Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Perth's property market is included in our pack
Perth's rental market remains one of the tightest in Australia, with vacancy rates sitting well below what's considered balanced.
This guide breaks down current rent levels, neighborhood trends, tenant preferences, and landlord costs so you can make informed decisions in 2026.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest data from trusted Australian property research sources.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
Insights
- Perth's vacancy rate of around 0.7% in late 2025 is less than a third of what REIWA considers a balanced market (2.5% to 3.5%), meaning tenants face intense competition for well-priced rentals.
- Studios in Perth rent for roughly A$480 per week, but units near the CBD or coast can command 20% to 30% more due to walkability and lifestyle appeal.
- Perth house rents grew 5.7% year-over-year in late 2025, outpacing unit growth of 3.0%, which reflects strong family demand for detached homes with space.
- Young professionals in Perth typically cluster in inner-city and inner-north suburbs where train access and cafe culture reduce commute friction and boost quality of life.
- Air conditioning is one of the highest-value amenities in Perth rentals because of the city's hot summers, often adding A$20 to A$40 per week to asking rents.
- Expats relocating to Perth often prefer coastal suburbs like Cottesloe or Scarborough for their beach lifestyle and proximity to international schools.
- Landlords in Perth should budget around A$1,500 to A$3,000 per year for apartment maintenance, with older houses potentially requiring up to 1% of property value annually.
- Properties within walking distance of train stations or universities in Perth typically rent within 7 to 10 days, compared to 14 days or more for less accessible locations.
What are typical rents in Perth as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a studio in Perth is around A$2,080 (approximately US$1,350 or EUR 1,250), based on studios typically sitting below the broader unit market average.
Realistically, most studio rents in Perth fall within a range of A$1,730 to A$2,380 per month (roughly US$1,120 to US$1,540 or EUR 1,040 to EUR 1,430), depending on location and condition.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary within Perth include proximity to the CBD or beach, building age, whether the unit has air conditioning, and access to secure parking or public transport.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Perth is around A$2,510 (approximately US$1,630 or EUR 1,510), reflecting strong demand for compact inner-city living.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Perth fall within a rent range of A$2,080 to A$2,940 per month (roughly US$1,350 to US$1,910 or EUR 1,250 to EUR 1,770), with condition and amenities playing a big role.
Neighborhoods like Balga or Midland tend to have the cheapest 1-bedroom rents in Perth, while inner-city areas such as West Perth, Subiaco, and Leederville sit at the higher end due to lifestyle appeal and walkability.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Perth is around A$3,120 (approximately US$2,030 or EUR 1,880), reflecting the premium that larger, well-located homes command in a tight market.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Perth rent within a range of A$2,600 to A$3,680 per month (roughly US$1,690 to US$2,390 or EUR 1,560 to EUR 2,210), depending heavily on suburb and property quality.
Cheaper 2-bedroom rents are typically found in suburbs like Armadale, Gosnells, or Thornlie, while premium areas such as Claremont, Cottesloe, and South Perth command the highest 2-bedroom rents in Perth.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
What's the average rent per square meter in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average rent per square meter in Perth is around A$50 to A$60 per month (approximately US$32 to US$39 or EUR 30 to EUR 36) for smaller apartments like studios and 1-beds, dropping to A$40 to A$50 per month for larger 2-bedroom units.
Across different neighborhoods in Perth, rent per square meter can range from around A$35 per month in outer suburbs to A$75 or more in premium inner-city and beachside locations.
Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Perth's rent per square meter remains more affordable, though the gap has narrowed as Perth's vacancy rate has tightened significantly over the past few years.
In Perth, property characteristics that typically push rent per square meter above average include ocean or river views, newer construction, high-quality finishes, and access to building amenities like pools or gyms.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, Perth rents have increased by an estimated 4.8% year-over-year on a combined house and unit basis, with houses up around 5.7% and units up around 3.0% compared to late 2024.
The main factors driving rent changes in Perth this year include persistently low vacancy rates, continued interstate and international migration, and limited new rental supply coming onto the market.
This year's rent growth in Perth is more moderate than the double-digit surges seen during the peak rental crunch of 2022 and 2023, suggesting the market is gradually stabilizing even though it remains very tight.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, we expect Perth rent growth to land around 3% to 4% for the full year, sitting at the upper end of SQM Research's national capital city forecast of 2% to 4% due to Perth's exceptionally tight vacancy conditions.
