Perth & WA Real Estate Market Update 2026

The Western Australian property market has entered 2026 with strong momentum, continuing to outperform much of the country. While other capital cities are experiencing slower growth or stabilisation, Perth remains one of Australia’s standout markets, driven by tight supply, strong population growth, and ongoing affordability advantages.

So, what does 2026 really look like for buyers, sellers and investors across Perth and WA?

A Market Still Leading the Nation

Perth has firmly positioned itself as a market leader heading into 2026. Property values surged through 2025, with annual growth reaching close to 20% in some data sets, and that momentum has carried into the new year.

Forecasts suggest this trend is far from over:

• House prices are expected to grow around 7% to 13% in 2026 

• Unit prices could rise even faster, with 15% to 20% growth predicted 

This positions Perth as one of the strongest-performing property markets in Australia once again.

Supply vs Demand: The Core Driver

At the heart of Perth’s growth is a simple imbalance where there aren’t enough properties to meet demand.

• Listings remain significantly below historical averages

• There were around 30% fewer homes for sale at the start of 2026 compared to the year prior

• Population growth continues to rise, increasing housing demand

Even though construction activity has improved, supply is still lagging behind what’s needed which is keeping upward pressure on prices.

A Shift Toward Affordability

As property prices rise, buyer behaviour is evolving.

In 2026, we’re already seeing:

• Increased demand for units, villas and townhouses

• Strong competition at the entry-level end of the market

• First home buyers and investors focusing on value-driven suburbs

This “two-speed market” means affordable properties are often seeing the strongest growth, while premium markets are more sensitive to borrowing limits.

Rental Market Remains Tight

The rental market continues to be a major factor influencing property decisions.

• Vacancy rates remain low

• Rental demand is strong

• Yields are still attractive for investors

While there are early signs of stabilisation, conditions still favour landlords — and are pushing more tenants toward home ownership where possible.

Interest Rates and Buyer Confidence

Interest rates remain a key influence in 2026. While there is some expectation of modest rate cuts during the year, borrowing capacity is still a constraint for many buyers.

That said:

• Stable or easing rates are supporting buyer confidence

• Government incentives (including low-deposit schemes) are helping first home buyers enter the market

• Demand remains resilient despite affordability pressures

Looking Ahead

While growth may moderate slightly compared to the rapid gains of 2024/2025, the outlook for Perth and WA remains positive. The key themes for 2026 are clear:

• Ongoing price growth

• Tight supply conditions

• Strong demand across multiple buyer groups

In short, Perth is not slowing down, it’s simply transitioning into a more sustainable phase of growth.

How Adaptive Settlements Can Help

Whether you’re buying, selling or investing in Perth or across Western Australia, navigating a fast-moving market requires the right support.

At Adaptive Settlements, we work closely with buyers, sellers and agents to ensure every transaction is handled smoothly, securely and on time, even in competitive conditions.

If you’re entering the market in 2026, contact Adaptive Settlements to ensure your property transaction is seamless from contract to settlement.