Blue Christmas for borrowers as interest rates are held at 4.35%

While economists had been losing confidence on the possibility of a cut, mortgage holders across Australia have been holding onto some hope that they would see even a small amount of respite before Christmas. Following the RBA board’s final meeting of the year this week, it was today confirmed that cash rate will remain unchangedRead more

WA records smallest decline in affordability in 12 months

WA has recorded its smallest decline in housing and rental affordability since the September 2023 quarter, according to the latest REIA Housing Affordability Report. WA has recorded its smallest decline in housing and rental affordability since the September 2023 quarter, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) Housing Affordability Report. Both housingRead more

5 things we got wrong about the property market in 2024 

This year was one of the strangest on record, with the “will-they-won’t-they” ongoing uncertainty about interest rates, the mounting housing crisis and the continued after-effects of the pandemic on the market. As a result, many forecasts from the experts never came to pass and, equally, many unexpected events did. Interest rates were meant to comeRead more

Time to sell in Perth increases as listings rise

The median time to sell a house in Perth has risen to 13 days in November, up from the nine days recorded for most of 2024. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said median days on market had been rising for the past few months and the change reflected the increase in the number of listings forRead more

Fill your calendar with Christmas cheer – don’t miss out!

Start filling your Christmas calendar with festive fun as the City of Perth transforms into a holiday wonderland! From dazzling light displays and vibrant markets to exciting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas season. Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail | 22 November – 1 January Discover the magic of the City thisRead more

40,000 homebuyers offered a helping hand by Government

Eligible buyers may be able to co-purchase a home under the Federal Government’s Help to Buy scheme which was passed in Parliament yesterday. The shared equity scheme – expected to start early 2025 – offers 40,000 eligible homebuyers a path to ownership with lower upfront costs and a smaller mortgage. It is open to 10,000Read more

RBA governor: Inflation uptick ‘very big red flag’ for rate cuts

The flow on impact of this could spell bad news for squeezed mortgage holders, who are continuing to hold out for much-needed repayments relief from rate cuts. “If the data that we’re seeing and the information we’re getting suggests that inflation is picking up again, then that would be a very big red flag forRead more

Where half of first-home buyers are buying and building new homes

Data from REA Group’s 2024 Property Seeker Report has found that over the past 12 months, 48% and 52% of first-home buyers in Queensland and Western Australia respectively, are considering buying or have already bought a new home. This includes newly-built houses, off-the-plan apartments, townhouses and house and land packages. The numbers were also strong among allRead more

High interest rates: What could home loans look like early next year?

The promise of lower home loan rates around the corner has mortgaged homeowners looking forward to leaving 2024 behind them. Commentators thought that interest rates would have had a haircut by now. Or at least a trim. But as 2024 has progressed, the decision to introduce rate cuts has been pushed back again and again.Read more

Perth weekly market snapshot for the week ending 10 November 2024

Sales transactions in Perth last week were down 2.4 per cent on the previous week, with REIWA members reporting 988 transactions. A closer look shows house sales were similar to the week prior, while unit sales were down 21.5 per cent and land sales were up 50 per cent. Top performing suburbs – sales Baldivis – 17Read more

WA building boost: $10K incentive for east-coast tradies in housing push

The state government has announced a major boost to the building and construction workforce to help tackle the critical shortage of skilled labour in WA. The move hopes to lure skilled tradies from the eastern states with a cash incentive while supercharging training of its local building and construction workforce. On the table is aRead more

Will interest rates drop in 2025? Here’s what you need to know

With interest rates currently sitting at a significant 4.35%, many Australian borrowers are asking the pressing question: When will rates finally drop? While the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has paused further increases, industry experts believe we might not see substantial relief until 2025. But what factors will drive rate cuts, and how can you position yourselfRead more

New Perth property listings surge to three-year high

Monthly new listings of Perth properties are at their highest levels in more than three years, with sellers motivated by the strong market conditions. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said Spring was historically a strong season for new listings, and this year sellers were particularly encouraged by the sustained demand for homes and strong price growth.Read more

WA Rental reforms – 3 months on

It’s been three months since Phase 2 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 came into effect, which saw pets and minor modifications allowed in most cases and the launch of the Commissioner for Consumer Protection determinations process. Consumer Protection have shared some information on the applications the Commissioner has received since then. This mayRead more

Perth median house sale price could reach $750,000 by end of 2024

Perth’s median house sale price is on track to achieve growth of 25 per cent over 2024, according to REIWA’s latest property market quarterly update. The median unit sale price could also see annual growth around 20 per cent. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said if the market remained on the current trajectory, Perth’s median houseRead more

Rents remain high but there’s a silver lining for Aussie renters

The cost of renting is still higher than a year ago, but the pace of rent price growth is starting to ease, the latest PropTrack data reveals.  National rent prices continued to edge up in the September quarter, but the pace of rental growth is slowing, according to the latest PropTrack Market Insight report. NationalRead more

Market wrap for Perth City – September 2024 quarter

Spring 2024 has already been a standout, with new seller activity reaching highs not seen for the month of September since 2022. While this heightened seller activity is encouraging, Perth’s severe mismatch between demand and supply — which has driven persistent price growth in recent years — is a key challenge. Demand continues to beRead more

Why are interest rates not going down in Australia?

New Zealand’s central bank dropped interest rates to 4.75% last Wednesday after inflation returned to the nation’s target levels, building on similar moves already made in the US, the UK, and across Europe. Australia continues to follow a different trajectory, with Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock still asserting that she will not be swayed byRead more

Five things to know about the WA real estate market

Whether you’re selling property or looking to buy, navigating the Western Australian property market can be a daunting task, especially with its ever-changing dynamics. To help you make sense of the current landscape, we’ve compiled five essential things you need to know about the WA property market right now, with insights from Cath Hart, CEORead more

The pros & cons of self managing

It has been a very interesting few years in the rental market and one curious thing I couldn’t help but notice is the rise in the amount of landlords choosing to privately manage their investment properties. So naturally you’re going to say, Stacey as a Property Manager aren’t you supposed to say that is aRead more

Spring into action: From offer to settlement

Congratulations, you’ve accepted an offer on your home! Now, what comes next? This can vary depending on the conditions of the offer and other external factors. While the transaction often proceeds seamlessly, unexpected complications may arise, and you will need to work closely with your REIWA agent to navigate the sale process. Understanding the offerRead more

Why do we keep wanting to make investment harder? 

As seen in The West Real Estate The negative gearing debate has reared its ugly head again, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese failing to explicitly rule out changes as an election policy. The threat of changes to negative gearing always hangs like the sword of Damocles over rental property owners – the very same ownersRead more

Watch out for the ATO’s data matching system

If you haven’t yet done your tax return for the 2023-24 financial year, remember that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is using its data matching system to find unreported income from property investors. It’s a more sophisticated way to collect more tax from taxpayers. It works by comparing property management data from software providers – who areRead more

Listings rise as Perth heads into Spring selling season

The Perth property market’s Spring selling season has kicked off with active* listings for sale in Perth rising 8.4 per cent in September, settling at 3,952 by the end of the month. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said new listings had increased compared to the months leading up to the Spring selling season, which had seenRead more

One-third of Perth suburbs are now ‘million-dollar markets’

The number of Australian suburbs with a median house or unit value in the million-dollar club reached a record high in August, according to the latest CoreLogic Million-Dollar Markets report. The report showed one-third of the 4772 suburbs analysed recorded a current median value at or above $1 million, up from a recent low ofRead more

Negative gearing raises its head again as an election issue

The spectre of changes to negative gearing has been raised as a potential federal election issue following comments by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday. The Labor Prime Minister backtracked on his statements on Thursday, saying changes to negative gearing “were not our policy” but he didn’t explicitly rule out changes to this important policyRead more

Perth median house price growth outpaced the nation in June 2024 quarter

Perth recorded the highest percentage increase in median sale price for three-bedroom houses of all capital cities in the June 2024 quarter. Despite the increase, Perth remained one of the most affordable capitals based on median house price, according to the latest REIA Real Estate Market Facts. The median sale price for three-bedroom houses rose 6.5Read more

Perth’s vacancy rate rises past 1 per cent

Perth’s vacancy rate was 1.4 per cent in August, 0.7 percentage points higher than the updated July figure. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the last time the vacancy rate was over 1 per cent was June 2022, when it was 1.1 per cent. “The rental market has been challenging for several years, with strong demandRead more

Housing affordability declines as property prices continue to rise

Housing affordability in Western Australia declined over the June 2024 quarter. The latest REIA Housing Affordability Report showed the proportion of family income required to meet loan repayments in Western Australia increased 1.7 percentage points over the quarter to 39.5 per cent. This was an increase of 4.8 percent year-on-year, based on a median weeklyRead more

Time to move: Why more Aussies think now is a good time to sell their homes

The latest Residential Audience Pulse survey by realestate.com.au in July found 44% of potential sellers surveyed believed now was an opportune time to sell, compared with 37% at the same time last year. This improved sentiment was primarily driven by respondents in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland, where home price growth has been substantial over theRead more

Perth median house sale price rises 20 per cent over past 12 months

Perth’s median house sale price continues to rise, increasing 1.9 per cent in August and 20.7 per cent over the past year to reach $688,000. The median unit sale price set a new record, rising 1.1 per cent over the month to $455,000 which is 13.8 per cent higher year-on-year. REIWA CEO Cath Hart saidRead more

Supply is the real issue 

REIWA President Joe White says the real driver behind rising prices is the big gap between supply and demand, not any specific part of the property market. As seen in The West Real Estate Earlier this month we published our million-dollar club list, with 30 new suburbs recording million-dollar median house sale prices in 2023-24.Read more

Don’t get caught out: avoiding rental scams

With this week marking Scams Awareness Week 2024, it’s a timely reminder to stay vigilant, use trusted sources and listen to your instincts when looking for a rental property. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. We’ve put together some tips to help you steer clear of scams. Warning signsRead more

Fund extended to help buyers affected by construction delays

The WA Government has extended its Builders’ Support Facility to help builders complete unfinished properties and get more new home buyers out of building limbo. The initiative, initially launched in January with a $10 million loan facility, has already seen $5.7 million allocated to help complete 97 homes. It offers interest-free loans of up toRead more

Perth’s vacancy rate rises slightly

Perth’s vacancy rate rose slightly in July. REIWA President Joe White said the vacancy rate increased marginally to 0.6 per cent in July, reflecting the slow easing of the rental market. “Perth has seen a sustained period of extremely low vacancy rates, with the vacancy rate sitting consistently below 1 per cent since August 2022,”Read more

Market wrap for Perth City – July 2024 quarter

We’ve seen a steady stream of new home listings throughout autumn and winter, consistently topping the five-year average across Perth. Demand has held up, thanks to underlying strong demand, particularly from rising investment activity. However, Perth is heading into the spring selling season with supply lower annually and significantly below the five-year average. We’re stillRead more

The new move saving apartment buyers up to $18K in stamp duty costs

New apartment buyers can pocket tens of thousands of dollars in stamp duty savings, as state governments hand out discounts to boost new unit construction.   The fresh stamp duty discounts on new apartments are available to everyone rather than just first-home buyers, forgoing lucrative revenues to build more higher-density homes quickly. The Tasmanian governmentRead more

Understanding the new 12-month limit on rent increases

Phase two of the rental reforms came into effect this week. It included limiting rent increases to once every 12 months, pets, modifications and the new Commissioner determinations process. There is always some confusion when new laws are introduced, so REIWA’s Information Services Team have answered the common questions about how the new 12-month limitRead more

Perth median house sale price likely to reach 740,000 dollars by end of 2024

Perth’s median house price is on track to achieve growth of more than 20 per cent over 2024, according to REIWA’s latest property market quarterly update. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said if the market continued on the current trajectory, Perth’s median house sale price could reach $740,000 by the end of 2024. “Demand remains strong,Read more

Market wrap for Perth City – June 2024 quarter

Perth continues to offer favourable selling conditions for vendors due to a persistent supply-demand imbalance. Houses are selling at near-record speeds, averaging just 30 days on the market, the fastest among all capitals. Units are also moving quickly, averaging 50 days on the market — close to the lowest in over 17 years and currentlyRead more

Tax Time Tips – For investment property owners

Love it or hate it…. it’s tax time again!!  For those out there who love to crunch numbers, keep all their receipts, and can’t wait to submit their tax return this might be an exciting time, but for those out there who aren’t as organised with their records or who are not quite so sureRead more

Heartless crooks scam hopeful home buyer out of $153,000

Home buyers are again on alert for a scammers after a fresh ruse robbed a man of $153,950 during a property settlement. It is among the more than $500,000 lost by Western Australians this year in so-called redirection scams. Crooks intercepted emails between him and the lender’s settlement agent, and sent him a doctored emailRead more

Phase 2 of the RTA reforms go live on 29 July

Phase 2 of the RTA reforms will come into effect on 29 July. This includes limiting rent increases to 12 months, pets, minor modifications and the new dispute resolution process. 12-month limit on rent increases The 12-month limit on rent increases will apply to periodic tenancies as soon as the legislation comes into effect onRead more