The key economic and demographic factors likely to influence rent growth in Perth over the coming year include continued strong population growth, employment levels tied to WA's mining and energy sectors, and the pace of new housing construction.
Neighborhoods in Perth expected to see the strongest rent growth include inner-city pockets, coastal suburbs, and areas near major employment hubs where demand consistently outstrips supply.
Risks or uncertainties that could cause rent growth in Perth to differ from projections include a sudden jump in housing completions, an economic slowdown in WA's key industries, or changes to migration policy that reduce population inflows.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Perth as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Perth are Cottesloe, Dalkeith, and Peppermint Grove, where median weekly rents can reach A$1,200 to A$1,800 or more (approximately US$780 to US$1,170 or EUR 720 to EUR 1,080).
These neighborhoods command premium rents in Perth because they offer river or ocean proximity, prestigious private school catchments, leafy streetscapes, and low-density living close to the CBD.
The tenant profile that typically rents in these high-rent Perth neighborhoods includes senior executives, expats on corporate packages, and established families willing to pay for lifestyle and school access.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Perth.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Perth right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Perth are Northbridge, Leederville, and Mount Lawley, all of which offer walkability, nightlife, and easy train access to the CBD.
Young professionals in these Perth neighborhoods typically pay around A$2,200 to A$3,000 per month (approximately US$1,430 to US$1,950 or EUR 1,320 to EUR 1,800) for a 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom apartment.
The specific amenities and lifestyle features that attract young professionals to these Perth neighborhoods include cafes, bars, fitness studios, co-working spaces, and high-frequency public transport links.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
Where do families prefer to rent in Perth right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Perth are Subiaco, Floreat, and Victoria Park, which offer a balance of space, school options, and access to parks and family amenities.
Families in these Perth neighborhoods typically pay around A$3,500 to A$4,500 per month (approximately US$2,270 to US$2,920 or EUR 2,100 to EUR 2,700) for a 3-bedroom house or large apartment.
The specific features that make these Perth neighborhoods attractive to families include quiet streets, larger lot sizes, proximity to quality schools, and easy access to parks, playgrounds, and sporting facilities.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Perth neighborhoods include Shenton College, Floreat Park Primary, and Victoria Park Primary, along with several well-regarded private and Catholic schools in the western suburbs.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit hubs or universities that rent fastest in Perth are Crawley (near UWA), Bentley (near Curtin University), and Joondalup (near Edith Cowan University), where student and young professional demand is consistently high.
In these high-demand Perth areas, well-priced properties typically stay listed for around 7 to 10 days on average, compared to 14 days or more in less accessible suburbs.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities in Perth is around A$200 to A$400 per month (approximately US$130 to US$260 or EUR 120 to EUR 240) compared to similar properties further away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Perth right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Perth are Cottesloe, Scarborough, and City Beach, which offer coastal lifestyle, English-speaking amenities, and proximity to international schools.
Expats in these Perth neighborhoods typically pay around A$3,500 to A$5,500 per month (approximately US$2,270 to US$3,570 or EUR 2,100 to EUR 3,300) depending on property size and whether it's furnished.
The specific features that make these Perth neighborhoods attractive to expats include beach access, move-in-ready furnished options, international grocery stores, and a sense of community among other overseas arrivals.
The nationalities and expat communities most represented in these Perth neighborhoods include British, South African, American, and increasingly Singaporean and Hong Kong professionals, many of whom relocate for mining, energy, or finance roles.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Perth.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Perth right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Perth?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Perth are working singles and couples seeking inner-city convenience, families who are renting while saving for a home purchase, and students or early-career renters living in unit-heavy suburbs.
Working singles and couples make up an estimated 35% to 40% of Perth's rental market, families account for around 30% to 35%, and students plus early-career renters represent roughly 20% to 25%.
Working singles and couples typically seek 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartments near the CBD or train lines, families look for 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom houses in suburban areas with schools, and students often target affordable studios or shared units near universities.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Perth.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Perth?
An estimated 80% to 85% of tenants in Perth prefer unfurnished rentals, with furnished options representing around 15% to 20% of the market, mainly concentrated in CBD apartments and corporate relocation segments.
Furnished apartments in Perth typically command a rent premium of around A$400 to A$700 per month (approximately US$260 to US$455 or EUR 240 to EUR 420) compared to equivalent unfurnished properties.
The tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Perth include expats on short-term corporate assignments, students arriving from interstate or overseas, and professionals relocating for contract work who want a hassle-free move-in experience.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Perth?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Perth are air conditioning, secure parking, a modern kitchen with dishwasher, pet-friendly policies, and reliable NBN internet readiness.
Air conditioning in Perth can add around A$80 to A$170 per month (approximately US$50 to US$110 or EUR 48 to EUR 100) to asking rent, secure parking adds A$130 to A$260 per month, a modern kitchen with dishwasher adds A$40 to A$90 per month, pet-friendly setups add A$40 to A$85 per month, and NBN readiness adds A$20 to A$45 per month.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Perth, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Perth?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Perth are fresh paint and durable flooring, updated lighting and window coverings, split-system air conditioning, minor kitchen refreshes (hardware, taps, and benchtop), and bathroom upgrades (vanity, taps, and shower screen).
Fresh paint and flooring typically cost A$3,000 to A$8,000 (approximately US$1,950 to US$5,200 or EUR 1,800 to EUR 4,800) and can add A$40 to A$80 per month in rent, while split-system air-con costs A$1,500 to A$3,000 and can add A$60 to A$130 per month, making it one of the fastest payback upgrades in Perth's hot climate.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI for Perth landlords include full kitchen or bathroom gut renovations, high-end luxury finishes that exceed what the local market will pay for, and structural changes that blow out costs without proportionally increasing rent.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Perth as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Perth is around 0.7%, which is extremely tight and well below what REIWA considers a balanced market of 2.5% to 3.5%.
Across different neighborhoods in Perth, vacancy rates range from around 0.4% in high-demand inner-city and coastal suburbs to around 1.2% in outer metropolitan areas with less lifestyle appeal.
Perth's current vacancy rate of 0.7% is significantly below the historical average of around 2% to 3% that the city experienced through much of the 2010s, reflecting the sustained rental crunch that began in the early 2020s.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average number of days rentals stay listed in Perth is around 10 to 14 days for well-priced and well-presented properties, reflecting the city's extremely tight vacancy conditions.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Perth, days on market can range from as little as 5 to 7 days for high-demand inner-city apartments to 20 to 30 days for overpriced or less accessible suburban homes.
Perth's current days-on-market figure is similar to or slightly faster than one year ago, as the vacancy rate has remained persistently low and tenant competition for quality rentals has stayed intense throughout 2025.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Perth?
The peak months for tenant demand in Perth are January to March, when new jobs, relocations, and lease resets drive a surge in rental applications, followed by a secondary peak around June to August tied to mid-year moves.
The specific factors that drive seasonal demand patterns in Perth include the academic calendar for students, corporate relocation cycles tied to the financial year, and the preference for moving during milder weather rather than Perth's hottest summer weeks.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Perth are typically April to May and September to November, when fewer leases are ending and relocation activity tends to slow between the major moving seasons.
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What will my monthly costs be in Perth as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Perth should expect to pay a combined annual property tax bill of around A$3,000 to A$6,000 (approximately US$1,950 to US$3,900 or EUR 1,800 to EUR 3,600) for a typical investment property, covering council rates and potentially state land tax.
Depending on property value and location in Perth, annual property taxes can range from around A$2,000 for a modest unit in an outer suburb to A$10,000 or more for a higher-value house in a premium council area with land tax obligations.
Property taxes in Perth are calculated based on the property's unimproved land value (for state land tax) and gross rental value or capital improved value (for council rates), with rates set annually by the local council and state government.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Perth, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Perth right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Perth is around A$2,000 to A$4,000 (approximately US$1,300 to US$2,600 or EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,400) for apartments, and potentially higher for houses depending on age and condition.
Depending on property age and condition in Perth, annual maintenance costs can range from around A$1,500 for a newer, low-maintenance apartment to A$8,000 or more for an older house that needs regular repairs to plumbing, roofing, or air conditioning.
Landlords in Perth typically set aside around 5% to 10% of annual rental income for maintenance, with newer properties trending toward the lower end and older properties or houses with gardens requiring a higher allocation.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Perth right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Perth are fixed water service charges, which are a regulated annual cost, and sometimes strata levies for apartments that cover building insurance and shared facilities.
Fixed water service charges in Perth typically cost landlords around A$80 to A$120 per month (approximately US$52 to US$78 or EUR 48 to EUR 72), while strata levies can add another A$200 to A$500 per month depending on the building and its amenities.
The common practice in Perth is for landlords to pay fixed water service charges and strata fees, while tenants are responsible for usage-based utilities like electricity, gas, and water consumption (provided the property has a compliant water-efficient setup).
