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 in 2026 is one of the tightest in Australia, with vacancy sitting at just 0.7% and rents continuing to climb.
For foreign investors, the rules have shifted significantly, with a temporary ban on established dwellings pushing most buyers toward new builds.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and regulatory changes in Perth's property market.
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 rental vacancy rate hit just 0.7% in December 2025, making it one of the most landlord-friendly markets in Australia right now.
- Foreign buyers in Perth must focus on new dwellings because Australia has banned foreign purchases of established homes until March 2027.
- Perth units deliver gross rental yields between 5.5% and 6.5% in early 2026, consistently outperforming houses which sit around 4.5% to 5%.
- A 1-bedroom apartment in Perth rents for roughly A$2,250 to A$2,600 per month (US$1,460 to US$1,690), which is strong by Australian standards.
- Perth short-term rentals average 71% occupancy and A$152 per night, but the city now requires mandatory registration for all Airbnb-style properties.
- Landlords in Perth can only raise rent once every 12 months, even when renewing with the same tenant, which limits aggressive rent increases.
- The highest-yielding Perth neighborhoods like Victoria Park and Maylands often sit just outside the premium zones, offering better rent-to-price ratios.
- Air conditioning is the single most valuable rental feature in Perth because of the intense summer heat, often adding 5% to 10% to weekly rent.
Can I legally rent out a property in Perth as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign investors can legally own and rent out residential property in Perth, but they are generally restricted to purchasing new dwellings rather than existing homes.
The most common ownership structure for foreigners buying rental property in Perth is direct individual ownership after obtaining FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) approval, though some investors use Australian companies or trusts depending on their tax situation.
The single biggest restriction foreigners face in Perth right now is the temporary ban on purchasing established dwellings, which runs from April 2025 to March 2027 and effectively forces most foreign buy-to-rent investors toward off-the-plan apartments and new housing stock.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Perth.
Do I need residency to rent out in Perth right now?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Australia to own and rent out a property in Perth, as the country allows non-resident landlords to earn rental income remotely.
However, you will typically need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) to legally collect and declare rental income, which you can apply for through the ATO's online process for people living outside Australia.
While a local Australian bank account is not strictly required by law, it is highly practical because most Perth property managers deposit rent into trust accounts and having an AUD account avoids currency conversion headaches.
Managing a rental property in Perth entirely from overseas is absolutely feasible since local property managers handle inspections, repairs, tenant screening, and bond paperwork on your behalf.
Thinking of buying real estate in Perth?
Acquiring property in a different country is a complex task. Don't fall into common traps – grab our guide and make better decisions.
What rental strategy makes the most money in Perth in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting in Perth tends to be the safer and more consistent money-maker for most property types, mainly because the city's ultra-low 0.7% vacancy rate means reliable tenants and almost no downtime.
A well-managed long-term rental in Perth might earn around A$35,000 to A$40,000 per year (US$22,750 to US$26,000 or €21,000 to €24,000) for a typical 2-bedroom unit, while a comparable short-term rental could gross A$40,000 to A$55,000 (US$26,000 to US$35,750 or €24,000 to €33,000), but with higher operating costs and more volatility.
Short-term renting financially outperforms long-term in Perth mainly in high-tourism or lifestyle locations like Scarborough, Fremantle, and Cottesloe, where visitors are willing to pay premium nightly rates for beach access and walkable amenities.
What's the average gross rental yield in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Perth sits between 4.5% and 6% depending on whether you buy a house or a unit.
The realistic gross rental yield range in Perth covers about 4.3% at the lower end for larger houses to around 6.5% at the higher end for well-located 1-bedroom units.
Units and apartments, particularly 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom configurations, typically achieve the highest gross rental yields in Perth because their lower purchase prices relative to rent create a more favorable ratio.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Perth.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all operating costs (but before income tax) for Perth residential properties ranges from about 2.8% for houses to around 4.8% for well-performing units.
Most Perth landlords realistically experience net yields between 2.8% and 3.8% for houses and 3.2% to 4.8% for units, depending on their specific property and management costs.
The three main cost categories that eat into your gross yield in Perth are property management fees (typically 7% to 9% of rent plus letting fees), land tax (which applies to non-primary-residence investment properties above certain thresholds), and strata levies for units, which can range from A$500 to A$1,500 per quarter depending on the building.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Perth.
What monthly rent can I get in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Perth run around A$1,950 to A$2,250 (US$1,270 to US$1,460 or €1,170 to €1,350) for a studio, A$2,250 to A$2,600 (US$1,460 to US$1,690 or €1,350 to €1,560) for a 1-bedroom, and A$2,690 to A$3,120 (US$1,750 to US$2,030 or €1,610 to €1,870) for a 2-bedroom apartment.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Perth sits around A$1,800 to A$2,100 (US$1,170 to US$1,365 or €1,080 to €1,260), though premium inner-city studios can push higher.
For a typical 1-bedroom apartment in Perth, expect mid-range monthly rents between A$2,200 and A$2,500 (US$1,430 to US$1,625 or €1,320 to €1,500) in most desirable suburbs.
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Perth commands mid-to-high monthly rents of A$2,600 to A$3,000 (US$1,690 to US$1,950 or €1,560 to €1,800), with premium locations like South Perth or Subiaco pushing above A$3,200.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Perth.
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.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Perth in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Perth ranges from about A$650 to A$1,250 (US$420 to US$810 or €390 to €750) for houses and A$900 to A$1,600 (US$585 to US$1,040 or €540 to €960) for units.