Property market welcomes Keystart’s changes to price and income limits

REIWA CEO Cath Hart has welcomed the increases to Keystart’s property price limits and income limits, noting they will help more Western Australians into affordable home ownership sooner. The new limits will be set using REIWA median house prices and regularly reviewed to reflect market conditions. “Keystart provides a valuable service. It offers loans with asRead more

Perth rents unchanged for fourth month

The long-term tightness in the Perth rental market has been slowly moderating, with median rents unchanged since March. According to REIWA’s latest data, the median weekly dwelling and house rents held steady at $650 in June, while the median weekly unit rent was also stable at $600. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said there were clear signsRead more

Discounting at lowest levels in decades

The number of Perth sellers discounting their houses is at the lowest level in the past 20 years according to REIWA data. So far this year, just 12.6 per cent of houses sold for less than the listed price. This is significantly lower than the rates of discounting in the previous boom when 44.3 per centRead more

The changes affecting property buyers, owners and investors from July 1

The property market is set to get a shot in the arm come July 1, with tax cuts boosting typical buyers’ borrowing capacities by tens of thousands of dollars. Most taxpayers will see their take-home pay rise as a result of the stage three tax cuts coming into effect, with the increase to incomes raisingRead more

New warning for households as RBA keeps rates on hold

Households waiting for mortgage relief could be in for a shock, experts have warned, as the Reserve Bank held interest rates steady for a fifth straight meeting in June. The RBA on Tuesday left the cash rate at a 12 year high of 4.35%, but didn’t rule out another rate hike if inflation takes tooRead more

WA property prices continued their rise in the March 2024 quarter: REIA

Median house and rent prices rose in Perth during the March 2024 quarter, according to the latest REIA Real Estate Market Facts. The median sale price for three-bedroom houses increased 3.8 per cent over the quarter to $675,000, while the median sale price for two-bedroom other dwellings (such as home units, townhouses, flats/apartments and terraceRead more

Housing affordability continues to decline in WA: REIA

WA housing and rental affordability declined again in the March 2024 quarter. According to the latest REIA Housing Affordability Report, the proportion of family income required to meet loan repayments in WA rose 1 percentage point over the quarter and 3.6 percentage points over the year to 37.8 per cent, based on a median weeklyRead more

10 insights into the investment property market

In recent news, the Fed Budget is handed down with a focus on housing; rental affordability continues to bite; rents hit record high; house prices reach new peak; vacancies ease slightly; ‘investor exodus’ looms in Victoria; banks fail struggling mortgage holders; WA to use undercover agents to catch out rent bidding; and the ATO setsRead more

Decoding deductions for property investors 

Tax season is just around the corner, and as a landlord, it’s crucial to know what you can and can’t claim on your tax return. We’ve explored three key areas of deductions: those you can claim immediately, those that are spread over several years, and those you cannot claim. Understanding these deductions can help saveRead more

Signs rental market is easing as Perth rents remain stable

There are signs the rental market is easing as Perth’s median rents remained unchanged for the second month in a row. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the latest data showed the median weekly dwelling and house rents held steady at $650 per week in May, while the median unit rent was stable at $600. “MembersRead more

Booms, busts and your bottom line 

There is no such thing as a normal property cycle – the length between the peaks and troughs can vary depending on the factors affecting the market. We’re in the midst of property boom and one question REIWA is often asked is: when will it end? The property market goes through cycles that include peaks,Read more

Smashing avocado and property goals: WA first home buyers prove you can do both 

It’s often said that if you want to buy your first home, you’ll need to give up smashed avocado and Sunday brunches. But is that really true? It’s often said that if you want to buy your first home, you’ll need to give up smashed avocado and Sunday brunches. But is that really true? ThatRead more

Self managing your investment property – Is the juice worth the squeeze?

With the cost of living continuing to skyrocket, it’s no surprise that many of us seek ways to save money. A noticeable trend among property owners is the inclination to self-manage their properties or, at the very least, engage an agent solely for tenant placement before taking on management responsibilities. While the idea of savingRead more

Well they are finally here…

Rent bidding ban – likely to start May 2024 A tenant cannot be pressured into paying more money to help them secure an available rental property. Landlords or agents: Must advertise properties at a set amount. For example: ‘$425 per week’ not ‘offers between $400 and $500 per week’. Must not encourage a potential tenantRead more

RTA Q&A – applying the new 12 months limit on rent increases 

The legislation limiting rent increases to once every 12 months has raised several questions. The REIWA’s Policy & Advocacy Team has reviewed the Act to provide you with answers. At the time of writing, a date for the legislation to come into effect has not been set, but for these scenarios we will assume itRead more

Why new home listings are selling faster

New home listings are getting snapped up at greater speeds, especially in the capital cities, as increasing buyer confidence and a shortage of new listings drives down the time spent on market. The speed in which listings are sold fluctuates over time, decreasing when market conditions are strong and increasing when the market is inRead more

Market wrap for Perth City – April 2024 quarter

Perth’s housing market continues to be a top performer nationwide. House prices reached another new record after surging 16.6% higher than a year ago – the city’s steepest growth in 17 years. It has also been a significant milestone for Perth’s unit prices, which soared to a record high and finally overtook the previous peakRead more

Rent bidding banned

The first set of rental reforms – rent bidding and new provisions for retaliatory action – came into effect yesterday, Thursday 16 May. Rent bidding It will be illegal for agents or owners to ask or encourage tenants to pay more than the advertised price of the home. They face a $10,000 fine if they are foundRead more

Rate rise unlikely to derail WA property market: REIWA CEO Cath Hart

The 0.25 percentage points interest rate rise is unlikely to derail the WA established homes ma “While this is unwelcome news for mortgage holders, interest rates are only one factor that affect a property market and WA’s market is being supported by a range of factors, including population growth, a strong economy and low unemployment,”Read more

Market welcomes rent relief measures: REIWA CEO Cath Hart

REIWA CEO Cath Hart today welcomed the Cook Government’s new WA Rent Relief Program, which is aimed at protecting tenants at risk of eviction. “Rental conditions are extremely challenging at the moment, rents are at record highs and many tenants are experiencing significant rental stress,” she said. “The most vulnerable in our community are findingRead more

Houses selling twice as fast as a year ago

Houses in Perth sold in a median of eight days in October, a new record and nearly twice as fast as the 15 days recorded in October 2022. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the speed of sales reflected the incredible demand for established homes. “It’s a perfect storm, with strong population growth coming up againstRead more

Aussie home prices soar to new highs as Sydney breaks price record

The national median home value climbed a further 0.36% in October to a new high, the PropTrack Home Price Index shows, with price growth accelerating over the first few months of spring and pushing home values in yet another capital to record levels. The downturn is now a distant memory in the fastest growing cities and regions,Read more

How has Australia’s property market bounced back while interest rates and the cost of living are so high?

Median house prices across the combined capital cities have almost fully recovered from the downturn of 2022, but in a market where interest rates have risen and inflation is high, how has the market reached near-record prices so quickly? The latest Domain House Price Report, released on Thursday, measures the combined capital’s median house price at $1,072,480,Read more

November interest rate hike ‘all but guaranteed’

Inflation data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday showed the consumer price index (CPI) rose by a larger-than-expected 1.2% in the September quarter, prompting economists to revise their predictions for the November RBA decision. ANZ previously expected rates to remain on hold in November, but now believes the “uncomfortably high” quarterlyRead more

Government offers welcome tax relief to new home builders and renovators

REIWA CEO Cath Hart said new measures extending land tax exemptions represent a welcome saving for people currently building new homes or renovating. “The ongoing delays in the building industry have pushed completion times out significantly. This is not only putting a strain on the property market, it’s also putting a strain on people’s finances,”Read more

New planning reforms aim to get homes out of the ground faster

Major planning reforms to be introduced to State Parliament today will help get much-needed homes out of the ground faster, REIWA CEO Cath Hart said. “The planning approvals process is often cited by builders and developers as causing significant delays,” she said. “These reforms will cut the red tape and simplify the various processes, allowingRead more

Perth’s vacancy rate tightens

Perth’s vacancy rate dropped to 0.7 per cent in September, a decline of 0.1 percentage points from August. “After rising to 0.9 per cent in July, the vacancy rate has been declining again,” REIWA CEO Cath Hart said. “Long term trends show rental listings tend to decline in the lead up to the end ofRead more

Top tips to ensure your day of open-for-inspections is stress free and successful

Finding a new place to live can be one of life’s biggest stressors – especially if you’ve got multiple open homes packed into a single Saturday. But it doesn’t have to be. If you’re gearing up to move into a new rental or looking for a place to buy, you might be (completely and understandably)Read more

Listings dropped to record lows and prices rose in September

Strong demand for homes saw listings for sale drop below 5,000 at the end of September, the lowest level in 30 years. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the month saw a number of new records. “The median house price rose to $570,000 in September, which is 5.6 per cent higher than a year ago andRead more

Slash five years off your home loan with this one simple trick

One simple strategy could shave years off the life of a home loan, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest along the way. The Reserve Bank of Australia held interest rates steady for the fourth month in a row in October, but households are still seeing their mortgage repayments rise as the previous hikes continue toRead more

Perth weekly market snapshot for the week ending 24 Sep 2023

Sales transactions in Perth last week were 15.5 per cent higher than the previous week, with REIWA members reporting 1,013 transactions. A closer look shows house sales were up 3.6 per cent on the week prior while unit sales were up 40.6 per cent and vacant land sales were up 61.6 per cent. There were 5,034 properties forRead more

Your spring 2023 property market strategy

Property market overview heading into spring selling season 2023 As the spring real estate season approaches, both buyers and sellers are gearing up for what promises to be an interesting market. The economic landscape including record high interest rates and a historic low in stock levels have created a question mark around demand and supply in allRead more

Housing affordability declines slightly in WA: REIA

WA retained its position as Australia’s most affordable state for home buyers in the June 2023 quarter, but was beaten to the overall title by the two territories, according to the latest REIA Housing Affordability Report. In WA the proportion of family income required to meet loan repayments rose 0.4 percentage points to 35 per centRead more

More homeowners are selling quickly – should we be worried?

A large share of properties hitting the market this year were owned for three years or less, but the reason why isn’t what it might initially seem. The share of short turnaround listings has picked up over the past couple years, after bottoming out during the pandemic, and is currently sitting around the highest it’sRead more

Property market conditions to remain tight as WA population grows further

““We can expect to see house prices and rents continue to rise,” said REIWA CEO Cath Hart.” REIWA CEO Cath Hart said demand for established homes will remain strong following the release of the latest population data. According to the ABS, WA’s population grew 2.8 per cent to 2.855 million in the year to MarchRead more

How long would it take to save a deposit for your first home?

Housing affordability is at its worst level in decades, and it is more challenging than ever for first-home buyers to get their feet on the property ladder. According to PropTrack’s Housing Affordability Report, dramatic mortgage rate increases and rising home prices have meant that property seekers in 2023 can afford fewer homes than when records beganRead more

Rental reform debate is not a battle of us and them

The debate about the state of the rental market shouldn’t pit investors against tenants. It should look at the key issue, which is supply and demand. Over the last decade WA hasn’t built enough houses to meet population growth. In addition, in the past few years we have seen a significant number of investors leaveRead more

Rents: the only way is up

Perth’s median rent prices hit new highs in August. After sitting at $550 per week since March, the median dwelling rent rose to $575, reflecting the ongoing changes in both the median house and unit rents. They increased to $600 and $550 per week respectively. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said market conditions indicated more increasesRead more

Let’s talk about the ‘shortage’ of listings

There has been a lot of talk about Perth experiencing a property shortage. Is this really the case? REIWA research takes a look behind the data. When we talk about listings, we are talking about two types: Active or advertised listings: these are the number of properties you see advertised New listings: these are newRead more

A new way to avoid being the Bank of Mum and Dad? Sounds great in theory

Australia’s national shared equity scheme will not go far enough to make a serious dent in the housing shortage, and risks helping some people who had a chance of buying anyway, experts warn. The new Help to Buy scheme will start next year and allow a home purchase with a low 2 per cent deposit.Read more

If the rental market is so hot right now, then why is my property taking so long to lease?

I received a call this month from an owner of a property looking for my advice, concerned that their rental property which has been on the market for about 6 weeks with another agent had not gained much interest. The owners were understandably frustrated with their current agent but also perplexed. With demand for rentalRead more

Should we fear the mortgage cliff?

