Houses, Real Estate and Where to live in Perth

Almost three-quarters of Perth’s houses are detached, with varying sizes of garden. The average prices we mention below are for houses and not apartments.

Apartments / flats are cheaper.

Generally speaking, the north and west of the city are the most highly regarded areas to live.

Many British migrants have chosen to settle in the northern suburbs around half an hour north of the city centre.

In suburbs such as Beldon, Connolly, Edgewater, Heathridge, Joondalup, Mullaloo and Ocean Reef, British immigrants make up around one quarter of the population.

In early/mid-2009, median house price in these areas ranged from just under $400,000 in Heathridge, low $400,000s in Beldon, mid $400,000s in Joondalup and Edgewater, high $500,000s in Mullaloo, low $600,000s in Connolly and mid $600,000s in Ocean Reef.

The northern and central suburbs of Perth are where people with the highest salaries tend to live.

Houses in top suburbs close to the central city, such as Nedlands and Dalkeith, situated on the beautiful Swan River, command median prices of around $600,000 to $2.5 million.

All over the world, beachside properties have been in demand and fetch very high prices.

Perth has followed this trend – an evening stroll along the beach and a dip in the sea is an attractive prospect.

Less obvious advantages of living near the sea in Perth include less extreme summer heat and fewer flies than can be found farther inland.

Average House Prices in Perth
($thousands)
2004 to 2009

There are, however, some disadvantages to buying beachside property in Perth. High winds can become annoying. When they are strong, they can blow garden umbrellas around and bring sand into gardens and houses.

Suburban developments close to the coast also tend to have houses packed more densely than elsewhere.

In the coastal suburbs of Scarborough and Wembley Downs, to the north west and west of the city centre, the median house prices were mid $400,000s and low $800,000s in early/mid-2009.

Some of the south eastern suburbs, such as Maddington, Gosnells, Lynwood, and Thornlie are less well regarded than Perth’s other areas. The average house prices in these suburbs ranged between $300,000 – $360,000 in early/mid-2009.

You can see Perth’s suburbs on the map here.

Perth is a very clean city although, sadly, graffiti and “hoons” are becoming an issue in many locations – even some of the better suburbs. Hoons are youths causing problems such as vandalism and reckless driving.

A major attraction of Perth is its many parks and play areas for children. Perth is an ideal location for people who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.