Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Perth's property market is included in our pack
Foreign buyers looking to purchase residential property in Perth in 2026 face significantly higher upfront costs than local buyers, mainly because of Australia's foreign investment rules and Western Australia's specific surcharges.
The biggest extra cost is the 7% foreign buyers duty surcharge that WA charges on top of regular stamp duty, which alone adds tens of thousands of dollars to any purchase in Perth.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rules and fees, so the information here is current as of early 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Perth in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated total buyer closing costs for a foreign purchaser in Perth typically range from 11% to 15% of the purchase price, which translates to roughly AUD 90,000 to AUD 125,000 (about USD 60,000 to USD 84,000 or EUR 51,000 to EUR 71,000) on an AUD 840,000 median house.
The minimum extra budget possible in Perth, when keeping expenses to the bare legal minimum, starts around 10.5% to 12% of the property price, which would be approximately AUD 88,000 (USD 59,000 or EUR 50,000) on a median house purchase in Perth.
The maximum extra budget that foreign buyers should realistically plan for in Perth when accounting for all potential fees, including professional services and optional inspections, reaches around 13% to 15% of the purchase price, or roughly AUD 110,000 to AUD 125,000 (USD 74,000 to USD 84,000 or EUR 63,000 to EUR 71,000).
The main factors that determine whether your closing costs in Perth fall at the low end or high end include the purchase price itself (since WA transfer duty is progressive and rises with property value), whether you pay for additional professional services like tax advice and building inspections, and the specific FIRB fee tier that applies to your purchase.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Perth?
The estimated usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Perth for foreign buyers in 2026 is around 11% to 14%.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard property transactions in Perth for foreign purchasers runs from approximately 10.5% at the lowest to about 15% at the highest end.
Of that total percentage in Perth, the lion's share goes to government taxes, with WA transfer duty (3.5% to 5.2%), the 7% foreign buyers duty surcharge, and FIRB fees (roughly 1% to 2%) making up about 90% of closing costs, while professional service fees like conveyancing and searches account for the remaining 10%.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated list of costs that are always mandatory when buying property in Perth as a foreigner includes WA transfer duty (stamp duty), the 7% WA foreign buyers duty surcharge, FIRB application fees, and Landgate registration and title search fees.
The costs that are optional but highly recommended for buyers in Perth include building and pest inspections (especially important given Perth's termite risk in some suburbs), strata records inspections for apartments, independent property valuations, and professional tax advice if you plan to rent out or eventually sell the property.
Don't lose money on your property in Perth
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Perth in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated property transfer tax rate (called transfer duty or stamp duty) in Perth follows a progressive scale set by Western Australia, starting at 1.9% for the first portion and rising to 5.15% for property values above the top threshold.
Yes, there are significant extra transfer taxes for foreigners buying property in Perth, specifically the WA foreign buyers duty surcharge of 7% on top of the regular transfer duty, which applies to all residential property purchases by foreign persons.
Australia does not have VAT but instead has GST (Goods and Services Tax), and for residential property purchases in Perth, GST is usually embedded in the price when buying new dwellings rather than added on top, while resale homes typically do not attract GST.
Buyers pay stamp duty in Perth at or before settlement, with the amount calculated based on the property's dutiable value (including any GST component), and your settlement agent or conveyancer will typically arrange this payment as part of the settlement process.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Perth?
Western Australia does offer first home owner duty concessions and exemptions with thresholds that changed from 21 March 2025, but most foreign buyers will not qualify because eligibility requires meeting Australian residency and first home owner criteria.
If you buy property in Perth through a company instead of as an individual, you may still face the 7% foreign buyers duty if the company qualifies as a "foreign person" under WA rules, and ongoing taxes like land tax may apply differently with fewer exemptions available to corporate owners.
There is an important difference in Perth between buying new-build and resale properties for foreigners, not mainly in tax treatment, but in legal eligibility, since Australia has banned foreign purchases of established dwellings from April 2025 to March 2027, meaning most foreign buyers can only purchase new or near-new dwellings or vacant land.