There has been a lot of talk this year about the looming disaster presented by the mortgage cliff. The mortgage cliff refers to the sudden large increase in repayments mortgage holders on fixed rate loans will face when their term ends and their loans revert to variable, and the subsequent effect it will have onRead more

No grounds to stay in WA, despite National Cabinet renting guidelines

REIWA has welcomed the Cook Government’s position on retaining ‘no grounds’ evictions in WA, despite National Cabinet guidelines suggesting states look at the provision of reasonable grounds. National Cabinet last week ruled out rent freezes and caps, instead approving a guideline on renting, which it suggested the states implement. The guideline included: Reasonable grounds for evictionRead more

Bond…Security Bond…the secret agent tips to getting yours back

“Make the moving process stress-free and ensure you get your bond back sooner with our tips from trusted REIWA property managers.” Getting your security bond back at the end of a tenancy is a common concern for tenants. Our Information Services team receive multiple calls from tenants who are unsure of their rights and obligationsRead more

How a rent freeze could make the housing crisis worse

As the rental crisis bites, there are growing calls to strengthen tenants’ rights through rent freezes and caps, however experts warn these measures are likely to make the problem worse.  Renters continue to face rising rents and limited alternative homes to move into amid Australia’s rental housing emergency. The Greens and other groups are calling on governments to introduceRead more

Affordable housing reaches fresh lows amid calls to end homelessness

Rental affordability has become a critical issue nationally amid a shortage of available rental properties and slowing home building across the country. New PropTrack figures revealed that the number of affordable rental homes had fallen to five-year lows nationwide in June except for Hobart, ACT and regional Northern Territory. Affordable rental homes were measured as rental propertiesRead more

Perth’s vacancy rate rises

Perth’s vacancy rate has recorded its first increase in six months. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the vacancy rate rose to 0.9 per cent in July, affirming the Institute’s quarterly property forecast. “Perth has seen a sustained period of extremely low vacancy rates, sitting below 1 per cent for 23 out of the past 36Read more

Architectural Exploration: Federation homes

Federation homes are the first in a new REIWA series, Architectural Exploration, where we’ll discover the diverse architectural property history Perth has to offer. Federation homes, with their rich heritage and timeless elegance, hold a special place in Western Australia’s architectural history. Characterised by intricate designs and ornate details, these residences have left a lastingRead more

Cautious optimism as RBA holds interest rates for second straight month

The Reserve Bank of Australia has held interest rates steady for a second straight month, giving borrowers hope the central bank has reached the end of its tightening cycle. At its August board meeting on Tuesday the RBA kept the official cash rate at 4.1% – where it’s remained since June – as inflation continues to track lower andRead more

Home price recovery strengthens as national values return to annual growth

Australia’s property market recovery has strengthened, with new data showing national home prices rose 1.36% in the past year, regaining most of last year’s declines. National home prices rose for the seventh consecutive month in July, increasing 0.16%, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index. In three capitals — Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth — pricesRead more

Perth property market set new records in 2022-23

The 2022-23 financial year was a year of new milestones for the Perth property market. “Despite multiple interest rate rises, 2022-23 saw house prices rise with new records set for the time to sell a property, the rental vacancy rate and rent prices,” REIWA CEO Cath Hart said. “Resilience was the key theme for theRead more

The decision that could cost property sellers more than $60,000

Property owners could be short-changing themselves tens of thousands of dollars by choosing to sell their home off-market, a new report has found. But real estate agents say in some cases, listing online can add hundreds of thousands – or even millions of dollars – to the final sale price. The 2023 PropTrack Off-Market Sales PerformanceRead more

How borrowers can find a softer landing as they face the mortgage cliff

The first step to navigate looming higher mortgage payments was for borrowers to speak to their current lender, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said. “I think the key is to have a chat with the bank because banks don’t want people to default as that’s a problem for them as well,” he said. “So banksRead more

Selling in Winter? Will the rain keep the buyers away?

Traditionally the number of sales and listings fall in Winter, with Autumn and Spring the busy periods. So, if you’re thinking of selling now does this mean you should hold off until Spring? Not at all! Don’t let the cold and wet weather deter you, Winter can be a great time to sell. Here’s why.Read more

Buyers making a comeback but sellers still nervous

Higher rates, amid rapid growth in the cost of living, triggered a collapse in consumer sentiment which flowed through to a significant slowdown in the demand to buy real estate. This saw home prices fall as demand cooled and eight consecutive rate rises slashed the amount buyers could borrow. This year, conditions have shifted again.Read more

House prices and rents to grow further in 2023: REIWA market forecast update

House prices are still on track to achieve low to moderate growth in 2023, while unit prices will remain relatively stable, according to REIWA’s 2023 property market quarterly update. Rents are also expected to rise further. “Perth’s annual median house price has increased 1.5 per cent to $552,000 since the end of 2022,” REIWA CEORead more

Records tumbled in June

It took a median of 10 days to sell a property in June, the fastest time on record, according to www.reiwa.com data. “Demand remains strong and properties continue to sell incredibly quickly,” REIWA President Joe White said. “Demand is being fuelled by population growth, along with more people turning to the established homes market due to theRead more

Reserve Bank leaves interest rates on hold, but for how long?

Experts have warned the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold on Tuesday was not a sign future hikes were not on the horizon, but it has paved the way for buyer confidence to strengthen. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Hayden Groves said the pause will give the property market a shot in theRead more

Is there a shortage of homes for sale?

With active listings in Perth dropping below 5,500 this week, there are concerns we’re facing a shortage of homes for sale. But is it a major shortage of properties coming to market, or is it the high demand and speed at which buyers are snapping them up that’s driven active listings to the lowest levelsRead more

7 questions to ask before buying house and land

Building a new home is exciting, but it’s a big job requiring important decisions to be made. That’s why doing some research before starting the process can go a long way. Here are some essential things to ask yourself before embarking on the journey. 1. Should you buy a house and land package? When itRead more

Homes are not being built where people want to live

Current challenges for developers and planning rules are key impediments for growing our cities in these locations. But there is also significant well-located spare housing, that policy changes could unlock. There is a focus on building more homes, but we also need to prioritise putting them in the right places As rents and mortgage costsRead more

State Government increases assistance for renters

REIWA CEO Cath Hart has welcomed the State Government’s move to ease financial pressure on tenants by increasing the income and asset limits for the Bond Assistance Loan Scheme. The Department of Communities offers up to four weeks rent as bond assistance and two weeks rent in advance as an interest-free loan to help eligibleRead more

Is winter the hot time to sell this year?

Over the first five months of 2023, national property prices increased by 1.5%. Aside from Darwin, all capital cities saw prices rise in May, with Adelaide and Perth sitting at peaks. By comparison, national home prices were 2.4% lower over the 2022 calendar year. Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin recorded growth but falls occurred in allRead more

Prepare for the mortgage cliff

Hundreds of thousands of home owners will feel the full effect of 12 interest rate rises when their mortgages switch from fixed to variable rates in the coming months. It will mean a significant adjustment to many household budgets and will tip some borrowers into financial hardship. If you are worried about a looming mortgageRead more

Interest rates have risen again, here’s what they’re likely to do next

Angus Raine, Raine & Horne executive chairman, said the potential impact of the Reserve Bank’s decision was concerning for homeowners struggling to manage rising mortgage and energy expenses. He said the RBA has indicated there could be a need for further actions to tighten monetary policy in order to achieve its inflation target of 2-3%Read more

Listings plunge as homes sell in record time

The number of properties available for sale in Perth fell to 5,885 at the end of May. This is 8.8 per cent lower than April and 29.3 per cent lower than 12 months ago. The last time levels were this low was mid-2010. “Despite 11 interest rate rises, demand hasn’t slowed,” REIWA CEO Cath HartRead more

REIWA welcomes rental reforms amid housing supply shortage

REIWA CEO Cath Hart today welcomed the McGowan Government’s announcement of rental reforms, saying they struck the right balance. “In assessing housing policy, the big question is whether it will increase the number of homes that can be built, bought or rented,” Ms Hart said. “While recent State Budget initiatives focussed on supply, we alsoRead more

FAQs – WA Rental Reforms

With the announcement of reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 last week, there are plenty of questions about what the reforms will mean in practice, how they will be implemented, and when. We have compiled a summary of the reforms and the most Frequently Asked Questions coming from members of the community, as weRead more

Property investors: The ATO has a new weapon and it has you in its sights

The end of the financial year is just around the corner and the Australian Tax Office has got its eye on property investors. According to ATO research, property investors as a whole paid about $1.3 billion less than they should have in the 2019-20 financial year. An ATO review also showed 9 in 10 investmentRead more

Former public housing resident with three homes reveals big mistake buyers make

A former social housing resident and high school failure has defied the odds to build a property portfolio worth $1.8m. Kev Tran, 32, grew up in western Sydney’s Liverpool area after his Vietnamese parents immigrated to Australia in the 1980s. Mr Tran said he worked minimum wage jobs after leaving school, but is now a father andRead more

Market wrap for Perth City- April 2023 quarter

Perth house prices increased over the March quarter to an all-time high. In fact, Perth and Adelaide are the only capital cities currently at a record high. That said, the upswing continues to lose steam as quarterly house price growth more than halved compared to the previous quarter, reducing the annual increase to a two-and-a-half-yearRead more

REIWA welcomes Government boost to housing supply in 2023-24 budget

REIWA CEO Cath Hart has welcomed the McGowan Government’s measures to address housing supply in the 2023-24 budget. “The big question in assessing housing policy in this market is whether it will increase the amount of homes that can be built, bought or rented, and the Budget announcements tick those boxes,” Ms Hart said. “The Government hasRead more

The Blame Game

This week I came across a story that was covered on multiple major news platforms where a Sydney renter takes her TikTok followers on a tour of the studio apartment, she pays $500 a week for. This apartment, according to all the headlines was sparking outrage! I saw another story about a Melbourne CBD apartmentRead more

Federal budget 2023: ‘More work to be done’ to solve supply crisis, experts say

Federal budget measures to reduce cost of living pressures for Australian households and more rent assistance funding have been welcomed by industry groups, but many believe more should be done to address the nation’s housing supply crisis. The budget has delivered its largest increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance in more than three decades, by increasingRead more

Home Guarantee Scheme expands to help more Australians buy a home

The Federal Government has announced a significant expansion to its Home Guarantee Scheme, with the aim of helping more people achieve home ownership sooner. Typically potential homeowners need a 20 per cent deposit to secure a home loan. While you can buy a home with lower deposit, you will have to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)Read more

WA will weather latest interest rate rise: REIWA

REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the WA property market would weather this week’s interest rate rise. “The market has proven to be extremely resilient in the face of the 10 previous rises, and we expect it will adjust to this one as well,” she said. “We haven’t seen the significant price drops experienced in eastRead more

Houses and units: a tale of two markets

Houses and units: a tale of two markets Perth’s house market is on the rise, with the median price increasing 3.2 per cent in the year to April. “The preliminary median house price for April is sitting at $547,000, which is $500 below the current figure for March, but www.reiwa.com sales data suggests this will increase asRead more

Don’t become a victim: avoid rental scams with these tips

Scammers are continuing to target tenants desperately seeking a rental property in today’s tight market. They are luring tenants in by advertising properties for rent on platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace or responding to tenants’ own pleas on these sites to find a home. They usually claim to have a property available, send picturesRead more

5 key questions for the housing market in 2023

The first quarter of 2023 has played out largely as expected when it comes to residential property – with one notable exception. At the start of the year, we forecast that national property prices would fall 7% to 10%, but it appears the direction of the market would now have to change significantly in theRead more

How to Commemorate ANZAC Day

ANZAC Sunset Service When: Mon, 24th April 5pm – 5.30pm Where: State War Memorial Precinct at Kings Park Conducted around the Flame of Remembrance and will offer an intimate service focusing on contemporary conflicts around the world. State War Memorial Dawn Service When: Tues, 25 April 5.50am – 7.00am Where: The State War Memorial inRead more

Property prices to hold firm, rent prices to increase: REIWA market forecast update

REIWA’s 2023 property market quarterly update estimates Perth house prices will remain steady in the first half of 2023, while rent prices will continue to increase. “Perth’s median house price increased marginally in the first quarter of the year, rising 0.9 per cent from $540,000 at the end of 2022 to $545,000 at the endRead more

Market wrap for Perth City

March 2023 quarter Perth’s rental market remains firmly locked in favour of landlords. The mismatch of high demand and low supply keeps the vacancy rate close to a historic low, creating challenging conditions for tenants. Units are experiencing an acceleration in rental growth, reaching a record high for the first time since 2013. Investors areRead more

Stylist Tips: Autumn Style

As the temperature starts to fall and balmy summer days fade into the distance, it’s the perfect time to consider simple ways to introduce some autumn style into your home. Here are a few inspired ideas to keep things feeling bright from the Crave styling team. Colour it up Introduce some on trend colours suchRead more

Downsizing can be liberating – read our tips and make the move

So, you’ve decided to downsize, now comes the even bigger task – packing. Use these tips to make moving as stress-free as possible. Give yourself plenty of time  You have a lifetime of memories to go through, and you don’t want to rush things. Give yourself ample time to go through your belongings and decide whatRead more

Perth vacancy rate remains low, more rent rises are a certainty

Perth’s vacancy rate was 0.7 per cent in March, unchanged from February and January. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the ongoing shortage of rental properties meant more rent rises were a certainty, with many tenants facing their first increases since interest rates started to rise nearly a year ago. “There has been a lot ofRead more