How is rental income taxed in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Perth is taxed as part of your overall assessable income at your marginal tax rate, which means it's added to any other income you earn and taxed according to Australia's progressive income tax brackets.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Perth include mortgage interest, property management fees, council rates, water charges, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and depreciation on fixtures and fittings.
A common tax mistake landlords in Perth should avoid is incorrectly claiming capital improvements (like a new kitchen or bathroom renovation) as immediate repairs, when these should instead be depreciated over time according to ATO rules.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Perth.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Perth, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| SQM Research - Weekly Rents Index | SQM is a long-running Australian housing data publisher with a clearly described, repeatable index methodology. | We used it as our anchor for Perth's current advertised rents for houses, units, and combined figures. We also used its 12-month change figures to estimate 2026 year-over-year rent growth. |
| SQM Research - National Vacancy Rates (Nov 2025) | It's a primary SQM publication that states the latest vacancy rate and rent growth metrics by capital city. | We used it for Perth's vacancy rate and to cross-check rent growth direction into early 2026. We also used SQM's published 2026 rental growth outlook to build our forecast range. |
| REIWA - Perth Metro Market Dashboard | REIWA is WA's peak real estate industry body and publishes widely referenced local market indicators. | We used it to sanity-check the shape of the market including tightness, momentum, and typical rent levels. We used it as a secondary reference to keep our SQM-based estimates realistic for Perth in 2026. |
| REIWA - Rental Vacancy Rates Explainer | It's a reputable local reference point for what a balanced vacancy rate looks like in WA rental markets. | We used it to interpret whether Perth's vacancy rate is tight or balanced. We used it to explain what low vacancy means for tenants and landlords in plain language. |
| Domain - Rent Report | Domain is a major national property portal and publishes a consistent, transparent rent reporting series. | We used it as an independent cross-check on rent direction and affordability pressure. We used it to make sure our Perth rent level estimates are not out of step with other large datasets. |
| Cotality (CoreLogic) - Rental Value Index | It's one of Australia's best-known housing analytics providers and its rental index is widely cited. | We used it to triangulate the trend in rents, whether growth is speeding up or slowing down. We used it as a second opinion on the outlook narrative for 2026. |
| PropTrack - Rental Market Insights | PropTrack (REA Group) is a major data publisher tied to Australia's largest listings ecosystem. | We used it to cross-check demand drivers like migration, supply, and affordability that influence rents. We used it to keep the 2026 outlook grounded in mainstream market research. |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics - CPI Releases | ABS is Australia's official statistics agency, and CPI is the standard inflation benchmark. | We used it to frame rents within broader inflation and cost-of-living context. We used it to keep our rent growth outlook consistent with a normalizing inflation environment. |
| Reserve Bank of Australia | The RBA is Australia's central bank and the go-to source for macro conditions that affect housing. | We used it to explain why borrowing costs and employment conditions matter for rents. We used it to keep the outlook section realistic and not just property hype. |
| WA Government - State Taxes and Royalties 2025-26 | It's a WA Government publication that consolidates current state tax settings in one place. | We used it to describe what landlords should expect for state taxes, especially land tax. We used it to avoid guessing thresholds and to keep the tax section verifiable. |
| Australian Taxation Office - Rental Properties Guide 2025 | The ATO is the primary source for how rental income and deductions work in Australia. | We used it to explain how rental income is taxed and what costs are commonly deductible. We used it to keep the monthly costs section accurate and easy to follow. |
| City of Perth - Rates and Payments | It's the local government's official page for council rates information and payments. | We used it to explain that council rates are a real, recurring landlord cost. We used it as the official starting point because rates vary by property and valuation. |
| Water Corporation - Service Charges Explainer | Water Corporation is the primary utility provider for much of WA and explains charges and changes. | We used it to explain what water-related service charges are and why they rise over time. We used it to clarify which water costs landlords often pay versus what tenants usually pay. |
| WA Legislation - Water Services Fees and Charges | It's the official legal instrument that sets regulated fees and charges schedules. | We used it as a backstop source for charges being real and regulated, not arbitrary. We used it to support the idea that utilities and service charges update over time. |
| NSW Apartment Design Guide | It's an official planning document that sets minimum apartment size benchmarks used across Australia. | We used it to establish benchmark apartment sizes for calculating rent per square meter. We used it to make our per-square-meter estimates easy for non-professionals to compare. |
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