First-time buyers seeking exemptions in Perth must provide documentation proving they meet residency requirements, have never owned property in Australia before, and intend to live in the property as their principal place of residence for a continuous period.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Perth in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated cost for a settlement agent or conveyancer in Perth ranges from AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,500 (approximately USD 670 to USD 1,675 or EUR 570 to EUR 1,425), with solicitors typically charging more for straightforward purchases.
Settlement agent and conveyancer fees in Perth are typically charged as a flat rate rather than a percentage of the property price, though complex transactions involving FIRB conditions or unusual title issues may attract additional charges.
Translation or interpreter services for foreign buyers in Perth typically cost around AUD 150 to AUD 300 per hour (USD 100 to USD 200 or EUR 85 to EUR 170), with certified legal translations for documents potentially adding AUD 500 to AUD 1,500 (USD 335 to USD 1,000 or EUR 285 to EUR 855) to your total costs.
Foreign buyers in Perth who plan to rent out their property, buy through a company structure, or anticipate capital gains tax complications should budget AUD 300 to AUD 600 (USD 200 to USD 400 or EUR 170 to EUR 340) for a basic tax consultation, or AUD 1,000 to AUD 3,000 (USD 670 to USD 2,000 or EUR 570 to EUR 1,710) for comprehensive structuring and compliance advice.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Perth.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical real estate agent commission in Perth ranges from approximately 2% to 3% of the sale price, but this fee is almost always paid by the seller rather than the buyer.
In Perth, buyers do not pay the seller's agent fee, though if you choose to hire a buyer's agent to help you find and negotiate a property purchase, you would pay that agent a separate fee, typically AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 (USD 3,350 to USD 10,000 or EUR 2,850 to EUR 8,550) or a percentage of the purchase price.
The realistic low-to-high range for agent fees in Perth, from the seller's perspective, runs from about 1.5% for competitive situations to 3.5% for difficult-to-sell properties or premium marketing packages.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Perth?
The estimated cost for legal checks in Perth, including Landgate title searches, document searches, and local authority enquiries, typically ranges from AUD 300 to AUD 900 (USD 200 to USD 600 or EUR 170 to EUR 510), with strata properties potentially adding more for records inspections.
A property valuation fee in Perth, which lenders often require if you are financing your purchase, typically costs AUD 300 to AUD 700 (USD 200 to USD 470 or EUR 170 to EUR 400).
The most critical legal check that should never be skipped in Perth is the title search and verification, as this confirms the seller actually owns the property, reveals any encumbrances or caveats, and ensures you are not inheriting unexpected legal issues.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Perth.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Perth
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Perth right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Perth?
The most common unexpected fees foreign buyers discover in Perth include the 7% foreign buyers duty surcharge (if they were not aware of it), FIRB application fees that must be paid upfront before approval, strata special levies for apartments, water service charges with fixed and variable components, and council rates payment admin fees if you choose instalments.
In Perth, unpaid property taxes or debts like council rates arrears, water charges, or strata levies should be adjusted at settlement by your settlement agent, but you should still verify that all accounts are current and check for any looming strata special levies before you buy.
Scams with fake listings or fake fees do occur in Perth, typically involving pressure to pay deposits to unofficial accounts, so you should always ensure deposits go to a regulated trust account (held by a licensed agent) and settlement funds flow through the proper conveyancing process.
Fees usually not disclosed upfront by sellers or agents in Perth include strata special levies and planned major works, utility connection or upgrade costs for vacant land and new builds, and your own bank fees like loan application fees, package fees, or eventual discharge fees.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Perth, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Perth?
The estimated extra fees or costs buyers face when purchasing a tenanted property in Perth are relatively small, typically involving lease transfer administration fees of a few hundred dollars and potentially immediate compliance or repair costs to meet Western Australian rental standards.
When you buy a tenanted property in Perth, you inherit the existing lease agreement and become the new landlord, which means you must honor the lease terms, maintain the property to WA rental standards, and manage the bond through the relevant authority.
In Perth, you generally cannot terminate an existing lease immediately after purchase just because you bought the property, as you must wait until the fixed-term lease expires or follow the specific notice periods and grounds for termination set out in WA tenancy law.
A sitting tenant in Perth can affect the property's market value in different ways: it may be worth slightly less to owner-occupiers who want vacant possession, but it can be attractive to investors seeking immediate rental income, and the negotiating position depends heavily on the lease terms and rental yield.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Perth.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Perth?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Perth right now?