Is the Australian housing market at a turning point? This is what the data says

After a peak to trough decline of just over 4%, home prices at a national level are now growing once more, with Sydney leading the rebound. The housing market started the year on a stronger footing and after nine consecutive months of declines, home prices rose in March for the third time this year. MarketRead more

Rents continue to surge as tenants desperately seek a roof over their heads

The latest PropTrack Rental Snapshot for March reveals rental prices have grown at the fastest pace since pre-pandemic, surging 11% nationally over the past year. Median rental prices are now $500 per week nationally, with capital city rents up 13% year-on-year, far outpacing regional prices, which grew by 4.5% year-on-year, the report shows. The MarchRead more

Six things to do today to boost your borrowing power by $130k

The average person could add $130,000 to their borrowing power by taking six clear steps from the comfort of their couch – and a warning, one of them involves getting stuck in with scissors. Analysis by RateCity found a single person earning the average wage of about $92,030 could potentially boost their borrowing power byRead more

Who’ll be hit hardest by 10 rate rises and counting? What the RBA’s tack means for property

Average mortgage rates have more than doubled since the Reserve Bank began its hiking cycle in May last year, but not everyone is being impacted equally. This time last year, mortgage holders were dishing out about 2.9% in interest, while this has now increased to 5.9% – and could go even higher. Some Australians are being hitRead more

Renovating to sell or rent? Agent tips to maximize your ROI

If you’re thinking about renovating to sell or rent, there are many questions to ask yourself. Where can I make the most impact and gain the highest return? Should I tackle every room or make one room the focus? Heart of the house  If there’s one room that has the highest impact, it’s the kitchenRead more

Perth’s median house price rose in December quarter: REIA

Perth was among four capital cities to record an increase in their median house prices in the December 2022 quarter, according to the latest REIA Real Estate Market Facts. Perth’s median house price rose 2.7 per cent to $550,000 over the quarter and 2.2 per cent over the year. “The Perth market showed resilience followingRead more

Housing affordability declines, but WA remains affordable to buy and rent: REIA

Interest rates are starting to bite, with housing affordability declining across the country. Despite this, WA remains one of the most affordable places to buy a home. In WA the proportions of median family income* needed to make loan repayments** rose 2.3 percentage points to 33.8 per cent in the December 2022 quarter. This isRead more

It’s over! What happens when you need to break up with your rental?

Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, you may find you need to break your lease and move out of your rental property earlier than planned. For example, you might have to relocate for work, perhaps your financial situation has changed, or you are going through a relationship breakdown. It happens, things change, but if youRead more

Downsizing? Read this first

The kids have moved out and it’s time to think about what you want in a home. Perhaps you want to travel and want a place you can lock-up and leave. You would no doubt want  to spend less time maintaining house and garden and more time enjoying yourself. There are many reasons people decide to downsize whether  financial,  to be close to  family, Read more

Short-stay restrictions are not a silver bullet to end the rental crisis

The call for restrictions on Airbnb and similar platforms regularly makes headlines as the rental shortage in WA and across the country continues. REIWA CEO Cath Hart said targeting short-stay accommodation diverted attention from the broader issue, which was that WA needed a lot more properties. “Short-stay accommodation such as Airbnb is only a relativelyRead more

How natural disasters affect the property market

Natural disasters, such as floods, fires or cyclones, do have an immediate effect on a region’s property market. Market activity naturally slows as people are unable to buy, sell or rent damaged property and the community focus is usually on dealing with the aftermath of the event. Market activity will then pick up in thoseRead more

More properties needed as rents soar to new record

As Perth’s median rent rose to a record $535 per week in February, REIWA CEO Cath Hart said WA needed 18,000 – 20,000 new rental properties to return to a balanced market. “Perth’s vacancy rate is currently at 0.7 per cent, during a balanced market it usually sat between 2.5 and 3.5 per cent,” Ms HartRead more

Paragon Property Wins RateMyAgent’s 2023 North Perth Agency of the Year Award

RateMyAgent – Australia’s number one reviews, ratings and rankings website for real estate agents – has announced Paragon Property as the winner of its 2023 North Perth Agency of the Year Award.   The nineth annual awards held at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom – and MC’d by New Zealander, comedian, actress, and scriptwriter Melanie Bracewell –Read more

Experts give their verdict on prices and interest rates

The overwhelming consensus is the Reserve Bank is likely nearing the end of its tightening cycle and that mid-term supply and demand fundamentals remain imbalanced. While buyer demand is softer of late, the number of Australians looking to buy a home remains elevated. And despite a fall in the number of new for-sale listings, the supply of dwellingsRead more

Three As to drive WA property market: REIWA CEO Cath Hart

Affordability, appetite and low availability would drive the relative resilience of WA’s property market over the next year, according to REIWA CEO Cath Hart. “WA remains one of the most affordable markets in the country, our median house price of $540,000 is nearly half that of Sydney’s,” Ms Hart said at the annual API REIWARead more

WA property market well placed to absorb rising interest rates

The latest interest rate rise will have a more moderate impact on the WA property market than other states because of the strong local market fundamentals, according to REIWA CEO Cath Hart. The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate by 0.25 basis points to 3.35 per cent on Tuesday. That sees an increaseRead more

Perth market holds firm in January

The Perth property market continues to hold steady in the face of the eight consecutive interest rate increases in 2022. “Our market remains resilient and stable, particularly when compared to the east coast,” REIWA CEO Cath Hart said. “While other capitals saw values jump dramatically during the pandemic, the COVID effect was much more subduedRead more

Eva’s French Crepe Recipe

Eva, one of our amazing Property Managers shared her famous French crepe recipe for you to try at home! Originally from France, Eva completed her property studies and then went on to specialise in Property Management there for the next three years. During her free time she enjoys dance courses, cooking French dishes (of course!), socialisingRead more

Leasing 1:01

Last week our amazing leasing agent took some much-deserved time off. While Vicky was at home with her feet up binge-watching Dr Phil, yours truly put his hand up to cover her role. If you are not in the industry there is every chance that you are not aware of the key role a leasingRead more

Population growth good news for WA property market

Western Australia’s population grew in the June 2022 quarter, up 0.4 per cent on the March quarter and 1.3 per cent higher than the same time last year, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. WA recorded growth in both interstate migration and overseas migration over the year. Both New SouthRead more

Moderate property price growth expected in 2023

Western Australia’s strong property market conditions are expected to continue, with REIWA’s 2023 outlook estimating Perth house prices will show moderate growth of between 2 and 5 per cent in the next 12 months. “Perth’s median house price rose 2.86 per cent to $540,000 in 2022, up from $525,000 in 2021 – this was despiteRead more

When is the right time to sell?

The decision to sell your home can be life-changing and when you are considering when the right time might be, you can sometimes get caught up in the hype of when it might be a good time to test the market. Largely, the real estate market can be seasonal in the demand for property. SpringRead more

This may not be the place…

This week we had the unfortunate experience of having to tell several people that they had fallen victim to a scam. Photos from one of our rental properties were downloaded from the internet and used by someone on Facebook Marketplace to advertise a property that they didn’t own. Some of the victims had even paidRead more

4 Mistakes to avoid when selling your home

When it comes to selling your home, there are a few things that you should consider before deciding to sell and then testing the market to see if it will achieve your goal sale price. Avoiding little mistakes along the way can reduce stress and maximise the outcome. 1. Avoid overcapitalising on improvements It mayRead more

Four tips for preparing your house for sale this spring selling season

With winter almost over and spring on the horizon, many West Australians choose this time of year to list their property for sale.

Rental offers. Yay or Nay ?

I have noticed a growing trend amongst some agencies to list their rental properties asking for offers over a certain price or offers…

Why a property won’t sell

When property markets are influenced by external factors or changes in economic conditions, there can be fluctuations…

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 21 August

Sales activity increased 16.8 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 926 transactions. Over the week, house sales increased 17 per cent, unit sales increased 5.8 per cent and vacant land sales increased 41.5 per cent. Properties for sale There were 8,479 properties for sale in Perth at the end of last week, which is 0.9Read more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 14 August 2022

Sales activity decreased 9.9 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 801 transactions. Over the week, house sales decreased 8.8 per cent, unit sales decreased 3.2 per cent and vacant land sales decreased 36.9 per cent. Properties for sale There were 8,560 properties for sale in Perth at the end of last week, which isRead more

They Say Change is Coming

Back in 2019 Consumer protection WA started the “Your house My home” initiative and asked renters to have their say in the review of residential tenancy laws. It has been over ten years since this legislation has been reviewed and with the cost of housing increasing and more people staying in rental accommodation for longer, theyRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 26 June 2022

Sales activity increased 3.2 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 899 transactions. This can be attributed to a 1.5 per cent decrease in house sales, a 16.5 per cent increase in unit sales and a 22.2 per cent increase in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,599 properties forRead more

Perth’s 20 fastest-selling suburbs in 2021-22 financial year revealed

Heathridge, Inglewood, Kingsley and Woodvale were among the 20 fastest-selling suburbs in Perth during the 2021-22 financial year, each recording a median selling time of just seven days. REIWA President Damian Collins said market conditions across Perth were strong, which was reflected in the very fast median selling times recorded by these 20 suburbs. “EveryRead more

5 reasons to hire a property manager

If you own one or even more investment properties, there are benefits to employing a qualified property manager to take care of your assets and who will ensure that the essential areas are taken care of. A good property manager will take the potential stress away from you when it comes to management of theRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 19 June 2022

Sales activity increased 2.2 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 879 transactions. This can be attributed to a 6.7 per cent increase in house sales, a 0.6 per cent increase in unit sales and a 30 per cent decrease in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,532 properties forRead more

5 maintenance items to tackle during winter

The return of the cooler months can be a time where it is tempting to hibernate and let those maintenance items go around your home until the spring warmth is back. Keeping on top of home maintenance in the winter months will ensure that it doesn’t get too far behind. Check walls and ceilings forRead more

WA still one of the most affordable places in the country to buy or rent

Western Australia is the second most affordable place in the country for housing and rentals, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) latest Housing Affordability Report. The report determines affordability based on what proportion of the median weekly family income is required to service loan repayments and pay rent in the respective state orRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 29 May 2022

Sales activity increased 11.4 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 959 transactions. This can be attributed to a 10.8 per cent increase in house sales and a 12 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Unit sales decreased 1.8 per cent during the week. Properties for sale There were 8,521 properties for sale inRead more

My property isn’t renting…help!

I was contacted this week by an owner seeking advice as her property had been on the market for a few weeks with little interest. She was starting to have some concerns about whether her agent was doing all they could to secure new tenants. Said Landlord explained that her property was worth $600 perRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 22 May 2022

Sales activity decreased 2.6 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 875 transactions. This can be attributed to a three per cent increase in house sales, a five per cent decrease in unit sales, and a 12 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,431 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

5 Tips for moving home in winter

The winter months can sometimes be unpredictable when it comes to the weather. Rather than it dampening your moving plans, take some steps to ensure that your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Check the weather app Rain has the potential to cause havoc on your moving plans so being prepared for anyRead more

How will tax depreciation help with my investment property

Tax depreciation is often overlooked in investment property ownership and arranging a schedule or estimate if your property is eligible before 30 June can help you to maximise the potential tax returns. A tax depreciation schedule can be organised through a quantity surveyor who will inspect your rental property and report back on the depreciableRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 15 May 2022

Sales activity decreased 3.6 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 911 transactions. This can be attributed to a two per cent increase in house sales, an 11 per cent decrease in unit sales and a 32.9 per cent decline in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,294 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

WA Budget measures to promote housing supply

REIWA welcomes the housing supply and affordability measures outlined by Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan in today’s 2022-23 WA Budget announcement. The 2022-23 WA Budget revealed a budget surplus of $5.7 billion for this financial year, and a surplus of $1.6 billion for next year. REIWA President Damian Collins said the positive outlook for theRead more

How to present your property for winter warming sales

Winter is an ideal season for selling your home. For one, there are typically fewer listings than in the warmer months, coupled with the same numbers of potential buyers. Secondly, home buyers know you mean business when selling your property in winter. Without the benefit of blooming spring gardens and inviting summer breezes, the uniqueRead more

Your guide to getting that rental

Top tips for renter success Making sure your essential documentation is in place is an ideal start. You will need primary forms of identification, which have a photo ID when applying. These include a valid driver’s licence, passport and a Keypass or other official proof of age. You may also be required to produce secondaryRead more

REIA urges calm on interest rate rise: stick to the plan

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) is urging calm with a rate rise to 0.35 per cent, which is anticipated to have a moderate impact on housing affordability Australia-wide. REIA President Hayden Groves said the cash rate increase would have modest impacts on affordability with banks and mortgage holders well prepared. “Wages are expectedRead more

The benefits of buying into apartment living

It’s fair to say that the national housing market is steadily peaking this year, hot on the heels of unprecedented price hikes in 2021. But 2022 is signalling a turnaround in the unit rental markets and unit price growth could outperform that of houses, according to the SQM Housing Boom and Bust Report 2022. “WithRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 24 April 2022

Sales activity decreased 10 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 788 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 16 per cent fall in house sales, an 18 per cent rise in unit sales, and a no change in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,022 properties for saleRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 17 April 2022

Sales activity decreased 10 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 883 transactions. This can be attributed to a three per cent fall in house sales, a 30 per cent fall in unit sales, and a 24 per cent fall in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 7,769 properties forRead more

How to Attract Great Tenants

If you have been an owner of an investment property for any period of time, then you will understand that good long-term tenants are worth their weight in gold! Good tenants do more than just pay rent on time, they care for your property like it was their own and give you great peace ofRead more

Preparing your home for the big chill

With the weather still comfortable and families enjoying the great outdoors in most states, now is the time to prepare your home for the approaching winter. A little planning and preventative maintenance go a long way towards cleaning and sprucing up your home and garden in readiness for the colder months ahead. The benefits ofRead more

Perth is the most affordable capital city for houses

The Perth property market has experienced strong market conditions since the end of 2020 and there are no signs of this momentum slowing. However, even with the price growth we have experienced since the market turned, Perth remains very affordable. Perth’s median house price is the cheapest of all capital cities Last month, the RealRead more

Federal Budget 2022-23: What does it mean for real estate?

