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Perth Property Prices Are Surging While the East Coast Slows: Here’s Why

TL;DR: Perth is rapidly becoming Australia’s most attractive property market, thanks to its combination of affordability, economic strength, lifestyle appeal, and investor-friendly conditions. While the east coast cools, Perth is seeing renewed interest from buyers and renters alike, creating ideal conditions for long-term growth and strong rental returns.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Perth’s property prices remain affordable, yet still offer high lifestyle value compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
  • Rental yields in Perth are outperforming the eastern capitals due to low vacancy rates and rising demand.
  • Strong population growth, driven by jobs and migration, is placing upward pressure on housing demand.
  • Serious buyers and investors are staying active, supported by confident lending and a stable local economy.

 


What’s Fueling Perth’s Surge in Demand?

As Sydney and Melbourne continue to grapple with high property prices and slowing growth, Perth is quickly establishing itself as one of Australia’s most attractive property markets. This shift is not temporary. It is driven by strong fundamentals, including consistent demand, affordable pricing, and a desirable lifestyle that appeals to both homeowners and investors. These combined factors are turning national attention toward Western Australia.

What's Fueling Perth’s Surge in Demand

1. Affordable Living Without the Compromise

A Smart Entry Point for Buyers

As of mid-2025, Perth’s median house price sits just under $700,000, offering a significantly more accessible option compared to Sydney at $1.4 million and Melbourne at $980,000. This affordability attracts a wide range of buyers, including first-home buyers, families looking to upsize, and interstate investors seeking better value.

Value That Goes Beyond Price

Affordability in Perth is paired with a high quality of life. The city continues to draw attention for its balanced mix of lifestyle benefits and practical advantages:

  • Well-developed public and private infrastructure, including efficient transport and essential services
  • Access to top-performing schools across various suburbs
  • Proximity to unspoiled beaches, large parks, and outdoor recreation
  • A slower pace of life with less congestion and urban pressure
  • Lower overall cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne
  • Shorter commute times, supporting a healthier work-life balance

This combination makes Perth an ideal location for both families and professionals looking for a more comfortable and sustainable way of living.

2. Investors Are Getting In Early

Rents Are Rising Fast

Vacancy rates in Perth are below 1%, driving significant competition across the rental market. Limited availability is pushing weekly rents higher, allowing landlords to enjoy more stable income with reduced vacancy risk. The strong demand from tenants is creating favourable conditions for long-term rental returns.

Higher Yields Than the Eastern Capitals

Perth’s affordable property prices combined with increasing rents are delivering gross rental yields of 5 to 6 percent. In contrast, investors in Sydney and Melbourne are typically seeing yields between 2.5 and 3.5 percent. For those focused on cash flow and future growth, Perth presents a more compelling option.

If you’re weighing up the benefits of houses versus apartments for your next investment, our guide on House vs Apartment: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You? can help you make a more informed decision based on your goals and Perth market trends.

3. A Local Economy Backed by Resources

Mining and Energy Are Thriving Again

Western Australia’s resource sector continues to be a primary engine of economic activity. Several large-scale projects are attracting strong investment and creating momentum across various industries. These include:

  • Development in lithium, nickel, and rare earth mineral production
  • Inflows of capital from both local and international companies
  • Expanded employment opportunities in engineering, construction, and operations
  • Increased demand for support services in metro and regional areas
  • Ongoing growth in WA’s reputation as a major global supplier of critical minerals

As the demand for clean energy solutions grows worldwide, WA is well-positioned for long-term economic stability and sustained growth.

Skilled Workers and Families Are Relocating

This economic strength is drawing skilled professionals and families to Perth. Some are returning locals taking advantage of job opportunities, while others are interstate movers looking for more affordable housing and better quality of life. The resulting population growth is increasing pressure on the housing market, particularly near job hubs and transport corridors. This migration trend is supporting continued growth in both property prices and rental demand.

4. Rental Squeeze Creates Opportunity

The Tightest Rental Market in the Country

Perth is currently facing one of the most constrained rental markets in Australia. Record-low vacancy rates have led to strong competition among tenants and rapid rent increases. Common indicators of this include properties being leased within days, higher offers from applicants, and growing demand across both inner and outer suburbs. For property owners, this means less downtime and stronger, more reliable returns.

Consistent Returns in Growth Suburbs

Suburbs located near key infrastructure and employment hubs are delivering dependable results. Investors in these areas are achieving strong rental yields while also positioning themselves for capital growth. These suburbs typically offer proximity to job centres, ongoing public and private development, and strong tenant retention, making them well-suited for long-term strategies.

5. Interest Rates Aren’t Slowing Perth Down

Quality Buyers Are Still in the Game

While rising interest rates have dampened activity in some markets, serious buyers in Perth remain active. These investors and homebuyers are adjusting their strategies and focusing on sustainable returns. Many are entering with a clear long-term outlook based on market fundamentals rather than short-term speculation.

Banks Are Backing the WA Market

Lenders continue to view Perth as a low-risk, high-potential market. Property values are holding, and banks are issuing pre-approvals with confidence. Buyers who work with experienced property professionals are better positioned to secure quality assets that align with lender expectations.

6. Lifestyle Still Matters and Perth Delivers

A Better Way to Live

More Australians are prioritising lifestyle when choosing where to live. Perth offers a balance of natural beauty, affordability, and urban comfort. The city’s sunny climate, clean environment, and relaxed pace appeal to a wide range of people looking to reduce daily stress while enjoying a higher quality of life. Outdoor enthusiasts, young families, and retirees alike are finding that Perth offers a more fulfilling way of living.

FIFO Families and Local Upsizers Are Active

Fly-in-fly-out workers, remote professionals, and growing families are increasingly upgrading to larger homes in Perth. With greater borrowing power and clear goals, these buyers are actively competing in key markets. Their presence is helping drive up demand and support price growth in many well-located suburbs.

Perth Property Prices Are Surging While the East Coast Slows Here’s Why 1

 

Why Choose Rise Property Buyers

At Rise Property Buyers, we work exclusively for property buyers. Based in Perth, our team provides expert local guidance, negotiation skills, and access to off-market opportunities. Unlike selling agents, our focus is solely on helping you find and secure the right property at the right price.

Whether you’re an investor seeking strong rental yields, a family relocating to WA, or a first-time buyer entering the Perth property market, we offer strategic advice and support tailored to your goals. Our commitment is to represent your interests every step of the way.

If you’re new to working with a buyer’s agent or want to understand the process more clearly, check out our simple step-by-step guide designed specifically for Australian property buyers.

 

Ready to Act on Opportunity?

There is still an opportunity to stay ahead of the changing market, but doing so requires a clear strategy and the right support. Rise Property Buyers is ready to guide you through Perth’s evolving landscape with the insight and experience needed to make informed decisions.

👉 Book Your Free Strategy Call Now

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