The estimated list of closing costs that are negotiable in Perth includes settlement agent or conveyancer fees (you can shop around), building and pest inspection prices, and some lender fees where banks may waive application or package fees to win your business.
The closing costs that are fixed by law or regulation and cannot be negotiated in Perth include WA transfer duty, the 7% WA foreign buyers duty surcharge, FIRB application fees, and Landgate statutory registration and search fees.
The typical discount or reduction buyers can realistically achieve on negotiable fees in Perth ranges from 10% to 25% on professional services like conveyancing and inspections, especially if you get multiple quotes or bundle services.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Perth?
The estimated likelihood that a seller will agree to cover some closing costs in Perth is low compared to some other countries, as Australian property transactions more commonly see price negotiations or inclusion of items rather than sellers paying buyer taxes.
The specific closing costs sellers are most commonly willing to cover or contribute toward in Perth are not the taxes themselves, but rather things like minor repairs, rectification works, appliance or furniture inclusions, or settlement timing concessions that have value to the buyer.
Sellers are more likely to accept covering some buyer costs in Perth under market conditions where their property has been listed for a long time, where there is less buyer competition, or in a cooling market where buyers have more negotiating power.
Is price bargaining common in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common in Perth, though the degree of negotiation varies significantly depending on the suburb, property type, time on market, and current buyer competition in that micro-market.
Buyers in Perth typically negotiate around 1% to 5% below the asking price in normal market conditions, which could mean a discount of AUD 8,000 to AUD 40,000 (USD 5,400 to USD 27,000 or EUR 4,600 to EUR 23,000) on a median-priced house, though this can be 0% in hot segments or more in slower markets.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Perth
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Perth?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Perth right now?
The estimated realistic monthly owner budget in Perth in 2026 ranges from approximately AUD 350 to AUD 900 (USD 235 to USD 600 or EUR 200 to EUR 510) excluding mortgage payments, depending on your property type and location.
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget in Perth include council rates (usually billed quarterly or annually), water service charges and usage fees, building insurance, strata levies if you own an apartment or townhouse, and a maintenance reserve for repairs.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs in Perth is approximately AUD 300 to AUD 1,200 (USD 200 to USD 800 or EUR 170 to EUR 685), with apartments and townhouses often at the higher end due to strata levies while detached houses in outer suburbs may be lower.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most in Perth is strata levies, which can range from AUD 300 to over AUD 1,000 per quarter depending on the building's age, amenities, and any special levies for major works.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Perth here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated annual property tax in Perth consists mainly of WA land tax (for investment properties, as owner-occupied homes are typically exempt) and council rates, with land tax calculated on a progressive scale based on the property's taxable land value.
The realistic low-to-high range for annual property taxes in Perth varies widely, with council rates typically running AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,500 (USD 1,000 to USD 2,350 or EUR 855 to EUR 2,000) per year and land tax for investment properties adding potentially AUD 500 to several thousand dollars depending on land value and ownership structure.
Property tax in Perth is calculated differently for council rates (based on the property's gross rental value assessed by the Valuer General) and land tax (based on the unimproved land value, with rates and thresholds published annually by the WA Government).
Exemptions and reductions available for certain property owners in Perth include the principal place of residence exemption from land tax, first home owner concessions, and potential reductions for pensioners or other eligible categories on council rates.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Perth in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated tax rate that applies to rental income in Perth for foreign residents (non-residents for Australian tax purposes) starts at 30% from the first dollar earned, with no tax-free threshold available to foreign residents.
Yes, landlords in Perth can deduct expenses from rental income taxes, with qualifying deductions including property management fees, mortgage interest on loans used to purchase the rental property, repairs and maintenance, insurance, council rates, and depreciation on certain assets.
The realistic effective tax rate range after deductions for typical foreign landlords in Perth depends heavily on their expense profile, but many end up paying 15% to 25% effective tax on net rental income after legitimate deductions are claimed.