On Tuesday evening, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the 2022-23 Federal Budget, which the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has labelled a ‘budget for the times’. While REIA welcomed the measures in the budget, saying they will help constrain runaway inflation, provide the right signal for interest rates and assist challenges to housingRead more

Why get an agent to manage your investment property

Making sure your investment property is properly managed and protected is paramount to the investor. Appreciation and profitability go hand in hand towards ensuring that your investment enhances wealth creation and provides security for this generation and the next. It is important to compare and contrast the most desirable qualities of property management. This isRead more

Interior decorating trends for autumn

As autumn weaves its magic in our gardens, there are several home decor trends that are also set to flourish in this season of regeneration. A large part of successful interior styling is the ability to adapt to the changing seasons and — with its implied comfort factor and colour scheme, featuring vibrant hues ofRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 20 March 2022

Sales activity increased 32 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,198 transactions. This can be attributed to a 36 per cent increase in house sales, a 19 per cent increase in unit sales and a 37 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 7,877 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

Western Australia is once again the most affordable state in the country for housing and rentals

Western Australia has retained the title of most affordable place in the country for renting and is the most affordable state in the country for housing, according to a new report by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA). REIA’s Housing Affordability Report determines affordability based on what proportion of the median weekly family income is requiredRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 13 March 2022

Sales activity decreased 18 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 913 transactions. This can be attributed to a 20 per cent decline in house sales, an eight per cent decline in unit sales and a 27 per cent decline in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 7,971 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

Steady price growth continues across Perth market in February

The Perth property market continues its steady growth trajectory, with CoreLogic reporting Perth home values increased 0.3 per cent during February. REIWA President Damian Collins said the Perth property market was on track for another solid year of price growth. “REIWA members across Perth are reporting strong market conditions. We don’t anticipate the demand forRead more

What could possibly go wrong?

Even In the shadow of this never-ending pandemic and the current threat of global conflicts, Australia’s real estate market has continued to puff away on an uphill trajectory like the little engine that could. While crypto and NFTs (still not too sure what those are) may be the current investment fad of the day, thereRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 27 February 2022

Sales activity decreased one per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,094 transactions. This can be attributed to a 26 per cent decline in vacant land sales. There was no change to house sales during the week and unit sales increased five per cent. Properties for sale There were 7,913 properties forRead more

What to consider when subdividing

If the subdivision of land is in your investment plan, there are many rules, regulations and financial options/variables to consider. Bear in mind that subdivision compliance, processes and costs vary on a state by state and regional basis. Check with your local council and construction company/developer before taking the leap. Subdivision scenarios  Initially, creating aRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 20 February 2022

Sales activity increased five per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,123 transactions. This can be attributed to a 17 per cent increase in vacant land sales, a 14 increase in unit sales and a two per cent increase in house sales. Properties for sale There were 7,903 properties for sale in Perth at the endRead more

Baby boomers drive demand in retirement sector

Widely perceived as industry agitators, baby boomers have the financial means and impetus to “disrupt” the real estate sector. The boomers are shunning rationed care in favour of creating the retirement lifestyle of their dreams. Research indicates that baby boomers present a massive demographic shift — with this next generation being the wealthiest and mostRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 13 February 2022

Sales activity decreased six per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,080 transactions. This can be attributed to a 17 per cent decline in unit sales and a 35 per cent decline in vacant land sales. House sales figures were unchanged. Properties for sale There were 7,982 properties for sale in Perth at the end ofRead more

What you need to know before privately managing your property.

I have met investors over the years that have managed their own properties without issue. This is great, but the thing that has always perplexed me though is why they would bother to do it themselves at all. Having spent years in property management in Melbourne and Perth I know firsthand the work that is involved inRead more

6 Lessons from Scandinavian Design for Interiors

It is fascinating to think how Scandinavia – such a small geographic region – has had such a strong influence on design, starting in the middle of the 20th century and continuing into the present day, globally. Scandinavian design is known for combining simplicity, craftsmanship, elegant functionality and quality materials. Sophistication is present in its details and itsRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 6 February 2022

Sales activity increased 18 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,160 transactions. This can be attributed to a 16 per cent increase in house sales, a 17 per cent increase in unit sales and a 33 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 7,975 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

Perth home values record biggest monthly growth rate since May

CoreLogic’s Perth home value index increased 0.6 per cent during January, the highest monthly increase since May 2021. REIWA President Damian Collins said this was a strong start to the year, especially given activity is typically lower in January following the festive season. “Demand has been strong in the first month of the year. IfRead more

Here are my top tops tips for tenants to stand out in a crowded rental market.

If you are in the market for a rental property, then you will understand the market in Perth is extremely tough for tenants right now. This week we had a record of 95 people registering to inspect a single property! With so many tenants competing for so few properties, people are missing out and becoming increasingly frustratedRead more

Renovation boom drives huge tradie demand amid shortage

Tradies are in high demand and short supply as Australians spending more time at home during the pandemic drive a renovation boom. Australians have been spending record amounts on renovations, with PropTrack senior economist Eleanor Creagh saying COVID has driven an ongoing reassessment of lifestyle wants and housing needs. “Home renovations have boomed nationwide asRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 23 January 2022

Sales activity increased 19 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 997 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 21 per cent increase in house sales and a 20 per cent increase in unit sales. Vacant land sales decline 10 per cent during the week. Properties for sale There were 8,256 properties for saleRead more

These are the top interior design trends for 2022

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a trend is, “a general direction in which something is developing or changing.” More than ever in the world of interiors, we are looking at interior design trends for 2022 in this sense, rather than simply as, “a fashion.” Like it or not, the past twelve to eighteen months haveRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 16 January 2022

Sales activity continued to rebound in Perth following the holiday season slowdown, REIWA members reporting 853 transactions, which is a 45 per cent increase on last week. This increase can be attributed to a 48 per cent increase in house sales, a 34 per cent increase in unit sales and a 47 per cent increaseRead more

WA border reopening to give Perth real estate market another boost

Prices to rise further when border falls Western Australia’s border reopening will set the stage for another year of solid growth in house prices in 2022. The Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) predicts house prices will jump 10 per cent this year as the state finally lowers the drawbridge to interstate and overseas migrants on FebruaryRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 9 January 2022

Sales activity has begun to rebound in Perth following the holiday season slowdown, with REIWA members reporting 594 transactions, which is a 124 per cent increase on last week. This increase can be attributed to a 123 per cent increase in house sales, a 210 per cent increase in unit sales and a 38 per cent increaseRead more

Perth property: House prices, rent set for more growth in 2022

After a bullish 2021, Perth house prices and rents are expected to skyrocket again in 2022. According to REIWA, Perth house prices will rise a further 10 per cent next year, following 14 percent growth in the past year. REIWA President Damian Collins said the market was firmly in recovery. “Despite the strong price growthRead more

Perth home values increased 13 per cent in 2021

2021 was a big year for the Perth property market, with CoreLogic’s latest data showing Perth home values increased 13.1 per cent during the calendar year. REIWA President Damian Collins said the increase in the CoreLogic hedonic home value index over the last 12 months was good news for Perth property owners. “2021 saw aRead more

Perth house prices expected to increase 10 per cent in 2022

Western Australia’s strong property market conditions are expected to continue, with REIWA’s 2022 outlook estimating Perth house prices will rise a further 10 per cent next year. REIWA President Damian Collins said the WA property market was firmly in recovery, with the Institute forecasting Perth house prices to increase by 10 per cent in 2022,Read more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 19 December 2021

Sales activity increased one per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,008 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 36 per cent increase in vacant land sales, however house sales declined one per cent and unit sales were unchanged. Properties for sale There were 9,007 properties for sale in Perth at the end of lastRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 12 December 2021

Sales activity decreased four per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,007 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 47 per cent decline in vacant land sales. House sales were unchanged over the week and unit sales recorded a two per cent increase. Properties for sale There were 9,286 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

Top 4 Tips for Selecting a Quality Property Management Agency

I have said before that when investors are making enquiries about property management services, the first thing they usually want to speak about are fees. I believe this is because there is an unfortunate misconception that all property management agencies are the same and so they look at the cost as the deciding factor when appointing aRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 5 December 2021

Sales activity increased four per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,060 transactions. This stability can be attributed to a four per cent increase in house sales and an 18 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Unit sales declined two per cent during the week. Properties for sale There were 9,348 properties for saleRead more

North Perth December 2021 Update

There has been a lot to digest in the property market over the last month, with national commentators and economists all having their own views on what might happen in the future. One thing that the Reserve Bank of Australia has been very strong on recently is that we won’t see dramatic variable interest rateRead more

Sales activity increases nine per cent in Perth in November

Sales activity increased nine per cent in Perth during November 2021, with reiwa.com reported sales data showing the average weekly sales figure was 1,048 during the month, which is 24 per cent higher than November 2020. REIWA President Damian Collins said the spring selling season had turned up a notch, with November marking the fourthRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 28 November 2021

Sales activity was stable in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,033 transactions. This stability can be attributed to a one per cent increase in house sales, an 11 per cent decline in unit sales and an 11 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 9,280 properties for sale in Perth at theRead more

Why Perth Is An Ideal Market For Investors Expanding Their Portfolios

Perth is shaping up to be a bright spot for property investors who would like to expand their portfolios. Momentum Wealth finance team leader Caylum Merrick said recent market indicators are pointing to a strong outlook for Perth. “With Perth property values recording sustained growth over the past 12 months, many owners have benefitted fromRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 21 November 2021

Sales activity decreased 0.9 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,047 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 1.8 per cent decline in house sales and a 5.1 per cent decrease in vacant land sales, however, unit sales increased 4.5 per cent. Properties for sale There were 9,214 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

Perth property predicted to spike once borders open

Perth’s impressive property affordability rates and elusiveness from the pandemic has made it more appealing than ever to make the switch from the east coast to the west. Many Perth real estate agents, such as Realmark Coastal Sales Associate Karen Riches, are receiving constant interest from buyers based in the eastern states to buy propertiesRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 14 November 2021

Sales activity decreased two per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,067 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a five per cent decline in house sales. However, unit sales were stable and vacant land sales increased 46 per cent. Properties for sale There were 9,067 properties for sale in Perth at the end of lastRead more

Will I get my bond back?

