You’re scrolling through Facebook, bored out of your mind, when suddenly—BAM—you see it: a post about a free house in Perth. No catch. No hidden fees. Just a house, sitting there, waiting for someone to take it. Your first thought? ‘This is too good to be true.’ And you’re right. It usually is.
But here’s the kicker: abandoned houses DO exist in Perth. Some are legally up for grabs. Others are tied up in red tape so thick it’d make a bureaucrat cry. And yeah, most of them aren’t in the best shape—think peeling paint, busted windows, maybe even a family of possums squatting in the attic. But if you’re smart, patient, and willing to roll up your sleeves, one of these could be yours for the price of a few stamps and a bit of legwork.
This isn’t about getting rich quick. It’s about spotting an opportunity most people miss because they don’t know where to look—or how to make it legal. By the end of this, you’ll know:
- Where to find real free houses (not scams or wishful thinking).
- How to claim one legally without ending up in court.
- What to do if the house is a renovation nightmare (or a goldmine).
- The hidden costs no one tells you about (spoiler: they’re not as bad as you think).
So if you’re sitting there thinking, ‘I’ve got nothing to lose,’ or ‘I’m sick of paying rent,’ or even ‘What if…?’—keep reading. This is your cheat sheet to turning an abandoned house into your next home. Or your next project. Or hell, even your next Airbnb.
Can You Really Get a Free House in Perth? (Yes—but Not the Way You Think)
Let’s get one thing straight: no one is going to hand you a mansion in Subiaco with a bow on top. If you’ve seen those viral posts about ‘free houses’ with a phone number to call, 99% of the time, it’s a scam. Or a prank. Or some bloke’s idea of a joke that went too far.
But here’s where most people screw up: they think ‘free house’ means zero effort. Wrong. It means zero upfront cash—but you will put in work. The houses that actually change hands for free (or close to it) fall into a few categories:
- Inherited properties no one wants. Think: an old relative dies, leaves a house to three cousins who all live in Sydney and couldn’t care less. They’d rather sell it for $1 than deal with the paperwork.
- Abandoned by owners who skipped town. Maybe they owed money. Maybe they just vanished. Either way, the bank or council now ‘owns’ it—but they’d rather offload it than deal with maintenance.
- Government or council-owned properties. Perth has hundreds of empty lots and buildings tied up in red tape. Some are earmarked for demolition. Others? They’ll give away if you jump through the right hoops.
- Squatter’s rights (but this is a legal minefield). Yes, in WA, you can sometimes claim a property if you’ve lived in it for 12+ years without the owner kicking you out. But good luck proving it.
So where do you even start? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Where to Hunt for Free (or Dirt-Cheap) Houses in Perth
You’re not going to find these on Domain or Realestate.com.au. These listings don’t exist—because they’re not for sale in the traditional sense. You’ve got to dig. Here’s where to look:
- Council websites (especially older suburbs). The City of Perth, City of Fremantle, and smaller councils like Mandurah often list empty properties they’re trying to offload. Example: The City of Swan once gave away a $1.2M house in 2020 because no one bid on it at auction. Check their ‘Land and Property’ sections—you might get lucky.
- Government land releases. The WA government occasionally sells or gives away land in regional areas (like LandCorp listings). Not always a full house, but sometimes you get a block with a shed or a partially built home. In 2023, they gave away 100 lots in Dongara for $10 each—just cover the transfer fees.
- Probate and inheritance listings. Websites like Probate or Legacy list properties tied up in estates. If the heirs don’t want it, they might sell it for $10,000 or less just to avoid fees. Pro tip: Call the executor. Ask, “What’s the lowest you’d take to avoid probate costs?” Sometimes they’ll drop the price to nothing if you handle the paperwork.
- Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree (but be careful). Search for “free house,” “inherited property,” or “owner finance.” You’ll find scams, but you’ll also find real deals. Example: In 2022, a guy in Gumtree listed a three-bedroom house in Balcatta for $1—because the owner was moving overseas and didn’t want to deal with selling it. It sold in 48 hours.
- Local newspapers & community boards. The West Australian sometimes runs classifieds for abandoned properties. Check the “Homes & Property” section. Also, pinup boards in post offices or libraries—old-school, but it works.
