracket since October 2024. He said a purchaser at the January 2020 median would have paid $16,815 in duty, against $40,550.50 for one at the August 2026 median.

Beyond thresholds for general and first home buyers, REIWA is seeking a pilot program to encourage investors to offer affordable rentals at below-market rates. It also wants an incentive for investors to install solar panels on rental properties.

What’s next

Mandanici said the rental market remains extremely constrained, and REIWA has asked the government to set up a pilot program for investors offering affordable rents at below-market rates.

Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the government raised stamp duty concessions at the last budget, particularly for off-the-plan and under-construction homes, and extended them to duplexes and other denser housing. She said supporting more rental supply remains a key focus.

Opposition leader Basil Zempilas said the Liberals had called for a 20 per cent across-the-board duty cut at the last budget and welcomed REIWA joining that conversation. He said stamp duty receipts had risen from $1 billion a few years ago to $5 billion last year, which he called a massive windfall for the state, and that ultimately the decision rests with government at budget time.

No budget date was given in the WAtoday report. Related: WA dwelling approvals.

Source: WAtoday. The Australian Developer.