Will I get my bond back? Well, the short answer is yes… So, you can relax.   When I meet people and I tell them that I work in property, it’s amusing how many people then want to ask me questions about getting their bond back. I also often get panicked calls from friends orRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 7 November 2021

Sales activity decreased one per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,097 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a four per cent increase in house sales, an eight per cent rise in unit sales, and a 51 per cent fall in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,863 propertiesRead more

Listings for sale increase in 119 suburbs during October

Perth’s spring selling season is underway, with 119 suburbs recording an increase in listings for sale during October. REIWA President Damian Collins said spring traditionally saw more sellers come to market, ready to take advantage of increased buyer activity following the winter slowdown. “Spring 2021 has so far continued the trend we’re used to seeingRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 31 October 2021

Sales activity increased 11 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,114 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a seven per cent increase in house sales and a 116 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Unit sales were unchanged. Properties for sale There were 8,678 properties for sale in Perth at the end ofRead more

All price sectors joining in on Perth market recovery

CoreLogic has released its revised Perth home value index which shows that in the 12 months to September 2021 Perth house prices grew 18.1 per cent. The revised figure follows the recent CoreLogic announcement that there had been a divergence in the reporting of its hedonic index, which caused the Perth home value index (whichRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 24 October 2021

Sales activity was stable in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,010 transactions. This stability can be attributed to a one per cent increase in house sales, a five per cent increase in unit sales and a 27 per cent decline in land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,695 properties for sale in Perth at the endRead more

Perth home values surge by more than 18 per cent in past year

Perth house prices have surged more than 18 per cent in the past year, and even more in regional WA, according to revised property data by CoreLogic. The property data company’s September Home Value Index shows a staggering 18.1 per cent increase in home values in Perth over the past year. That is broken down toRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 17 October 2021

Sales activity was stable in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,017 transactions. This stability can be attributed to an eight per cent increase in house sales, a five per cent decline in unit sales and a 37 per cent decline in land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,550 properties for sale in Perth at the endRead more

The 19 Perth suburbs where unit prices are growing faster than house prices

Unit price growth is outperforming house price growth in 19 Perth suburbs, with Joondalup, Maylands and Rockingham the top three suburbs where unit price growth is stronger than house price growth. REIWA President Damian Collins said it is pleasing to see units in these suburbs benefiting from the strong buyer demand and joining in onRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 10 October 2021

Sales activity increased 25 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,024 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 21 per cent increase in house sales, a 25 per cent increase in unit sales and a 67 per cent increase in land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,445 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

Perth house prices soar 18 per cent in last 12 months

Perth price growth has accelerated over the last year, with CoreLogic data confirming the Perth home value index has increased 18.1 per cent in the last 12 months. This comes after CoreLogic revealed a divergence in its hedonic index* which had undervalued the Perth home value index by 8.4 per cent. This correction has pushedRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 3 October 2021

Sales activity decreased 22 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 828 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 20 per cent decline in house sales, a 16 per cent decrease in unit sales and a 44 per cent decrease in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,360 properties for sale inRead more

5 of our best eco-friendly speed clean ideas

The family is coming over – you’re stressed, you’ve been busy cooking lunch and taking care of the kids, and you only have a moment to tidy up. Where do you start? A lot of folks fear entertaining because it can snowball into quite the responsibility. Cleaning the house, feeding everyone, making sure the dogsRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 26 September 2021

Sales activity increased 19 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,074 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 10 per cent increase in house sales, a 32 per cent increase in unit sales and an 80 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,373 properties for sale inRead more

Perth’s inner-city suburbs are a bargain compared to Sydney and Melbourne

Perth remains one of the most affordable places in the country to buy a house, which is especially evident when comparing the most affordable suburbs within 10 kilometres of the Perth CBD to the equivalent suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne. CoreLogic data shows the ‘cheapest’ suburb within 10 kilometres of the CBD in Melbourne isRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 19 September 2021

Sales activity increased one per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 911 transactions. This increase can be attributed to an eight per cent rise in house sales, however unit and land sales fell by 11 per cent and 19 per cent respectively. Properties for sale There were 8,537 properties for sale in Perth at the endRead more

More than 60 Perth suburbs record median price growth in August

New reiwa.com data shows 62 Perth suburbs recorded median house sale price growth during August. The Perth property market is usually quite subdued during winter, so it’s impressive that so many Perth suburbs still recorded median house sale price growth. Cooloongup was the top performer Cooloongup recorded the strongest growth during the month, with its median house sale price increasing 4.5 perRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 12 September 2021

Sales activity decreased seven per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 902 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 10 per cent decline in house sales, however unit sales were up three per cent and vacant land sales were up five per cent. Properties for sale There were 8,509 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

WA remains cheapest state for housing and rentals

Western Australia is once again the most affordable state in Australia for housing and rentals, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s Housing Affordability Report. Residential sales market Although overall affordability declined in WA during the June 2021 quarter, WA remains the most affordable state in the country for housing, with only the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory more affordable. The Housing Affordability Report showsRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 5 September 2021

Sales activity increased six per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 978 transactions. This increase can be attributed to an 11 per cent increase in house and unit sales and a four per cent increase in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,337 properties for sale in Perth at the end of last week,Read more

Perth home open numbers rise as spring selling season nears

House hunters are out in force in Perth’s property market as the spring market rush looms – and the number of buyers is already outstripping sellers. New data from Domain has found attendance numbers at open homes in the statistical area (SA4) of inner Perth have risen 30 per cent over four weeks. And in theRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 29 August 2021

Sales activity increased eight per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 931 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a three per cent increase in house, a 23 per cent increase in unit sales and an 18 per cent increase in vacant land sales. acant land sales declined 19 per cent during the week.Read more

Perth’s current property growth tracking almost twice as high as previous cycle

The Perth market recovery is tracking at an average growth rate of 0.9 per cent per month, which is almost double the average growth rate recorded during the 2011-14 growth cycle of 0.5 per cent. REIWA President Damian Collins said Perth’s last growth cycle lasted 30 months and resulted in 15 per cent price growth.Read more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 22 August 2021

Sales activity increased two per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 869 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a four per cent increase in house and unit sales. Vacant land sales declined 19 per cent during the week. Properties for sale There were 8,511 properties for sale in Perth at the end of last week,Read more

First home buyers driving WA market recovery as HBAA grants exceed $6 million in 2020-21 financial year

First home buyers are driving the Western Australian market recovery, with data released from the WA Government revealing a near record $6 million dollars in Home Buyers Assistance Account (HBAA) grants was paid out last financial year. REIWA President Damian Collins said it was very pleasing to see that the WA Government had helped moreRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 15 August 2021

Sales activity increased three per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 860 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a four per cent increase in house sales and an eight per cent rise in vacant land sales. Unit sales declined four per cent during the week. Properties for sale There were 8,459 properties for saleRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 8 August 2021

Sales activity decreased 11 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 841 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 10 per cent fall in house sales, an eight per cent fall in unit sales, and an 18 per cent fall in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,363 propertiesRead more

First home buyers driving WA market recovery as HBAA grants exceed $6 million in 2020-21 financial year

First home buyers are driving the Western Australian market recovery, with data released from the WA Government revealing a near record $6 million dollars in Home Buyers Assistance Account (HBAA) grants was paid out last financial year. REIWA President Damian Collins said it was very pleasing to see that the WA Government had helped moreRead more

Perth buyers soak up listings despite wet conditions in July

Perth’s wettest July in many years hasn’t dampened buyer appetite, with reiwa.com data revealing listings for sale dropped 2.3 per cent in July and are down 6.4 per cent compared to April 2021. REIWA President Damian Collins said it is pleasing that stock is being soaked up quickly, despite the very wet weather Perth hasRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 1 August 2021

Sales activity increased seven per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 947 transactions. This can be attributed to seven per cent increase in house and unit sales and a 15 per cent increase in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 8,283 properties for sale in Perth at the end of last week, which isRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 25 July 2021

Sales activity increased three per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 894 transactions. This can be attributed to 47 per cent increase in vacant land sales, while house and unit sales were unchanged over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,525 properties for sale in Perth at the end of last week, which is similarRead more

Perth is now Australia’s most affordable capital city to buy a house

For the first time in 28 years, Perth has emerged as the most affordable city in the country to buy a house, a new report has revealed. Figures from the latest Domain House Price Report, released on Thursday, show Perth house prices have grown 12.3 per cent to $595, 823 during the year to June –Read more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 18 July 2021

Sales activity increased eight per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 875 transactions. This can be attributed to seven per cent increase in house sales and a 31 per cent increase in unit sales, however vacant land sales declined by 18 per cent. Properties for sale There were 8,510 properties for sale in Perth at theRead more

Moving house – it’s a big deal!

Whether you’re a first home buyer, upsizing, downsizing or renting, moving home is a big deal. It’s considered one of life’s most stressful events. You’ve got so much to think about when it comes to packing, moving, unpacking and settling into your new home and neighbourhood. To help you keep moving home manageable, here are our top five tips! 1. Don’t need it?Read more

Perth market snapshot for the week ending 11 July 2021

Sales activity decreased 12 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 813 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a three per cent fall in house sales, a 16 per cent rise in unit sales, and a 61 per cent fall in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,558 propertiesRead more

Perth house rents surge by more than $80 a week to new record price

Perth rents are at a six-year high and have recorded the strongest annual growth of all Australian capital cities during the June quarter, according to a new report.The city’s house rents experienced their fastest rate of growth in almost 14 years, with a 21.6 per cent annual rise to $450 per week – an $80 increaseRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 4 July 2021

Sales activity increased five per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 932 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 140 per cent rise in vacant land sales during the week, despite house and unit sales declining by three per cent and 27 per cent respectively. Properties for sale There were 8,484 properties for saleRead more

Perth’s property market sizzles despite ‘winter slowdown’

Despite the typical winter slowdown, Perth reported plenty of property hotspot activity in June. While Perth’s real estate market cooled in June, industry figures are expecting a strong selling season come spring. “Although the June price growth rate is the smallest we have experienced this year, it has still been a positive year and brings theRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 20 June 2021

Sales activity increased 14 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 882 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 16 per cent rise in house sales, a five per cent rise in unit sales and an eight per cent rise in vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 9,026 properties for sale inRead more

Mid-century icons dominate WA’s most-viewed listings in 2021

Two Iwan Iwanoff architectural masterpieces and a dream beach house in Madora Bay have proven Western Australia’s most popular listings so far this year. Data compiled by realestate.com.au from January to May shows the Mid-century modern Iwanoff creation, dubbed Golovin House, attracted more clicks than any other property since January. Listed for the first time inRead more

Sales activity more than doubles in 10 Perth suburbs as first home buyer activity ramps up 105 per cent

reiwa.com settled sales data for the March 2021 quarter has revealed that 10 Perth suburbs have more than doubled their sales volumes when compared to the March 2020 quarter. REIWA President Damian Collins said the March quarter saw strong sales growth across Perth, with a 31 per cent increase when compared to the March 2020Read more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 13 June 2021

Sales activity decreased 17 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 783 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 15 per cent decline in house sales, a 14 per cent decline in unit sales and a 39 per cent decline vacant land sales. Properties for sale There were 9,016 properties for sale in Perth atRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 6 June 2021

Sales activity decreased two per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 952 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 16 per cent decline in unit sales, however house sales increased two per cent and vacant land sales increased 13 per cent. Properties for sale There were 9,054 properties for sale in Perth at the endRead more

Light at the end of the tunnel for WA rental market as investor finance levels increase 164 per cent

Investor finance in Western Australia increased 164 per cent in April 2021 compared to April 2020, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which is good news for the state’s rental market. The latest ABS statistics revealed investor lending in April 2021 was $453 million, up 164 per cent from $171 million in April 2020. This is on top of the March 2021 improvement, which saw investor finance come in at $441 million,Read more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 30 May 2021

Sales activity increased seven per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 976 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 48 per cent increase in vacant land sales and a 22 per cent increase in land sales, however house sales declined three per cent during the week. Properties for sale There were 9,212 properties forRead more

Perth home values up 10 per cent in last 10 months

The Perth residential sales market continued its growth trajectory for a tenth consecutive month in May, with the Core Logic Perth home value index increasing 1.1 per cent during the month. REIWA President Damian Collins said that brought Perth price growth to seven per cent for the first five months of the 2021 calendar yearRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 23 May 2021

Sales activity increased five per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 922 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a five per cent increase in house sales and a 21 per cent increase in vacant land sales during the week. Unit sales volumes were unchanged. Properties for sale There were 9,118 properties for sale inRead more

Perth real estate: Property prices set to soar 15 per cent this year

THE Real Estate Institute of WA has forecast 15 per cent growth for Perth property this year but some local suburbs are on track to exceed that, jumping 10 per cent or more in just four months. Bicton experienced the strongest growth, with its median house price increasing 20 per cent to $1.14 million, followedRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 16 May 2021

Sales activity decreased 14 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 889 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 13 per cent decline in house sales, a 15 per cent decline in unit sales and a 26 per cent decline in vacant land sales during the week. Properties for sale There were 9,017 propertiesRead more

The 20 Perth suburbs that have experienced price growth of 10 per cent or more in 2021

Twenty Perth suburbs have recorded median house sale price growth of 10 per cent or more in 2021. REIWA President Damian Collins said the Institute had forecast 15 per cent price growth in Perth by the end of the 2021 calendar year, but 20 suburbs had either met that figure or were on track toRead more

Market wrap for Perth City

Perth house prices have now reached the highest point in just over five years and unit prices the highest in almost three years. It is clear Perth’s housing market has moved into another price cycle, now roughly one year into a recovery following a five-year downturn. Record low home loan rates, generous government incentives, improvedRead more

Federal Budget 2021-22: What does it mean for real estate?

On Tuesday evening, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the 2021-22 Federal Budget, which revealed that Australia’s economy is forecast to grow by 4.25 per cent in 2021-22. REIA’s perspective The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) said the 2021 Federal Budget confirmed a positive outlook for buyers, sellers, investors, tenants and small business. REIA President, AdrianRead more

Perth median house price above $500,000 for first time since 2018

Perth’s median house price is above $500,000 for the first time since December 2018, according to the latest reiwa.com data. REIWA President Damian Collins said reiwa.com data showed Perth’s median house sale price had increased to $508,000 during April. “The Perth property market continued its strong recovery in April. It’s a testament to the strengthRead more

How much value will a bedroom add to a house?

