New 2026 Keystart Limits: More WA Buyers Can Now Enter the Property Market

For many Western Australians, the biggest challenge isn’t making mortgage repayments – it’s qualifying for finance in the first place.

That’s why the latest Keystart changes are welcome news for home buyers across Perth and regional WA. In April 2026, the WA Government significantly increased both Keystart property price caps and income limits, opening the door for thousands of buyers who may have previously missed out.

If you’ve looked at Keystart before and assumed you earn too much or the property you wanted was above the limit, it may be time to take another look.

What Has Changed?

Property Price Cap

The maximum property value for Keystart’s Low Deposit Home Loan has increased from $800,000 → $860,000

This increase aligns with the REIWA lower quartile house price and reflects the reality of today’s Perth property market.

Income Limits

Income thresholds have also been lifted:

These changes mean many households that were previously just above the eligibility threshold may now qualify for a Keystart home loan.

Why Did Keystart Increase the Limits?

The short answer: Perth property prices have moved quickly.

Over the past few years, rising property values have pushed many homes beyond Keystart’s previous purchase limits. As a result, buyers who qualified financially often struggled to find suitable properties within the scheme’s price cap.

The WA Government and Keystart have adjusted the limits to better reflect current market conditions and ensure the scheme continues to provide a realistic pathway into home ownership. Property price limits are now regularly reviewed against market data, while income limits are adjusted to reflect the earnings required to service those higher property values.

Who Benefits Most?

These changes are particularly helpful for:

First Home Buyers

Buyers who have outgrown the previous $800,000 cap now have access to a wider range of properties without needing to move further from work, family, or lifestyle amenities.

Buyers Looking for Established Homes

Many established homes in Perth’s middle-ring suburbs were previously priced above Keystart’s limits. The new cap gives buyers more choice in established areas with existing infrastructure, schools, and transport links.

Growing Families

The higher income threshold means more dual-income households can qualify while still accessing the benefits of Keystart’s low-deposit lending options.

Renters Struggling to Save a Large Deposit

With deposits from as little as 2% and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), Keystart remains one of the most accessible pathways into home ownership for eligible WA buyers.

Is Keystart Right for You?

Keystart isn’t the right solution for every buyer, but for many Western Australians it can be the stepping stone needed to enter the market.

At Westgate Home Loans, we can help you compare Keystart against bank lending options, government schemes, and low-deposit alternatives to determine the best path forward.

If you’ve been watching the market from the sidelines, now could be the perfect time to revisit your borrowing options.

Ready to See What You Qualify For?

Contact Westgate Home Loans today for a personalised assessment and find out whether the new Keystart limits could help you get into a home sooner.