Perth Property Market Forecast 2026: What Strong Price Growth Means for Landlords, Investors and Tenants
The Perth property market is set to continue its strong upward trajectory in 2026, according to the latest REIWA market forecast. With median house prices expected to rise by more than 10 per cent and unit prices forecast to grow between 15 and 20 per cent, Perth remains one of Australia’s strongest-performing property markets.
At Perth Rental Specialists, we closely monitor market data and industry forecasts to help landlords, investors and tenants make informed decisions. In this article, we break down REIWA’s 2026 outlook and explain what it means for the Perth property and rental markets.
Strong Price Growth Forecast for Perth in 2026
REIWA’s January 2026 forecast highlights a continued imbalance between housing supply and demand as the key driver of price growth across Perth.
Perth House Price Growth
Perth’s median house sale price increased by 13.3 per cent in 2025, rising from $750,000 at the end of 2024 to $850,000 in December 2025. Both house and unit prices finished the year at record highs.
Looking ahead to 2026, REIWA expects:
- Median house prices to rise by more than 10 per cent
- Continued competition for established homes due to limited new listings
Low stock levels and sustained buyer demand are expected to keep upward pressure on prices throughout the year.
Unit Prices to Outperform Houses
As housing affordability tightens, more buyers are turning to the unit market, including villas, townhouses, apartments and home units.
In 2025:
- The median unit sale price rose 20 per cent, from $500,000 to $600,000
REIWA forecasts unit prices will continue to outperform houses in 2026, with 15 to 20 per cent growth expected, driven by affordability, accessibility and strong demand from owner-occupiers and investors.
What Is Driving Perth’s Property Market Growth?
Population Growth and Demand
Perth recorded 2.2 per cent population growth in the year to June, significantly increasing demand for housing across both the sales and rental markets.
Limited New Housing Supply
Although new home completions reached their highest level in seven years in late 2024, completions have declined each quarter since. This has compounded existing supply shortages, particularly when combined with:
- Fewer new listings in the established homes market
- Listings remaining below long-term averages in late 2025
As a result, buyer competition intensified and FOMO returned to the market, accelerating price growth toward the end of the year.
Interest Rates and Affordability
After three interest rate cuts in 2025, REIWA notes that further reductions in 2026 are unlikely. Any future rate increases could reduce borrowing capacity, particularly for first home buyers, potentially slowing activity in some segments of the market.
However, state and federal government affordability schemes continue to support demand by:
- Reducing upfront purchase costs
- Lowering deposit requirements
- Bringing buyer demand forward
Without a significant increase in housing supply, these measures are expected to maintain upward pressure on prices.
Perth Rental Market Outlook for 2026
REIWA reports that Perth’s rental market remained relatively stable throughout 2025, despite rents sitting at record highs.
Rental Prices in 2025
- Median house rent peaked at $700 per week and ended 2025 4.5 per cent higher than the previous year
- Median unit rent increased 4.6 per cent to $680 per week
- Rental growth slowed significantly compared to 2024
What to Expect in 2026
REIWA expects:
- More periods of rental price stability
- Similar annual rental growth rates to 2025
- Ongoing variation by suburb and property type
Tenants can expect strong competition and higher rent growth in areas:
- Close to the Perth CBD
- Near lifestyle hubs
- Along major transport corridors
Suburbs on the outskirts of Perth, particularly those with substantial new housing supply, are likely to offer tenants more choice and softer rent growth.
Regional WA Property Market Forecast
Strong price growth is also forecast across many regional WA centres in 2026.
REIWA expects:
- Albany, Bunbury and Geraldton to potentially achieve around 15 per cent growth
- Busselton, Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Karratha to see up to 10 per cent growth
- Broome and Port Hedland to record more modest growth of up to 5 per cent
Regional rental markets will continue to be influenced by:
- Infrastructure investment and employment growth
- Limited rental supply in some locations
- Increased demand from government and private sector tenants
What This Means for Landlords and Investors
For landlords and property investors, the 2026 forecast highlights:
- Continued capital growth opportunities across Perth and regional WA
- A more stable rental market with predictable income
- Strong demand for well-located, well-managed rental properties
Strategic property management will be critical to maximising returns while remaining compliant with WA tenancy legislation.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Perth Property Market in 2026
The REIWA market forecast confirms that Perth’s property market remains fundamentally strong. While affordability pressures are increasing, population growth, limited supply and continued demand are expected to support price growth across both houses and units.
At Perth Rental Specialists, we help landlords and investors navigate these conditions with expert local knowledge, proactive property management and data-driven advice.
If you would like tailored advice on how the 2026 market outlook may affect your investment or rental property, contact Perth Rental Specialists today.