Most Australian home owners understand that adding a bedroom will increase the value of their property, but by how much exactly? Cathy Morrissey, known as The Reno Chick, says while a combination of factors ultimately determines the value of a property, adding a bedroom to a house generally adds more to the potential sale price.Read more

The rise of home offices: how they can increase the value of your home

In these days of physically attending the workplace only part of the week, a great home office can add as much as 10 per cent to the value of a property. And the larger, more comfortable and luxurious the space, the greater the number of potential buyers will be attracted – and the higher theRead more

8 easiest and must-have herbs to grow at home

If you’re a cooking enthusiast or fancy yourself a bit of an at-home chef, then you’ve probably dropped some serious coin on expensive supermarket herbs in the past. With social distancing in place due to Coronavirus, now is a great time to be thinking about putting in some tasty and nutritious herbs. Not only willRead more

Historic former pub hits the market for the first time in a generation

From Guildford’s first watering hole to a school house and now a private residence, this property presents more than a significant slice of local history. Originally built in 1831, the charming property was converted to a hotel before being replaced with the current two-storey Georgian gem in 1853 – curated from handmade bricks, hand-sawn floorboards and blacksmithRead more

Unit sales up 58 per cent in Perth

Unit sales increased 58 per cent in Perth in the March 2021 quarter compared to the March 2020 quarter. REIWA President Damian Collins said early reiwa.com data for the March 2021 quarter showed growth in unit sales had exceeded growth in house sales over the last year, with house sales up 35 per cent duringRead more

The end of WA’s eviction moratorium could ease rental crisis

Property managers expect the end of Western Australia’s coronavirus eviction moratorium will help ease the drastic shortage of rental properties as investors return to the market. WA’s year-long rental moratorium on evictions and rent increases ended on Sunday, allowing landlords to raise prices and evict tenants. The WA government introduced a six-month rental moratorium inRead more

Perth properties selling the fastest they have in 15 years

The median time to sell a property in Perth in March was 17 days, the lowest it has been since 2006. REIWA President Damian Collins said properties in Perth were selling the quickest they had in 15 years and 26 days faster than they were in March 2020. “The turnaround we are witnessing in theRead more

10 suburbs to consider investing in once the moratorium ends

After a number of years of residential investors sitting on their hands and a consequential rental shortage, there is much to anticipate as we approach the end of the rental moratorium on 28 March 2021. There is strong demand for rental properties, and this combined with record low interest rates and expected gross yield growth creates theRead more

Seven ways to build an environmentally friendly home

Recently, we have been spending far more time at home, so it makes sense that people are putting more effort into building a house that is sustainable and eco-friendly. Not only is it good for personal well-being, but reducing your property’s environmental footprint is also a fantastic investment as it reduces living costs and adds value to your property. If you have plans toRead more

Addressing housing issues should be a priority for re-elected McGowan Government

REIWA calls for more to be done to address the housing issues facing the state. “WA is facing housing supply issues in the sales and rental sectors simultaneously and these problems will only worsen without long term policy initiatives to address barriers to entering the housing market,” Mr Collins, REIWA President, said. It’s time forRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 14 March 2021

Sales activity increased 10 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 1,020 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 13 per cent increase in house sales and a 17 per cent increase in unit sales. However, there was a 16 per cent decline in vacant land sales. Properties For Sale There were 8,135 propertiesRead more

6 things to consider when moving house

When it comes to moving house, most of us just want to get the job done. However, there are a few easy tweaks you can make to ensure the process goes smoothly for everyone. Be sure to consider the below points before your moving day so you can leave as little impact on the environmentRead more

5 areas you should consider upgrading before selling your home

When it comes to selling a property, there are many tricks of the trade you can employ to improve your sale price. From a lick of paint to simply mowing the lawn, find out which focus-areas and tasks will have the biggest impact for the lowest cost and understand what it is people are really looking for.Read more

Perth’s home-building boom fueled by government grants

Building a new home in Western Australia has never been more popular, with applications for government incentives reaching new highs while placing pressure on builders to construct homes within the required timeframes. In December, demand for the First Home Owners’ Grant was up 260 per cent, with more than 1600 applications received for the $10,000Read more

WA remains most affordable state in the country for housing

Western Australia remains the most affordable state in the country despite affordability declining overall, according to the latest results from the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) December 2020 quarter Housing Affordability Report. The report found although the proportion of income needed to meet loan repayments had increased in WA from 23.9 per cent to 24.8 per cent in the three months to DecemberRead more

6 common property investment mistakes and how to avoid them

Investment of any nature is never an exact science and the property market is no exception. Interest rate changes, fluctuations in supply and demand, emotional decision-making, and broader economic shocks all conspire to make things a lot harder. However, there are still some tactics property investors can use when seeking the best possible value fromRead more

How to prepare to buy when you’re not on a deadline

Some of us work best with a deadline, but it can be hard to know the right time to buy or even when the right property will come along.  Whether you’re looking and can’t seem to find the right place or you keep getting out-bid, there are a number of reasons our desire to buyRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 14 February 2021

Sales activity increased seven per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 843 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a four per cent increase in house sales and a 31 per cent increase in unit sales. However, there was an eight per cent decline in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for saleRead more

WA buyers should have stamp duty choice

In a survey conducted by REIWA, 90 per cent of respondents considered stamp duty to be a significant barrier to home ownership, which is why the Institute is calling for every political candidate to commit to a two-stream revenue collection method for stamp duty. Under a two-steam revenue collection method, home buyers would have theRead more

Sustainable Guides: Urban Worm Farms

It’s a pet that never needs to be walked and will survive purely on your food scraps. Already a head start on many other pets! Additionally, these little fellas will boost your plants’ growth while helping to reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. There comes a time when families grow to love theirRead more

Brick House by State of Kin Architects

Brick House… bought to you by a family calling themselves Curators of Form. State of Kin is not only the cool name of a Perth architectural practice. It’s also a statement of fact about most of the personnel in the collective of architects, interior designers, builders and site managers who manufacture all sorts of coolRead more

Five-day WA lockdown to have minimal impact on property market

Property analysts say Western Australia’s snap five-day lockdown is likely to have little impact on the state’s recovering real estate market with Perth showing impressive results unseen since 2013. On Sunday, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced a hard lockdown for the Perth metropolitan area and Peel and South-West regions until Friday after a hotel quarantineRead more

Perth is currently Australia’s fastest growing major market

CoreLogic data revealed that Perth’s home value index lifted 1.6 per cent in January and 3.8 per cent compared to three months ago, currently making it the fastest growing major market in Australia. REIWA President Damian Collins said reiwa.com data supported these findings, with Perth’s median house price increasing to $490,000 in January. Residential sales market “The improvement experienced in the latter half of 2020 has continued into 2021, which is pleasing to see. With the pandemic continuingRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 24 January 2021

Sales activity increased 13 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 856 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 15 per cent rise in house sales, 24 per cent rise in unit sales and 15 per cent fall in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,310 properties for saleRead more

How the WA property market compares to the other states since COVID-19

As we enter 2021 with high hopes, there are many positive signs for the Western Australian property market. Understandably, we cannot forget that there is still a global pandemic which hit us hard last year, and our economy is still dealing with what were and still are challenging times. For our property market, 2020 was a year where improvement occurred significantly in theRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 17 January 2021

Sales activity increased 10 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 763 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a nine per cent rise in house sales, 17 per cent rise in unit sales and nine per cent rise in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 8,312 properties for saleRead more

REIWA calls for real estate to be a focus in the upcoming Western Australian Election

With the WA Election fast approaching, REIWA is calling on all candidates contesting the election to commit to policy reforms that deliver a fair, sustainable and prosperous property market. REIWA President Damian Collins said throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the WA property market has proven resilient and has been a key driver for the state’s economy.Read more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 10 January 2021

Sales activity increased 201 per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 699 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 181 per cent rise in house sales, 318 per cent rise in unit sales and 211 per cent rise in vacant land sales over the week. Properties For Sale There were 8,263 properties for saleRead more

Rent relief extension to assist tenants to pay accrued debts

Relief is here for those property owners who helped tenants out whilst they were struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic by agreeing to reduce, defer or waive rent during the emergency period. An extension to the current rent relief scheme, tenants will now be able to pay their rent debt direct to property owners when the emergency tenancy lawsRead more

Five predictions for the property market in 2021

The year 2020 has been an uncertain time for the Australian property market. Despite predictions of large price falls early in the coronavirus recession, the property sector has come through the crisis in remarkably good shape. Property prices increased across the country during the pandemic and while supply is still low in most capital cities, buyerRead more

Perth sales activity up 42.5 per cent in December

December sales activity saw 3,067 transactions for the month which is an increase of 42.5 per cent when compared to the same time the year prior. Perth Residential Sales Market REIWA President Damian Collins said traditionally December experiences a reduction in the number of house sales due to buyers going away for the festive period,Read more

A More Pedestrian Friendly North Perth Common

The City of Vincent will limit car movement through North Perth Common as part of a 12-month trial aimed at reducing the amount of traffic in the community space. Early next year, a median strip on Fitzgerald Street will be closed to stop cars from making right turns into View Street from Fitzgerald Street and out ofRead more

Perth Market Snapshot for the week ending 20 December 2020

Sales activity increased five per cent in Perth last week, with REIWA members reporting 969 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a four per cent rise in house sales, 31 per cent rise in unit sales and 21 per cent fall in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 9,167 properties for saleRead more

Perth’s residential vacancy rate equals lowest level ever recorded

Reiwa.com data has revealed that Perth’s residential vacancy rate has continued to fall in November, hitting 0.8 per cent and reaching the lowest levels REIWA has seen over the past 40 years, with the previous low of 0.8 per cent reached in 2007. REIWA President Damian Collins said this is the 25th consecutive month inRead more

Renting a property in Perth is cheaper than any other capital city

You may have heard that the rental market across Western Australia has been under pressure due to the lack of supply in recent months. In November this was no different, with reiwa.com data revealing there were only 2,889 properties available for rent on reiwa.com which is 52 per cent less than November 2019 – makingRead more

West Australian Real Estate Agents the most ethical in the nation

Real estate agents in Western Australia are viewed as the most ethical in the nation according to the Governance Institute of Australia’s Ethical Index 2020 survey, a measure which has increased from 36 to 44 per cent when compared to 2019. Only one other state saw an increase in score compared to 2019, which was Victoria with a three per cent increase. The Index, whichRead more

Why WA should reform stamp duty like NSW

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Western Australia has experienced one of the strongest real estate markets out of all the states and territories, with sales price growth expected in the next 12 months. Thanks to the low interest rates, many are choosing to purchase their next home, which has contributed to this. However, there are those who would appreciate the chance to upsize or downsizeRead more

Perth properties selling at the fastest rate since 2006

Reiwa.com data has revealed properties for sale are in strong demand, with properties sold in November taking a median of only 22 days to sell, which is 17 days less than November 2019, making it the fastest time properties have sold since September 2006. Perth residential sales market REIWA President Damian Collins said the residentialRead more

Does solar increase real estate value?

Solar panels are a popular way to reduce your household expenses, but can they even add to the value of your house when it comes time to sell? Whether you’re moving to a house with solar or considering installing solar to increase your sale price, here are some basic things you should know about it. What doesRead more

Perth housing market reveals positive signs in September quarter

The Perth property market continued to show positive signs in both the rental and sales market during the September 2020 quarter. From a sales perspective, the median house sale price, sales volumes and listings for sale all recorded an increase. Perth’s sale market Median sale price Perth’s median house sale price rose 0.3 per cent to $477,000 in the September quarter, while the median unit price fell 1.1 per cent to $370,000. reiwa.com analysis shows 58 per cent ofRead more

October sales activity provides confidence to the Perth market

During October, Perth sales activity experienced growth with a 2.7 per cent increase when compared to October 2019. Top suburbs for sales activity growth According to reiwa.com data, Yanchep showed the largest increase in sales activity growth with a 133 per cent increase and the majority of the sales that occurred were land sales. This was closely followed by East Victoria Park with aRead more

Starting your own successful urban garden!

A cosy urban garden is a challenge, but a rewarding one to get right! Access, pets, play areas, solar limitations and the extra work-from-home usage for our garden spaces are all fair but sometimes contradicting considerations. If you’re thinking about training vines, greening walls or making shade with edible or ornamental plants here are aRead more

Perth dwelling value increases 0.6 per cent in October

Perth’s residential housing market has experienced growth in October, with CoreLogic’s Home Value Index increasing 0.6 per cent when compared to September and 0.9 per cent over the quarter.  REIWA President Damian Collins said in late 2019, REIWA believed that the new year would see increased market activity and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Australian property market certainly has seen this. Sales volume “When comparing October 2020 reiwa.com data to OctoberRead more

Moving for the first time?

