More Perth Properties Are Coming to Market: What Does It Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

After several years of tight property supply and strong competition between buyers, the Perth property market is entering a different phase. More properties are now available for sale, giving buyers more choice and changing the dynamics for sellers.

According to REIWA, there were 7,565 properties listed for sale across Perth at the week ending 13 September 2026. That's up from 7,076 just four weeks earlier and dramatically higher than the 2,941 properties available at the same time last year.

So, what does the increase in listings actually mean if you're buying or selling a property in Perth?

More choice for Perth buyers

For buyers, increased stock generally means more properties to consider. During the tightest periods of the Perth market, buyers often had to move quickly when a suitable property came onto the market. Multiple offers, competitive bidding and limited opportunities to negotiate were common experiences.

With more properties available, buyers may have greater scope to:

• Compare several properties rather than focusing on one;

• Take more time to consider their options;

• Investigate the property and contract more carefully;

• Negotiate conditions and settlement dates; and

• Walk away if a property doesn't meet their requirements.

That doesn't mean every Perth property will be easy to negotiate. Well-presented properties in desirable locations can still attract significant interest. However, the overall increase in available stock means buyers may have more alternatives if one particular property doesn't work for them.

Sellers may need to adjust to a different market

For sellers, increased listings mean greater competition for buyers' attention. When properties were in short supply, sellers could often expect strong buyer interest simply because there were relatively few alternatives. That environment is changing.

REIWA reported in September that the increase in active listings reflects an easing in demand and longer selling times. It also noted that new listings had largely returned to longer-term average levels after a period of particularly low supply in late 2025 and early 2026.

For sellers, presentation, pricing and preparation can therefore become increasingly important. A property competing against several similar homes may need to stand out through its condition, presentation, marketing or price.

What does this mean for negotiations?

A changing market can also change the conversation between buyers and sellers.

When competition is intense, buyers may be reluctant to request additional conditions or negotiate heavily on the purchase price.

With more choice, buyers may feel more comfortable asking questions and negotiating terms such as:

• The purchase price;

• Finance conditions;

• Building and pest inspections;

• Settlement dates;

• Inclusions and exclusions;

• Repairs or maintenance issues; and

• Other special conditions.

For sellers, this makes it particularly important to understand exactly what has been agreed before signing a contract. Once an Offer and Acceptance has been signed, the transaction moves from a marketing exercise into a contractual process.

That's where having the right advice and support around your settlement becomes important.

More listings don't necessarily mean falling property prices

It's worth separating the number of properties available for sale from property values.

An increase in listings does not automatically mean prices will fall. Perth's median house price for the 12 months to August 2026 was $960,000 according to REIWA.

The number of properties available, the level of buyer demand, interest rates, affordability, population growth, construction activity and broader economic conditions can all influence how the market behaves.

The more useful takeaway for buyers and sellers is that the balance between supply and demand has changed.

What buyers should do differently

More choice can be a positive thing, but it can also make it tempting to become less disciplined. With more properties available, buyers should still make sure they understand the contract before signing.

In particular, consider:

Understand the conditions. Know what you're agreeing to, including finance, inspection and other special conditions.

Check the settlement date. Make sure the proposed settlement date works with your finance, existing property arrangements and moving plans.

Understand what's included. Don't assume that everything you see at an inspection forms part of the sale. Items such as wall-mounted televisions, garden equipment, pool equipment or other fixtures may need to be specifically addressed.

Ask questions early. If something about the property or contract is unclear, it's much easier to resolve before signing than after the contract is in place.

Choose your settlement agent early. our settlement agent can help manage the transaction from contract through to settlement and identify matters that need attention along the way.

What sellers should do differently

For sellers, preparation becomes increasingly important when buyers have more choice. Before going to market, consider whether there are any outstanding issues that could complicate the sale or settlement.

This could include:

• Outstanding rates or water charges;

• Existing finance or a mortgage that needs to be discharged;

• Tenancy arrangements;

• Unresolved property matters;

• Items that need to remain at or be removed from the property; and

• Any contractual or title matters that need to be addressed.

Getting organised before accepting an offer can make the settlement process considerably smoother.

What happens once the property is under contract?

Regardless of whether the market is strongly favouring buyers, sellers or sitting somewhere in between, the fundamentals of settlement remain the same. Once a contract is signed, there is a process to work through before ownership can be transferred.

Your settlement agent will coordinate the settlement process, including liaising with the parties involved, checking relevant information and working towards the settlement date.

For buyers, this is the period when finance needs to be finalised and any contractual requirements need to be satisfied.

For sellers, it is important to ensure the property and relevant documentation are ready for settlement.

The goal is simple: to get everything in order so settlement can happen as smoothly as possible.

A changing market makes preparation even more important

Perth's property market is no longer characterised by the extremely limited stock seen during the tightest part of the recent cycle. With thousands more properties now available, buyers have more options and sellers face more competition.

That doesn't necessarily make buying or selling more difficult, but it does make preparation and understanding the transaction increasingly important.

Whether you're buying your first Perth home, selling an investment property or moving to your next home, having a clear understanding of the settlement process can help avoid unnecessary surprises.

At Adaptive Settlements, we believe settlement should be simple, efficient and as stress-free as possible.

If you're buying or selling property in Perth and would like to understand how the settlement process works, talk to the team at Adaptive Settlements before you sign or as soon as your contract is in place.

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice. Every property transaction is different, and you should obtain appropriate professional advice for your individual circumstances.