Pro Tip: If you’re serious, set up Google Alerts for phrases like:
- “Abandoned property WA”
- “Free house Perth”
- “Inherited property for sale”
- “Council-owned land WA”
Step 2: How to Tell a Real Deal from a Scam (So You Don’t Waste Your Time)
Here’s the hard truth: 90% of ‘free house’ listings are either scams or misunderstandings. How do you spot the real ones? Ask yourself:
- Does the owner actually own the property? Scammers will say “I inherited this house, I just need you to pay transfer fees.” Red flag. Real owners will have title deeds or a grant of probate. Ask for proof.
- Is the property truly abandoned? Drive by. Take photos. If the mailbox is full, the lawn is overgrown, and the windows are boarded up, it’s a good sign. But if the lights are on at night? Someone’s living there.
- Are there legal owners who might pop up later? If the house was inherited but the will is disputed, you could end up in court. Always do a Land Registry search (costs ~$20 on Landgate).
- Is the price actually free—or just ‘owner finance’? Some sellers will say “It’s free!” but then hit you with $50,000 in ‘fees.’ A real free house means no money changes hands—just you taking over the title.
Real-Life Example: In 2021, a guy in Melbourne ‘bought’ a house for $2. Turns out, the seller didn’t own it. The real owner sued, and the buyer lost $30,000 in legal fees. Don’t be that guy.
How to Legally Take Ownership of an Abandoned House (Without Getting Sued)
This is where most people screw up. You can’t just move in and claim it. WA has laws, and if you break them, you’ll get evicted—or worse, charged. Here’s how to do it the right way.
Option 1: Buy It Through Probate (The Easiest Way)
If the house is tied up in an estate (someone died, no one wants it), you can buy it super cheap—sometimes for $1 or $10,000. Here’s how:
- Find the property. Check Probate or Legacy Listings for WA properties.
- Contact the executor (the person handling the will). Say: “I’m interested in the property at [address]. What’s the lowest price you’d accept to avoid probate fees?”
- Make an offer. If the heirs don’t want it, they might take $1 just to avoid $5,000+ in legal costs.
- Pay the transfer fees (~$1,000–$3,000). This isn’t the ‘price’ of the house—it’s the government fee to transfer the title to you.
- Get a lawyer to check the title. $500–$1,500 is cheap compared to losing the house later.
Example: In 2023, a couple in Perth bought a $800,000 house for $5,000 through probate. They spent $2,000 on repairs, rented it out, and now clear $3,000/month. Not bad for a $7,000 investment.
Option 2: Squatter’s Rights (High Risk, High Reward)
Yes, in WA, you can claim a property if you’ve lived in it continuously for 12+ years without the owner kicking you out. But here’s the catch:
- You must have permission from the owner (even if it’s just verbal). If they never said yes, you’re screwed.
- You must pay rates and taxes the whole time. If you don’t, the council can evict you.
- If the owner dies during those 12 years, the clock resets. You start over with the new owner.
- If the owner sells the house, the new owner can kick you out immediately.
Reality Check: In 2020, a squatter in WA thought he owned a farm after living there for 10 years. The real owner showed up, and the squatter lost everything. Don’t gamble your future on this.
Option 3: Council or Government Giveaways (Yes, They Really Do This)
Perth councils do give away houses—but you’ve got to hunt for them. Here’s where to look:
| Council/Government Source | What They Offer | How to Apply | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Perth | Empty lots, derelict buildings, or houses earmarked for demolition | Check their Land & Property page for “Surplus Land” listings | You must sign a contract to demolish/redevelop within 12 months |
| City of Fremantle | Abandoned heritage homes (some need major renovations) | Email property@fremantle.wa.gov.au and ask about “heritage property transfers” | You can’t demolish—must restore to original condition |
| LandCorp (WA Govt) | Land with existing sheds/homes in regional WA (e.g., Dongara) | Bid in their online auctions (some lots go for $1–$10) | You must build a home within 2 years (or lose the land) |
| WA Department of Transport | Abandoned railway houses (some in Perth metro) | Call (08) 9327 3000 and ask about “surplus transport properties” | Some need structural repairs—check before committing |
Pro Tip: Councils love when you take these properties off their hands. If you’re willing to fix it up or demolish it, they’ll often wave fees or give you extra time. Example: The City of Joondalup once gave away a $500,000 house for $1—because the new owner agreed to restore it as a heritage home.