Congratulations on your first big move! Moving home is one of life’s most stressful undertakings. Whether you’re renting or you’ve just bought your first home, here are some basic things that you should know so you can get organised before your moving day. Make a checklist The best way to ensure a smooth move and put your mind at rest is to make a plan and back itRead more

Social housing boost to ease pressure on WA rental market

A plan to create another 2600 social and affordable houses across Western Australia by 2030 will not only provide shelter and security for the state’s most vulnerable but boost rental stock, lifting the burden on WA’s rental market.  WA Housing Minister Peter Tinley said the WA Housing Strategy 2020-2030 would connect the not-for-profit housing sectorRead more

Perth houses selling 27 days quicker in September

According to the latest reiwa.com data, houses in Perth are selling 27 days faster in September compared to one year ago, taking a median of 28 days to sell rather than 55 days. REIWA President Damian Collins said it is pleasing to see the established market doing well. “While the data shows we are seeingRead more

New podcast helping to provide the latest real estate news

Talking Property Podcast With the real estate industry covering a range of different facets, it can be hard to keep informed about every aspect across both the residential and commercial sales and rental market. This is where the reiwa.com sponsored Talking Property podcast can assist in keeping you up-to-date with the latest discussions within the industry. HostedRead more

Perth market buoyed by former locals returning home amid pandemic

Aussie expats and interstate buyers are casting their gaze across the other side of the country to Western Australia, driving demand for real estate in Perth and other regions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Top-quality homes are being snapped up after their first open for inspection, agents report, as locals and those looking to return homeRead more

Perth home prices predicted to jump by 18% by 2023

Perth home prices are predicted to rise by 18 per cent over 2021 to 2023, fuelled by record low interest rates and freely available credit, according to Westpac economists after they revised their previously more bearish outlook. Brisbane house prices are expected to surge 20 per cent over the two years, while Sydney prices could climbRead more

Contemporary stunner in Margaret River shows off sustainable living at its best

Horticulturalist-artist-architect couple Britta and Michael Sorensen have long lived by their passion for eco-friendly, sustainable living – both personally and professionally. So, when they embarked on their private build at 126 Ashton Street in Margaret River, they embraced it as an opportunity to pay homage to the environment by creating a model of contemporary, sustainable architecture that stepsRead more

Third year on and Western Australia is still the most affordable state for housing

The latest Real Estate Institute of Australia’s Housing Affordability Report has revealed that Western Australia is once again the most affordable state to buy and rent in, improving 0.7 per cent compared to the June 2019 quarter.  REIWA President Damian Collins said strong demand in the rental and sales market meant affordability was likely at the bestRead more

Rental Properties Leasing Two Weeks Faster in August

In August, reiwa.com data shows it took a median of 21 days to lease a property in Greater Perth which is 13 days less than the same time last year – making it the quickest time to lease since the construction phase of the last mining boom in February 2015. Perth rental market REIWA PresidentRead more

Spring is here!

It’s Wildflower Season in Perth! From September to November 12,000 species of wildflowers blossom in Perth every year – the world’s largest collection! Take a look at our recommendations below for the best sights in and around Perth to experience the beauty of wildflowers. 1. Kings Park Located in the heart of Perth’s CBD, KingsRead more

Alan Bond’s former mansion sells for record price of $27.5m

One of Perth’s most iconic homes, built by high-profile businessman Alan Bond and his wife Eileen, has sold for $27.5 million, in what could set a property sales record for Perth this year. The spectacular riverfront mansion at 89 Watkins Road in Dalkeith is believed to have been purchased by former bodybuilder Danny Pavlovich and his wife Suzie. MrRead more

Perth’s Affordable Suburbs Showing Growth in July

Recently you may have seen that Perth’s luxury market has weathered the COVID-19 storm, with various real estate agencies reporting that their multi-million-dollar listings are attracting high interest and sales. This is great news; however we are also seeing sales activity growth in the more affordable end of the market, with eight of the top 10 suburbs, having a median house sale price under Perth’s currentRead more

Australian made robo-bricklayer lays 1000 bricks an hour

Australia’s one-armed robot bricklayer could transform the residential construction sector as we know it after building its first display home in less than four days.  Described by its Perth-based creator, Fastbrick Robotics (FBR), as a “world first”, the Hadrian X is a robotic arm that mounts onto a truck, barge or crane. It is capableRead more

Perth market snapshot for the week ending 14 June 2020

  Sales activity increased 44 per cent in Perth this week, with REIWA members reporting 844 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 25.6 per cent rise in house sales, 29.4 per cent rise in unit sales and 108 per cent rise in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 11,126 properties for sale inRead more

Perth market snapshot for the week ending 17 May 2020

Sales activity decreased one per cent in Perth this week, with REIWA members reporting 511 transactions. This decrease can be attributed to a 6.6 per cent decrease  in house sales, 60.3 per cent increase in unit sales and 18.5 per cent decrease in vacant land sales over the week. Properties for sale There were 11,603 properties for sale inRead more

How you can still buy, sell or rent during the coronavirus outbreak

With the recent announcement made by the Prime Minister which no longer allows auctions or home opens, you might be asking yourself if you can still buy/sell your home or find your next rental property, well you certainly can. Over the last few weeks, the real estate industry has quickly adapted their normal business practisesRead more

Western Australia’s property market holds strong during COVID-19

Western Australia’s property market is holding its own, seemingly unperturbed by the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the country. Amid the unprecedented impacts of coronavirus, Perth agents say it’s yet to impact the local housing market, with an influx of sales including a Dalkeith mansion that sold for $14 million last week. realestate.com.au’s chief economist, Nerida Conisbee saysRead more

Perth rent holds steady as market tightens: Domain Rental Report

Perth’s tightening rental market is bringing renewed confidence from investors as rents hold steady and yields increase, experts say. Over the past year, median house rents were still up by 2.8 per cent, and unit rents were up by 3.3 per cent. “The fact that rents are holding steady for the quarter is a signRead more

Property bounce back: Perth house prices experience first gain in 18 months

Property prices rose at a breakneck pace in November as record-low interest rates and looser lending standards fuelled demand in a sector that has gone from bust to boom since mid-year. It was the fifth straight month of gains and a potential boon for consumer spending power after a two-year downturn chipped away at householdRead more

The perfect Summer House!

This conceptualised holiday home with glass walls on every side boasts a triangular-shaped pool within an inverted roof. Pool party, anyone? The cooler months are upon us but we want nothing more than to escape to the beach for one last warm weekend, as long as that means we can stay here, in the imaginedRead more

How to get your bond back in 6 easy steps!

In a perfect world, we’d never have to move house but in reality, renters relocate around every 4.5 years on average. The time, tension and financial pressure involved in moving all our possessions from one location to another combine to make it an experience most of us would rather avoid. For renters, there’s also theRead more

How much should I spend on my house before selling?

Deciding how much to spend on a house before putting it on the market is tricky. Should sellers splash out on a fancy new kitchen to appeal to potential buyers? Or just add a lick of paint? Cosmetic updates are worth it According to one property expert, the answer is somewhere in the middle. Cathy Morrissey,Read more

A soulful sanctuary in beachside Perth

Given the opportunity to design and build from scratch, the owner of this beachside home in Perth has created the ultimate sanctuary.   Stepping into Michelle Williams’ home in beachside Perth is a peaceful experience. Inside and out, the aesthetic is a lesson in how to evoke calm and soul through the use of nature-inspired colourRead more

Perth house prices have now rebounded for two quarters!

Perth may still be struggling to recover from a multi-year downturn, however some positive signs did emerge over the final quarter of 2019. House prices have now rebounded for two quarters, with back-to-back quarterly rises not seen in six years. Values are still falling annually, but the depth of the deterioration is one-third less thanRead more

What’s happened to house and unit rents in your capital city?

  Perth asking rents remained steady in the December quarter, but the Perth rental market has tightened over the past year. House and unit rents both rose by 3 per cent over the year. Median house rents sit at $370 per week, $20 (or 6 per cent) higher than the trough reached in 2017-18. UnitRead more

New Year Brings Hope as First-Home Buyers Scheme Kicks Off

Two major banks will start offering guaranteed loans for first-home buyers under a federal government scheme from today. The move by NAB and Commonwealth Bank is one of many programs and policies starting in 2020. Under the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, first home buyers will be able to purchase a home with a depositRead more

9 Everyday Home Hacks To Minimise Stress For Selling!

Does the thought of selling your home make you want to hide under a rock? You’re not alone! But there are ways to minimise anxiety with a few simple tips. “Most people find selling their family home more stressful than other major life events,” says agent Suzie Brannelly, and it’s not hard to see why. TheRead more

Perth Market Snapshot

New year, new market

Perth sales market REIWA President Damian Collins said market conditions throughout 2019 had been fairly mixed with sales activity fluctuating and rental activity improving incrementally throughout the year. “We saw lower sales activity at the start of the year, followed by an uptick in the second half of 2019, while listings for sale in Perth decreased from 17,000 to 14,000Read more

A reconfigured California bungalow with luxe finishes

Achieving a sense of grandeur while also delivering a functional family home was a gratifying outcome for the designer and owners of this Sydney beachside property. It’s not often that an interior designer is able to fully explore the parameters of her own skill set but for Megan Brown, principal of Penman Brown, that opportunityRead more

6 Property Settlement Tips For Home Buyers

When it gets down to the nitty gritty, few people savour the process of buying a new home. Sure, searching online and attending inspections can be a lot of fun, but find me a buyer who says they enjoy the protracted negotiations and tumultuous back-and-forths and I’ll show you a liar. Property settlement is theRead more

Perth Market Snapshot

Sales activity remained stable in Perth this week, with REIWA members reporting 683 transactions compared to 647 the previous week. This increase can be attributed to a 26 per cent rise in vacant land sales and a five per cent rise in house sales, despite a two per cent fall in unit sales and over the week.Read more

A French- inspired chateau in Dalkeith

Elegant and palatial, this stunning French chateau-like mansion has been handcrafted and takes its design cues from the owners’ personal travels. Set on 1381sqm of land, the luxurious estate at 61 Hobbs Street, Dalkeith is the product of Deseree and Mark Taddei’s stirring memories of special jaunts abroad. “We were inspired by everything French through our travels.Read more

How to organise a small space in 7 simple steps!

Not enough space at home? The number one reason why people think they can’t get organised is that they “don’t have enough space”. But if you had been in the number of homes I’ve been in and seen the overflowing extra closets, garages, and attics, you’d quickly agree that even if you did have extraRead more

Perth’s Rental Market Continues to Stabilise

For the second quarter in a row, Perth’s rental market has continued to improve with the vacancy rate lowering to 2.5 per cent, 172 suburbs recorded an increase in leasing activity and 110 suburbs recorded an increase in median weekly rent. REIWA Deputy President, Lisa Joyce said Perth’s rental market appears to be building onRead more

First home buyer numbers are above average across every state and territory!

First home buyer numbers are above average across every state and territory, but likely to subside as housing affordability deteriorates and investor demand picks up. According to ABS housing finance data for August 2019, first home buyers comprised the largest proportion of national owner occupier mortgage activity since early 2012.  The data showed first homeRead more

Ensure you avoid these moving house fails!

Moving house is stressful enough at the best of times. You’ve got so much to think about when it comes to packing, moving, unpacking and settling into your new home. Without careful planning, things could easily go wrong and the last thing you want is chaos on your moving day. With some forethought and clearRead more

Perth rent prices record strongest annual growth in six years!

Perth tenants should prepare for potential rent rises with median house rents experiencing their strongest annual growth rate in more than six years, new figures show. Median asking rents for Perth houses grew 5.7 per cent in the year to September to $370 per week, which was the strongest annual growth rate since June 2013,Read more

How To Become A Local In Your New Neighbourhood!

With a little bit of effort and investigation, it doesn’t take long to discover the places to be and the things to do in your new neighbourhood. Feeling at home is about more than adding some personal touches to your property. It takes more than moving in your furniture, arranging photographs on the mantelpiece andRead more

When Is The Right Time To Sell Your Home?

The CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index for September shows housing values fell again, dropping 0.5% for the month and 1.6% for the quarter. “Since the national index peaked 12 months ago, dwelling values have fallen by 2.7%,” the report says. “Hardly a crash, and a slower rate of decline relative to the previous housing marketRead more

5 Amazing Tiny House Interiors In Australia!

From gorgeous white-washed interiors, to chic light-filled spaces and stunning use of natural timber, good things really do come in small packages when it comes to Australian tiny houses. They’re so gorgeous, you might be inspired to take on a ‘small’ project of your own. Here are five of our favourite tiny house interiors fromRead more

At one with nature: A stylish courtyard for a family of four.

They may be fans of the typology now but Michael and Anwen Batchelor did not stipulate that theirs should be a courtyard house. Instead, preliminary discussions with their architect centred on the site in question, how they wanted to use it and the way they wished to live. The ability to engage as fully asRead more

Confidence returning to WA’s property sector despite house prices changes!

Confidence in WA’s property market is now the second highest of any state or territory in Australia, a new survey has found, despite Perth’s change in house prices. Fresh data gathered for the ANZ/Property Council Survey – which measures industry sentiment – found WA’s property market had jumped nine index points since May, bringing toRead more

Rental Affordability Hits 11 Year High!

Rental affordability improved during the June 2019 quarter to the lowest proportion of income required to meet rent payments since June 2008, according to research from the Real Estate Institute of Australia. REIA President Adrian Kelly said the June quarter 2019 edition of the Housing Affordability Report found the proportion of income required to meet rent payments decreasedRead more

Industrial style: A moody yet bright home