How to buy new build homes in Perth, Australia: UK guide

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

The housing market is in constant fluctuation in recent years, as high demand has led to an increased desire to create new build homes in multiple international markets, including Australia. So buying a new build home in Perth may be something you are considering.

In Perth, Australia in particular, there is an increased demand for new build houses as property prices hit new highs, while first-time buyers look for affordable options near the city centre and popular community spots.¹

Not only are these houses energy efficient and more cost effective for those looking for a modern style of living, but they are also low maintenance and more reliable than the established housing stock in any given area.

Poor insulation, worn heating or plumbing and dated designs plague many properties in the housing market and while some may boast more character, they are often not seen as reliable buys long-term.

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Why choose new build homes in Perth, Australia?

If you are considering buying a property in Australia and specifically Perth, then you may have already weighed up the pros and cons of such a move.

Buying a new build home in Perth, Australia, as opposed to the UK is a major decision and one that should not be taken lightly.

With an increased demand for those new build homes, there’s a drive to meet the market’s needs and a promise that over a 1,000 affordable and social homes will be built in Perth commencing 2026.² This means that there’s a thriving market to enter and resources being channelled to the area.

Although these new builds may not reflect classic Australian architecture and could lack the character that you might be looking for, any viable new builds will likely be constructed in advantageous locations with prime accessibility.

These builds are modern, often open-plan and boast eco-conscious energy efficiency. They could be perfect for those looking to buy a property abroad for the first time.

It is often the case that new builds are cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly. What’s more, buying a pre-established home could come with unforeseen risks, while new builds are a healthy base to build upon from scratch.

Established builds may be well-situated in the community and could offer a high-value increase on your investment as the market continues to shift. In contrast, new builds are highly sought after too and could prove to also be a reliable overseas property investment.

If you’re part of the building process you can also leave your stamp on the property. Getting involved early will mean that you can tailor the house to your needs.

📚 Buying property in Australia

Navigating the costs of new build homes in Perth, Australia

To be able to buy a new build home in Perth, you’ll have to create a wealth of knowledge surrounding the costs of these properties, alongside how that translates from a UK perspective. You can use a Wise account to transfer money overseas to buy a property, knowing that it is a safe and secure move.

To enter this process with your eyes open, you need a greater understanding of purchase prices and those “hidden” fees that you may face. You’ll also need to get a sense of the Government-backed grants and incentives for those buying properties in Perth, Australia.

We’ll provide an overview of the must-know information you will need, ensuring that you do not overlook anything when buying a new build home in Perth.

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Understanding purchase prices and "hidden" fees

Much like in the UK, the process of buying a property in Australia comes down to three core prices; market value, the estimated guide price and the owner’s initial asking price.

The market value will dictate how much the property is worth, while a guide price is the estimated value at which a property should sell on the market. The owner’s asking price is therefore how much they wish to sell the property at. It is likely that they will go above the estimated guide, knowing that they can drop their valuation in a negotiation.

For new build homes, which are in high demand, there may be less room to negotiate on the asking price compared to pre-existing properties. Nonetheless, there should be some effort made to challenge the initial asking price.

Buyers will find that the purchase price they eventually pay will include the property under the negotiated amount, any additional fixtures that price may include such as land and attached outhouses, and anything else included in the sales contract.

There will be some “hidden” fees to be aware of though, which aren’t included within the purchase price. These are fees that people often forget when going through the buying process.

There are legal fees attached to buying a property, for example. These may include fees for the solicitor’s efforts, or the cost of completing a house survey. Luckily, due to Australia sharing a primary language with the UK, there will likely not be any fees attached to translating documents, unless your first language is not English.

The purchase price will also not include additional fees and tax such as Stamp Duty. Correctly identifying how much you must pay the local government is critical.

If you are thinking about moving from the UK to Australia, you will also have to consider significant moving costs, depending on what you wish to transport. You will also require a Visa, with costs varying based on the specific type of Visa you will need. Some options include student visas, a partner visa and even a parent visa.

It is also worth noting that there are often “hidden” fees when transferring your money abroad, to pay for vendors and cover other domestic costs. This is because some banks and providers hide their fees in the exchange rate they offer, meaning even if their currency conversion fee is low or “free”, you may still be paying more. Consider using Wise to benefit from the mid-market exchange rate to counter those fees.

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Government grants and incentives for Perth, Australia buyers

In many cities, there are schemes and grants designed to add fuel to the housing market. These may not always be tailored to international buyers and are often aimed at those looking to buy a home for the first time.

If a grant or scheme is designed to specifically help existing residents only, then unfortunately you will be unable to apply as a resident of the UK.

In Australia, there is the First Home Owner Grant, a scheme that sees a one-off grant paid to those that meet all the eligibility criteria. The total sum is up to $10,000 and is available exclusively to Australian residents who have not previously owned a property.³

Australia also offers the Help to Buy Scheme to aid Australian citizens. It is a shared equity initiative, where the government will contribute a percentage of a property’s purchase price and will hold a beneficial interest in the property.⁴

How to buy a new build property: step-by-step

Buying a new build property in Perth may seem like an exciting adventure, especially now that you have considered the costs of such a move and the pros and cons.

Next we’ll look at the step-by-step process of how to specifically buy a new build home, how to choose a developer, select the right plot of land and manage the construction phase of the process.