What to Do If You Actually Get a ‘Free’ House (Now the Hard Part Starts)
Congrats. You’ve got a house. Now what? Here’s the ugly truth: Most ‘free’ houses are renovation nightmares. But if you play it smart, you can turn a $0 house into a $500K+ asset. Here’s how.
Step 1: Check the Structural Integrity (Before You Spend a Cent)
You do not want to sink $50,000 into a house that’s about to collapse. Here’s what to look for:
- Termites. WA is termite central. Get a pest inspection (~$300). If the report says “severe termite damage,” walk away unless you’re ready to replace the frame ($20K–$50K).
- Roof leaks. Stand outside, look up. See water stains on the ceiling? That’s $10K–$30K to fix if the roof’s shot.
- Foundation cracks. Hairline cracks? Maybe fine. Big, jagged cracks? That’s $15K–$40K to fix (or the house might be unstable).
- Electrical/wiring. If the house was built before 1980, the wiring is probably a fire hazard. A new electrical system costs $5K–$15K.
- Plumbing. Turn on the taps. If the water is brown/rusty, the pipes are corroded. Replacing them? $3K–$10K.
Rule of Thumb: If the total repairs exceed 50% of the property’s value, it’s a money pit. Walk away.
Step 2: Decide—Fix It, Flip It, or Rent It Out
You’ve got three options. Pick one.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Estimated Time/Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fix It & Live In It |
|
|
|
| Flip It (Sell for Profit) |
|
|
|
| Rent It Out |
|
|
|
Real-Life Example: A guy in Subiaco bought a $0 house in 2020. He spent $40K on renovations, rented it out for $800/week, and now clears $3,000/month after expenses. Not bad for a $0 investment.
Step 3: The Hidden Costs No One Tells You About
Here’s where most people go broke. They think “I got a free house!” and then BAM—$20K in unexpected costs. Don’t let that be you.
- Council rates & taxes. Even if you ‘own’ the house, you still pay. In Perth, rates start at $1,500/year—and go up to $5,000+ for bigger properties. If you don’t pay, they’ll sell it out from under you.
- Strata fees (if it’s a townhouse). Some ‘free’ houses are in strata complexes. Fees can be $1K–$3K/year. Check before you commit.
- Insurance. You need home insurance—even if you’re renovating. A basic policy starts at $1,000/year.
- Permits & inspections. Want to knock down a wall? $500 permit. Need a new kitchen? $300 inspection. These add up fast.
- Demolition costs (if it’s a tear-down). Knocking down a house in Perth costs $15K–$40K. Then you’ve got to remove asbestos (another $2K–$5K).
- Legal fees. Transferring title? $1K–$3K. Disputes with neighbors? $5K+. Always budget for this.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on cash, look into:
pay in installments (e.g., $500/month) while you renovate.
$10K–$20K grants for heritage restorations or energy-efficient upgrades. Check here.
loans for renovations at 5–7% interest.
What to Do in Perth With No Money (Beyond Just Getting a Free House)
Let’s say you don’t find a free house. Or you do, but it’s a total wreck. What now? Perth’s got other ways to get ahead—if you know where to look.
Option 1: House Hacking (Live for Free While You Save)
You don’t need to own a house to live in one for $0–$200/week. Here’s how:
- Become a house sitter. Websites like TrustedHousesitters let you live in luxury homes for free—you just feed the cat and water the plants. Some gigs last 3–6 months.
- Rent a room in a share house. In Perth, you can find $150–$300/week rooms in decent areas (e.g., Flatmates). That’s $600–$1,200/month—way cheaper than renting alone.
- Work for a farm stay. Websites like WWOOF let you work on farms/orchards for free lodging + food. Some places pay $200–$300/week cash.
- House swap. If you’ve got a caravan or tiny home, you can swap it for a house stay via HouseShare. Some people do this long-term while traveling.
Example: A 24-year-old in Perth house-sat a $2M mansion in Cottesloe for 6 months—all for free. She saved $12K, then used it as a deposit on a $0 probate house in Morley.
