As another busy holiday season draws to a close, many Western Australian short-term rental accommodation owners will be looking forward to a break of their own. If you’ve spent summer juggling bookings, cleaning schedules and last-minute changes, you may be wondering whether having a holiday home is still worth the effort. The good news is there is still an opportunity to switch the property to the long-term rental market and receive a financial incentive to do it. But time is running out.
After a final extension, phase three of the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Incentive Scheme will close for good on February 28, 2026. The Vacant Property Rental (VPR) Incentive Scheme will also end on this date.
Both programs offer cash grants to encourage property owners to bring homes into the long-term rental market. STRA owners can receive $10,000, while eligible vacant property owners can receive $5,000. In return, owners agree to rent their property to new tenants for a minimum of 12 months, providing stability for WA renters while enjoying the certainty of a longer lease.
Eligibility for both schemes was expanded in Phase Three, meaning your property could now qualify. Even if you purchased a property for short-stay use after the scheme first began you could now be eligible. Houses, units, villas, apartments and even granny flats could all be eligible depending on the scheme.
For STRA owners, there’s also a practical reason to think about your next move. Since 1 January 2026, some short-term rentals require a development approval. This could be another good reason to consider making the move to the long-term rental market now. If you’re unsure if this does affect you, check with your local government to confirm any development approval requirements.
Since the schemes first launched, more than 830 properties across the State have been converted from short-term accommodation or prolonged vacancy into long-term rental homes. That’s meant more families, couples, retirees and regional workers have been able to secure a place to live, and it’s happened with the help of property owners who chose to make the switch.
To receive a grant, you’ll need to meet each scheme’s eligibility criteria and have an Australian bank account so payments can be made by Consumer Protection’s Grants team.
If you have a property sitting vacant, or you’re feeling worn out after another peak holiday season of short-stay hosting, this is your last chance to become part of the solution for easing WA’s housing pressures.
To find out which scheme may be right for you and check your eligibility, head to wa.gov.au and search for the Short-Term Rental Accommodation or Vacant Property Rental incentive schemes.
If you have questions, the Grants team at Consumer Protection can be contacted on 1300 30 40 54 or via email at cpgrants@lgirs.wa.gov.au.
