Buying A Unit Vs House in Perth, The 2026 Guide
Perth buyers in 2026 have a genuine choice between units and houses across most price points - a luxury many Australian capitals can't match. Whether you're considering a modern apartment in West Perth- East Perth or a family home in Baldivis, the decision affects everything from your deposit requirements to your monthly costs.
With the First Home Guarantee Perth metro cap at $850,000 and WA's stamp duty full exemption now applying to purchases up to $600,000 (with concessions to $800,000), both property types offer genuine advantages depending on your situation. The off-the-plan stamp duty concession - extended to 30 June 2028 and now covering units, villas and townhouses - can save apartment buyers up to $50,000, while established houses in growth corridors often qualify for the full duty exemption.
Launch Finance helps Perth buyers compare their unit and house options across our wide panel of lenders, completely free of charge.
Here's what you need to know about the costs, lifestyle differences, and loan considerations before making your choice.
Key takeaways
- WA stamp duty is now fully waived for first home buyers up to $600,000.
- The off-the-plan concession covers units and townhouses to 30 June 2028.
- Lender policies on apartments vary widely - the right lender matters.
Why does your property type affect how much you can borrow?
Your choice between a unit and house directly affects your borrowing capacity, deposit requirements, and ongoing costs. Lenders assess apartments and houses differently due to valuation, maintenance, and resale considerations.
Units typically require lower deposits due to their lower entry prices, but lenders often apply stricter loan-to-value ratios for apartments in buildings with high investor ratios. Houses generally receive more flexible lending terms but require larger deposits due to higher purchase prices.
The exact impact depends on the specific property, building quality, and which lender assesses your application - which is exactly what we work through with you in a free consultation.
What government schemes can Perth buyers use for units or houses?
Several schemes apply to both property types, and some are more powerful for one than the other. Getting across the current thresholds before you start searching helps you set a realistic target price.
Schemes available in 2026:
- › Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee): 5% deposit, no LMI, up to $850,000 in Perth metro. Available for both units and houses.
- › WA First Home Owner Grant:$10,000 for new builds only, including off-the-plan apartments under $800,000 (price cap increased from $750,000 in the 2026-27 WA Budget, applying to eligible transactions from 7 May 2026).
- › WA transfer duty exemption: no transfer duty on homes up to $600,000 (was $500,000), with concessions to $800,000 in Perth metro (was $700,000). Thresholds lifted in the 2026-27 WA Budget.
- › Off-the-plan stamp duty concession: 100% exemption (capped at $50,000) for pre-construction contracts up to $800,000; extended to 30 June 2028 and now covers units, villas and townhouses. Direct readers to RevenueWA for their exact figure.
- › Family Home Guarantee: 2% deposit for single parents, no first home buyer requirement, $850,000 Perth metro cap.
- › Keystart: WA Government lender offering 2% deposit with no LMI for eligible buyers. Income cap $155,000 (single) or $228,000 (couples/families); property cap $860,000. A transitional option - most borrowers refinance once equity builds.
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How does the approval process differ between units and houses?
Step 1: Talk to us
Get in touch and we'll assess your borrowing position for both property types and explain which government schemes apply to your situation.
Step 2: Property type assessment
We identify which lenders offer the most competitive terms for your preferred property type and location, as policies vary significantly between apartment and house lending.
Step 3: Pre-approval application
We submit your application to the lender that gives you the strongest borrowing capacity and rate for your chosen property type.
Step 4: Property search
With pre-approval in place, you can search confidently within your confirmed budget, knowing exactly what you qualify for.
Step 5: Property valuation
We coordinate the formal valuation once you find a property, ensuring the process runs smoothly through to unconditional approval.
Step 6: Settlement preparation
We work with your solicitor to finalise the loan documents and ensure settlement occurs on schedule.
What mistakes do Perth buyers make when choosing property type?
The biggest mistake Perth buyers make is choosing property type based on monthly repayments alone, without considering the total cost of ownership. A unit might have lower loan repayments but higher strata fees, while a house might have higher mortgage payments but lower ongoing costs.
Many buyers also assume apartments are always cheaper to buy than houses. In inner Perth suburbs like Subiaco or South Perth, quality apartments can cost more than houses in outer suburbs like Ellenbrook or Alkimos.
How do units and houses compare on the key differences?
What to weigh up side by side:
- › Entry price: Perth units typically range from $400,000 to $800,000, while houses start from around $550,000 in outer suburbs up to $3.5M and above in premium areas like Cottesloe.
- › Ongoing costs: units include strata fees ($1,500 to $8,000 or more annually) but lower maintenance responsibility; houses have no strata fees but carry full maintenance costs.
- › Capital growth: houses historically outperform units for capital growth, but location matters more than property type for long-term returns.
- › First home buyer advantages: units often qualify for multiple stamp duty concessions and are more likely to fall under the $850,000 First Home Guarantee cap.
- › Lending flexibility: houses receive more competitive rates and higher LVR options; some lenders restrict apartment lending based on building height or investor ratios.
Up to $50,000
Maximum stamp duty saving available under the WA off-the-plan concession for pre-construction units and apartments.
To get a first home loan that suits your chosen property type and situation, the lender you end up with matters as much as the property itself.
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Local experts
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Prefer to talk now? Call 08 9367 4222 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get a loan for a unit than a house in Perth?
Not necessarily - it depends on the building and lender. Some lenders restrict high-rise apartments or buildings with high investor ratios, while others treat units and houses equally. The key is finding the right lender for your chosen property type.
Do Perth first home buyers need a bigger deposit for an apartment?
Usually no - apartments typically require lower deposits due to their lower purchase prices. However, some lenders limit apartment LVRs to 90% compared to 95% for houses, so deposit requirements can vary by lender choice.
Which property type is better for first home buyers in Perth?
Both have genuine advantages. Units offer lower entry prices and often qualify for multiple stamp duty concessions, while houses provide more space and typically stronger long-term capital growth. Your choice depends on budget, lifestyle needs, and long-term goals.
Are strata fees worth paying for Perth unit buyers?
It depends on what's included. Strata fees typically cover building insurance, maintenance, gardening, and common area upkeep. For busy professionals or investors, this can be cost-effective compared to maintaining a house independently.
Which property type grows faster in value in Perth?
Houses historically outperform units for capital growth, but location matters more than property type. A well-located apartment in South Perth may outperform a house in a less desirable suburb over the long term.
Should I use a mortgage broker or go to my bank when buying a unit or house?
A mortgage broker, every time. Different lenders have varying policies for apartments versus houses, and broker comparison ensures you find the lender that treats your chosen property type most favourably. The rate and LVR differences can be significant.
Can Perth buyers use the First Home Guarantee for both units and houses?
Yes - the First Home Guarantee applies to both property types up to $850,000 in Perth metro. This makes quality units in suburbs like Maylands or Victoria Park highly accessible for first home buyers.
Your Next Steps
Your property choice deserves more than a standard approach. The difference between lenders can affect your borrowing capacity, rate, and which schemes you qualify for - all factors that vary significantly depending on whether you choose a unit or house.
The right lender for your unit or house purchase depends on your situation, and that's a conversation worth having. Talk to the Launch Finance team or call 08 9367 4222, and we'll compare your options across a wide panel of lenders at no cost to you.
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Launch Finance · General information only - this article does not constitute financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.
