A Guide to Buying Off-the-Plan Luxury Property in Perth
Buying off-the-plan has become one of the more common ways to land a new home in Perth, especially at the top end of the market. But it works differently to buying something you can walk through, and it’s worth understanding before you sign anything. Here’s the short version: what it means, where it helps, where to be careful, how WA’s stamp duty concession fits in, and what actually matters when you choose a developer.
What “off-the-plan” means
Off-the-plan means you’re buying before the home is finished — sometimes before it’s even built — off the plans, renders and finish schedules. You sign and pay a deposit now, and settle once it’s complete. It’s a well-worn path to a brand-new, architect-designed home, and in a market where the best locations rarely come up, it’s often the only way to secure one.
The benefits
A brand-new home built to current standards, with builder warranties behind it.
Time between signing and settlement to sort out finance and plan the move.
On a lot of projects, the chance to shape the interiors and finishes to your own taste.
First claim on a home in a scarce location, before it’s offered publicly.
The considerations
There are trade-offs. Timelines can slip, and the market can move between the day you sign and the day you settle. The finished product comes down to the developer and the team they’ve assembled, so who you buy from matters far more than it does with an established home. Read the contract properly, pay attention to any sunset clause, and get your own legal and financial advice before you commit. If there’s one safeguard worth insisting on, it’s a developer with a real track record on design and delivery.
Stamp duty concessions in Western Australia
Western Australia has an off-the-plan duty concession on eligible new strata homes, and the State Government extended it in 2026 out to 30 June 2028. The catch for luxury buyers is that it does most of its work under about $800,000 to $900,000 and tapers off above that, so on a multi-million-dollar residence the benefit is small or nil. What you’ll actually save comes down to the property and the contract, so check with your conveyancer or settlement agent rather than assuming.
Figures reflect the WA off-the-plan duty concession as at 2026; confirm current thresholds and eligibility with WA.gov.au or your settlement agent, as policy can change.
How it works with La Bri
With us it depends on the home. Our collection runs a mix of off-the-plan and completed residences. Register your interest and our team will walk you through what’s available, the selection and contract, and any personalisation on that particular property. VIP List members get the first look at new releases.
FAQ
What does buying off-the-plan mean?
It means buying a property before it’s finished, based on the plans and finishes. You pay a deposit when you sign and settle once the home is complete.
Can I customise an off-the-plan home?
Often, yes — many off-the-plan projects let buyers tailor the interiors and finishes. With La Bri it depends on the specific residence and how far along it is.
Do you pay stamp duty on off-the-plan property in WA?
WA offers an off-the-plan duty concession on eligible new strata homes, now extended to 30 June 2028. It mainly helps properties under about $800,000 to $900,000, so on a luxury residence the saving may be limited. Confirm your position with a settlement agent.