Thousands of Western Australians hoping to buy their first home could get a leg up under a new housing deal that will reserve 11,000 homes exclusively for first-home buyers.
The agreement between the state and federal governments is designed to boost housing supply and improve affordability, with construction expected to roll out across WA through a mix of infrastructure, land development and direct housing programs.
WA is the fourth state to join the federal government's 100,000 homes for first-home buyers. Picture: Getty
The deal forms part of the Albanese government’s 2025 election commitment to build 100,000 homes for first-home buyers nationwide and will see more than $1 billion in federal funding flow into WA housing initiatives.
WA is the latest state to sign onto the agreement, following South Australia in early 2026, with the ACT and Tasmania also now on board.
Across several programs, the combined investment is expected to support the delivery of more than 34,000 new homes in WA, with 11,000 of those reserved specifically for first-home buyers.
Federal minister for Housing Clare O’Neil said the partnership was designed to give first-home buyers a fair chance.
“This is about something simple, making sure young Western Australians can afford a home of their own. We’re partnering with the WA Government to unlock thousands of homes and give first-home buyers a real shot,” she said.
“Right now, too many Western Australians feel locked out of the housing market. This investment is about changing that, building more homes and backing first home buyers to get in.”
Where the $2 billion will be spent
The funding will be rolled out across a mix of infrastructure, land development and direct housing programs, aimed at accelerating supply and improving affordability for first home-buyers.
Here’s where the funding will go:
- $522 million for the Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund to deliver power and water infrastructure needed to unlock new housing, including in North Ellenbrook, East Wanneroo and regional centres such as Albany, Eaton, Australind and East Boyanup
- $694.3 million for land development works at METRONET station precincts across WA, supporting housing close to public transport and jobs. These precincts are generally the area within one kilometre of each station, or about a 10-15 minute walk.
- $375 million for a state‑led build‑to‑sell program delivering up to 500 homes exclusively for first-home buyers
- $250 million for a new first-home buyer commercial financing facility through Keystart, offering low‑cost finance for multi‑unit developments
- $250 million for a pre‑sale guarantee to reduce financial barriers for developers and accelerate delivery
- $40 million top‑up to the Infrastructure Development Fund and $50 million top‑up to the Regional Housing Support Fund.
Industry groups have welcomed the agreement, saying the focus on enabling infrastructure is critical to getting more homes built.
Funding will be split across infrastructure, land development and housing programs to boost supply and improve affordability for first-home buyers. Picture: Getty
Master Builders Australia said the funding followed persistent advocacy for increased investment in civil and enabling infrastructure, to improve affordability and help get more projects off the ground.
Master Builders Western Australia CEO Matt Moran said the focus on new estates, METRONET precincts and regional WA was particularly important.
“Master Builders’ latest forecasts predict an almost 13,000 home shortfall against WA’s share of the National Housing Accord target. We welcome targeted action on the barriers to closing this gap,” he said.
“Another challenge facing the building and construction industry is our critical worker shortage, with tens of thousands of additional workers needed currently in the residential sector alone.
“The $522 million for the Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund and the further $694.3 million for land development works will go a long way to accelerating supply‑side relief.”
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) also welcomed the agreement, saying infrastructure‑led housing investment was vital in the face of ongoing housing shortages and global uncertainty.
UDIA national president Oscar Stanley said the deal demonstrated the role housing could play in lifting productivity and supporting the broader economy.
“This is a welcome rollout of infrastructure and homes in the face of worsening global instability and a housing crisis,” he said.
“This announcement shows that the government is pulling the right levers to make the housing sector a catalyst for greater productivity and a stronger economy.”
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