Foreign property owners in Perth do pay a different rental income tax rate than Australian residents, specifically the foreign resident tax rates that start at 30% with no tax-free threshold, compared to Australian residents who get a tax-free threshold of around AUD 18,200.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated tax obligation on short-term rentals in Perth includes Australian income tax on all rental income (whether short-term or long-term), plus potential GST obligations if your short-term rental activity crosses certain thresholds and is classified as commercial accommodation.
Short-term rental income in Perth is generally taxed as ordinary income the same way as long-term rental income for income tax purposes, but GST can become relevant if your activity is treated as taxable commercial accommodation rather than input-taxed residential rent, particularly if you exceed the AUD 75,000 GST registration threshold.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Perth.
Get to know the market before buying a property in Perth
Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.
If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Perth in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated total cost of selling a property in Perth as a percentage of the sale price typically ranges from 2% to 4%, though this does not include any capital gains tax you may owe.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for total selling costs in Perth runs from approximately 2% for a straightforward sale with minimal marketing to around 4% to 5% if you add premium marketing packages and have higher agent commissions.
The specific cost categories that typically make up that total in Perth include real estate agent commission and marketing costs (the largest component), conveyancing or settlement agent fees, mortgage discharge fees if you have a loan, and any final adjustments for rates and outgoings.
The single cost that is usually the largest contributor to selling expenses in Perth is the real estate agent's commission, which typically accounts for 60% to 70% of total selling costs.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated capital gains tax rate that applies when selling property in Perth for foreign residents is your marginal tax rate on the net capital gain, starting at 30% for foreign residents with no 50% CGT discount available to non-residents who acquired property after 8 May 2012.
The main exemption to capital gains tax available in Perth is the main residence exemption, but this is generally not available or is significantly restricted for foreign residents, so most foreign owners will pay CGT on any gain when they sell.
Foreigners selling property in Perth face a significant additional issue: the foreign resident capital gains withholding regime requires buyers to withhold 15% of the sale price and remit it to the ATO unless the seller provides the appropriate clearance documentation, which can create a major cashflow impact at settlement.
Capital gain in Perth is calculated as the sale price minus the original purchase price (called the cost base), adjusted for allowable costs like stamp duty paid on purchase, legal fees, and the cost of capital improvements made to the property.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Perth, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| WA Dept of Treasury and Finance (Transfer Duty) | Official WA Government page for stamp duty calculations | We used it to pull the current WA duty rate brackets and rules. We anchored the base percentage costs all Perth buyers pay. |
| WA Government (Foreign Buyers Duty) | Official WA Government explainer of the 7% foreign surcharge | We used it to confirm the 7% foreign buyers duty rate. We sized the single biggest foreigner-only cost in Perth. |
| ATO (FIRB Fees for Foreign Residential Investors) | The ATO administers foreign investment fees officially | We used it for the 2025-26 FIRB fee amounts in force in early 2026. We modeled FIRB as a percentage of price at typical Perth price points. |
| Landgate WA (Land Transaction Fees) | WA's land titles authority with official fee schedules | We used it to price registry, search, and lodgement fees. We estimated the paperwork layer of closing costs beyond taxes. |
| ATO (Ban on Foreign Purchases of Established Dwellings) | Official ATO legislation and policy guidance | We used it to flag the April 2025 to March 2027 established dwelling ban. We explained why foreign buyers focus on new dwellings or vacant land. |
| ATO (Tax Rates for Foreign Residents) | Official ATO table of income tax rates for non-residents | We used it to estimate the income tax rate on rental income for non-residents. We avoided relying on secondary tax blog summaries. |
| ATO (Clearance Certificates and Withholding) | Official ATO page stating the 15% withholding rate | We used it to quantify the 15% withholding risk at sale time. We explained the practical cashflow impact foreigners face when selling. |
| City of Perth (Rates and Payments) | Local council's official guidance on rates billing | We used it to flag common add-ons like instalment and admin fees. We provided a Perth-specific anchor for ongoing council costs. |
| Water Corporation WA (Water Use Pricing) | State utility's official tariff page for Perth metro | We used it to estimate realistic owner budgets for water consumption. We based estimates on published tiers, not agent estimates. |
| REIWA (Real Estate Institute of Western Australia) | WA's peak real estate industry body with market data | We used it for Perth market context and typical transaction costs. We verified standard practices for agent fees and negotiations. |
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Perth
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Related blog posts