Keystart has increased its property price limits to better reflect current housing conditions across Western Australia.
The maximum purchase price for Keystart’s low-deposit home loan has risen from $730,000 to $800,000, while the limit for shared equity loans has lifted from $615,000 to $660,000. Income limits for both products remain unchanged.
The changes apply statewide, replacing the previous system where different thresholds applied for Perth metro, regional WA, and the Kimberley and Pilbara.
According to Keystart, the property price limits are now tied directly to the Real Estate Institute of WA’s (REIWA) median house sale price data.
“Linking the thresholds to REIWA’s medians means they keep pace with the housing market and remain accessible to as many people as possible,” it said.
This increase follows the introduction of a new review mechanism in December 2024, which will see property price limits reviewed annually against REIWA data.
Alongside the property price limit changes, the WA government has launched a $75 million Build to Rent Kickstart Fund to help ease rental supply pressures.
Expressions of interest are open now through the Keystart website, with the early process designed to gauge industry demand ahead of formal applications later in 2025.
The fund provides concessional construction and operational finance for eligible build-to-rent projects, with developments required to dedicate 30% of dwellings as affordable rental housing for at least 10 years.
“We need more rentals on the market, and the build-to-rent model can provide a significant boost of secure, long-term rental homes for tenants,” said WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti (pictured left). “Our Build to Rent Kickstart Fund will help to make build-to-rent developments in WA more attractive for proponents, so we can get projects off the ground sooner.”
Housing and Works Minister John Carey (pictured right) added: “Our government is doing everything it can to accelerate housing and rental supply, including offering support to the emerging build-to-rent sector. We are partnering with the private sector through this fund and helping more apartment projects get off the ground.”
The WA government has also boosted the build-to-rent land tax exemption to 75% and expanded other Keystart programs, including a $210 million shared equity initiative for new apartments and townhouses.
More eligible buyers: Higher Keystart property price limits expand borrowing opportunities for clients across WA, particularly first-home buyers.
Broader market reach: The move to align thresholds with REIWA medians ensures limits stay relevant to current housing conditions statewide.
New build-to-rent opportunities: The $75m Kickstart Fund and boosted land tax exemption create potential projects for investors and developers, with affordable housing requirements built in.
Client conversations: Brokers can highlight both expanded access to Keystart loans and new government-backed rental supply initiatives as part of their advisory role.
For more information, access the REIWA announcement.
Get the hottest and freshest mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter.