Buying a new build in Perth, Australia: 10 key steps

To buy a new build in Perth, Australia, follow these 10 key steps:

• Pick and research a specific area of Perth
• Arrange viewings at a variety of properties with local experts
• Apply for permission to buy a property via Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board
• Make an offer
• Pay the initial deposit
• Hire a legal expert to handle the paperwork and commission a house survey
• Finalise your mortgage
• Work towards the settlement, ensuring the property is signed over to your name
• Settle fees and taxes
• Congratulations, once everything above is done, it's time to move in

For more information, check out our guide on buying property in Australia.

Finding the right development or plot of land

Buying a new home is all about location. Whether you are buying a new build or are involved in constructing a house from scratch, the correct development or plot of land is critical.

When searching for the correct purchase to make, put together a list of criteria. Survey whether the local community is one in which you wish to live. Look at the local resources, alongside the environmental impact of moving somewhere.

Assess issues that may impact your living arrangements, whether it’s consistent flooding in the local area or crime rates. It is a good idea to visit the area yourself or rely on experts there to help you on your journey. Online listing sites such as Real Estate can be a useful place to start.

Selecting a reputable developer or builder

It’s also recommended that you look at the builder or developer that you may be purchasing from. Whether you’re part of building a new build property from scratch or purchasing a ready to go new build in Perth, it’s good to look at prior work.

You can learn a lot from prior work and local recommendations. Take note of who the local government works with, alongside those developers who have been involved in multiple projects at a local level. Property experts may also be able to recommend a builder.

Understanding the timeline and construction stages

House and land packages are a useful part of the housing process and perhaps the easiest way to buy a new build property. These are property deals that bundle a block of land with a new build home contract. Essentially, you may choose both a block of land and a builder to begin the process.⁵

It can typically take 12 to 18 months for the full process from start to finish, once a contract is signed. While construction is a part of that, there are also building licences to consider. You may have to wait on planning permission and must ensure that any builder you collaborate with has a builder’s licence in line with local guidance.

Quality, sustainability and modern design standards

A new build in Perth, Australia must meet certain criteria, but many of these obligations and requirements also bring benefits to the buyers. These builds must be of a high quality, should be sustainable and meet modern design standards. All factors that can both make a property affordable to live in and a high-value prospect to sell down the line.

Energy efficiency and local ratings

In Perth, there is a particular focus on energy efficiency. Houses that comply with demands will not only be more affordable to run but will also feature a lower carbon footprint.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme or NatHERS star ratings system is employed in Perth, giving a property a ranking on a scale of 1 to 10. Properties must meet a 7 star standard.⁶

Customisation options and builder guarantees

Purchasing a new build house can also come with specific benefits. A building can be “future-proof” thanks to builder guarantees acting as an insurance policy and protecting homeowners against the effects of damages and construction defects.

In Perth, there are mandatory warranties, with builders covering their work for up to 6 years.

You may also wish to customise your build, adding further value or protecting against future issues. Building solar panels into your plan, for example, can give you further energy independence, while increased security options will provide the safety you are looking for.

New build vs. established properties in Perth, Australia

The debate between the new build versus the established properties on the market, especially in Perth and all across Australia, will likely continue. Let’s take a look at a few key points.

Long-term ROI and resale value

One of the key benefits of buying a new build house is that it can act as a long-term investment. The value of the property is more than likely to go up, meaning that while there may not be a short-term appreciation, holding on to the property can bring long-term resale value.

Naturally, a house from pre-existing stock may equally increase in value, based on the area and the contemporary housing market. House prices are rising in Perth, after all. However, you may need to bring additional features to a pre-existing house to add to its value.

A new build, by comparison, already boasts modern features such as a contemporary approach to energy efficiency that will aid in the house’s sale down the line.

Challenges of buying a new build property in Perth, Australia

There are some challenges that may come from buying a new build property in Perth, Australia though. For starters, there is a lot of competition to enter into the market. Finding a new build property may be tough.

What’s more, there could be potential delays in the construction process, lengthening the waiting period. When moving abroad, that can throw up further complications, especially when it comes to transferring personal items.

You may move in and find that there is still a construction site around your house, as other new builds are established. Likewise, you may notice that local neighbourhoods lack the charm of traditional Australian housing, with communities dominated by similar brand-new homes.

Nonetheless, there are challenges that every buyer could face, regardless of the property type. Older houses may need work, for example, while delays in the moving chain can impact a sale going through. With new builds, the chain isn’t a factor.

Is a new build in Perth, Australia your best move?

New builds are often designed for new buyers and those attempting to get their foot on the property ladder. Yet, there is a case to be made that new builds, especially in Perth, Australia, are viable options for a much wider range of people.

These properties could be perfect for families, especially those that are looking to lay down roots long-term and need space to grow.

Investors may also look at new build homes, as these are highly sought-after properties that are set to rise in value. Retirees could also find their new start in one of these properties, tailoring a more cost-effective home to their needs in later life.

If you are looking to make that change and move to Australia then you can rely on Wise to help with those efforts. Use a Wise account to send large amounts abroad, helping you save on currency exchange fees*.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Perth

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your new build property search in Perth, Australia. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

Need a secure, convenient and low-cost way to send a deposit or pay the final balance for your property purchase in Perth? Take a look at the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

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Sources used for this article:

1. Australia Property Investor - Perth property affordability & listings
2. Government of Western Australia - confirmation of new build homes in Perth
3. Government of Western Australia - the first home owner grant
4. Government of Western Australia - Help to Buy Scheme explained
5. New Gen Homes - how house and land packages work in Perth
6. Government of Western Australia - sustainable homes measurement

Sources Last Checked: 16/02/2026