Option 2: Government & Charity Programs (Free Money & Housing)
WA has hidden programs that can get you housing, grants, or even cash—if you know where to look.
| Program | What It Offers | How to Apply | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Housing (WA) |
| Call 1800 123 439 or apply online | Long waitlists (sometimes 2+ years) |
| Community Housing Providers |
| Search for providers in your area (e.g., ACH Group) | Income limits (usually under $80K/year) |
| Salvation Army |
| Visit your local branch (e.g., Perth) | Limited spots—call ahead |
| GoodSam |
| Check local GoodSam hubs in Perth | First-come, first-served |
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling, call the WA Homelessness Network ((08) 9429 3000). They’ll connect you to emergency housing, food, and legal help—no questions asked.
Option 3: Side Hustles to Save for a Deposit (Even If You Have $0)
You don’t need a unicorn startup to save for a house. You just need consistency. Here are real ways people in Perth are doing it:
- Cash-in-hand jobs.
- Cleaning ($25–$40/hour). Rich people in Darlington or Peppermint Grove will pay $100+ for a deep clean.
- Removals/moving help ($20–$30/hour). People always need help moving furniture.
- Online gigs.
- Selling stuff on eBay/Facebook. Buy cheap furniture from op shops, flip it on Facebook Marketplace.
- Passive income.
- Rent out a room on Airbnb. Even a small spare room in Perth can make $50–$100/night.
- Parking space rental. If you’ve got a driveway or garage, list it on Parkhound for $10–$30/day.
- Affiliate marketing. Start a simple blog (e.g., “Cheap Eats in Perth”), monetize with Amazon links. Takes 3–6 months to make $500/month, but it’s scalable.
Real-Life Example: A guy in Perth saved $30K in 18 months by:
3 houses/week ($1,200/month)
furniture on Facebook ($500/month)
garage as a parking spot ($300/month) He used the $30K as a deposit on a $400K house in Balcatta—then rented it out for $600/week. Now he’s debt-free and building wealth.
Here’s the hard truth: Getting a free house in Perth isn’t easy. It takes patience, legwork, and a bit of luck. But if you follow the steps in this guide—hunting the right listings, checking titles, avoiding scams, and knowing your options—you can do it.
And if you don’t find a free house? No worries. The side hustles, government programs, and house-hacking tricks in this guide will still get you ahead. The key is starting now. Not next month. Not when you ‘have more money.’ Today.
So what’s your next move? Here’s what I would do if I were you:
- Bookmark this page. Come back when you’ve got 10 minutes to dig deeper into one section.
- Set up Google Alerts for “free house Perth,” “inherited property WA,” and “council-owned land.”*
- Drive around older suburbs (e.g., Maylands, Nollamara, Mirrabooka) and take photos of abandoned houses. Then check Landgate to see who owns them.
- Pick one side hustle from the list above and start this week. Even if it’s just $200 extra cash, it’s a start.
- Email a council (start with City of Perth) and ask about surplus land or properties. You might get a goldmine of info.
Remember: The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
Your turn. Which step are you taking first? Drop a comment below—or if you’ve already found a free house, tell me how you did it**. (I might steal your strategy.)
Can someone give me a house for free?
Yes, it’s possible to get a house for free, especially if it’s abandoned and has no owner. People in Perth sometimes list abandoned houses for giveaway or sale at a very low price, often due to the cost of renovations or taxes.
How do I take ownership of an abandoned house?
To take ownership of an abandoned house, you need to check if it’s legally unclaimed. This usually involves researching property records and possibly going through a legal process. In Perth, you might find listings for abandoned houses that are up for grabs.
What can I do in Perth with no money?
In Perth, you can explore free attractions like parks, beaches, and local markets. Volunteering is also a great way to engage with the community without spending money. Plus, keep an eye out for free events happening around town.
Can you legally explore abandoned houses?
No, exploring abandoned houses can be illegal without permission from the owner. In Perth, trespassing laws apply, so it’s best to check local regulations. Always ensure you have the right to access a property before entering.
How can I find a free house in Perth?
To find a free house in Perth, check local classifieds, Reddit, or community forums where people might list abandoned houses. Joining local groups can also help you discover opportunities for free or cheap properties.
What are the risks of taking an abandoned house?
Taking on an abandoned house comes with risks like hidden damages, legal issues, or disputes over ownership. It’s crucial to assess the property thoroughly and understand the costs involved in renovations or legal claims.
Are there any abandoned houses for sale near me?
Yes, there are often abandoned houses for sale in and around Perth. You can find listings online or through local real estate agents. Keep an eye on property auctions or community pages for the latest opportunities.