A realistic low-to-high monthly cost range that covers most standard Perth rental properties is A$700 to A$1,500 (US$455 to US$975 or €420 to €900), depending on whether you own a house or apartment and how old the building is.
For units in Perth, strata levies tend to be the largest single contributor to monthly holding costs, often running A$400 to A$600 per month for well-maintained buildings, while for houses, property management fees and maintenance reserves typically dominate.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Perth.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Perth is just 0.7%, making it one of the tightest rental markets in Australia.
Even with such low vacancy, Perth landlords should realistically budget for about 2 to 4 weeks of lost rent per year to cover tenant changeover, advertising time, and minor repairs between tenancies.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to vary across Perth neighborhoods is proximity to employment hubs and public transport, with inner-city and rail-connected suburbs experiencing almost instant tenant turnover while outer suburbs may see slightly longer gaps.
Perth typically sees the highest tenant turnover around January and February, when leases signed at the start of the previous year expire and people relocate for new jobs or the university year.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Perth.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Perth
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Where do rentals perform best in Perth in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three Perth neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand are Subiaco, Victoria Park, and South Perth, all of which combine lifestyle appeal with strong public transport connections and walkable amenities.
For families specifically, the strongest long-term rental demand in Perth concentrates in Applecross, Mount Hawthorn, and Como, where quality school zones, parks, and family-friendly infrastructure drive consistent tenant interest.
Students in Perth create the strongest rental demand in Nedlands, Crawley, and Kensington, all within easy reach of UWA and Curtin University and well-served by buses and the train network.
Expats and international professionals in Perth tend to favor Subiaco, West Perth, and Leederville, where walkable cafes, restaurants, and a cosmopolitan vibe make the transition to Australian life easier.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Perth.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three Perth neighborhoods with the best rental yields are Victoria Park, Maylands, and Bayswater, all of which offer solid rents without the premium price tags of prestige suburbs.
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Perth neighborhoods sits between 5.5% and 7%, with well-bought units in these areas occasionally exceeding 7% gross.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields than others in Perth is their position just outside the premium inner-city ring, where purchase prices remain moderate but strong transport links and local amenities keep tenant demand high.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Perth.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three Perth neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents are Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove, and City Beach, all commanding premium prices for their beachfront locations and prestigious reputations.
A typical monthly rent for a standard apartment in these premium Perth neighborhoods ranges from A$3,500 to A$5,000 (US$2,275 to US$3,250 or €2,100 to €3,000), with larger family homes often exceeding A$6,000 per month.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents in Perth is their combination of direct beach or river access, extremely limited housing supply, and proximity to elite private schools, which creates a scarcity-driven premium.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Perth neighborhoods includes senior executives, medical specialists, and high-income expat families who prioritize lifestyle, school catchments, and prestige over value for money.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Perth in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Perth are air conditioning (essential for the brutal summer heat), a secure parking bay (because Perth is very car-dependent), and a private outdoor space like a balcony or courtyard.
Air conditioning alone can add roughly 5% to 10% to your weekly rent in Perth because tenants will pay a premium to stay comfortable during the hot months from November to March.
One commonly overrated feature that Perth landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is high-end kitchen appliances, since most renters care more about a functional, clean kitchen than whether the oven is a premium brand.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for Perth landlords is installing ceiling fans throughout the property, which costs relatively little but signals comfort and reduces tenants' electricity bills.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in inner Perth suburbs like Subiaco, East Perth, and West Perth typically rent about 1 to 2 weeks faster than unfurnished equivalents because they attract corporate relocators and international tenants who need a move-in-ready solution.
Furnished apartments in Perth generally command a rent premium of around 10% to 20% over unfurnished equivalents, though this premium shrinks in family-oriented suburbs where most long-term tenants prefer to bring their own furniture.
Get to know the market before you buy a property in Perth
Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.
How regulated is long-term renting in Perth right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Perth right now?
Landlords in Perth have full freedom to set the initial rent at whatever the market will bear, with no government-mandated caps on what you can charge when a new tenant moves in.
However, once a tenant is in place, rent increases are regulated so that there must be at least 12 months between increases, even when a lease is renewed, which prevents landlords from raising rent more than once a year.
What's the standard lease length in Perth right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Perth is 12 months fixed-term, though 6-month leases are also common, and after the fixed term expires, tenancies typically roll over to periodic (month-to-month) arrangements.
The maximum security deposit (called a bond in Australia) that a Perth landlord can legally require is 4 weeks' rent, which works out to roughly A$2,400 to A$3,000 (US$1,560 to US$1,950 or €1,440 to €1,800) for a typical 2-bedroom apartment, plus an optional pet bond of up to A$260.
At the end of a tenancy in Perth, landlords must return the bond within 14 days of the tenant vacating, provided there are no disputes, and all bonds are held by the WA Bond Administrator rather than the landlord directly.
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.
How does short-term renting really work in Perth in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Perth right now?
Yes, Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Perth, but as of 2026 they now require mandatory state-wide registration and, in some cases, development approval from your local council.
To operate a short-term rental in Perth, you must register with the WA Government's STRA registration system, and if you plan to rent out an entire unhosted dwelling for more than 90 nights per year in the Perth metro area, you also need local government development approval.
There is no hard annual night cap in Perth provided you have the proper approvals and registration in place, but if you operate unhosted without approval beyond the 90-night exemption threshold, you are technically non-compliant.
The most common penalty for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Perth is a compliance notice from your local council, which can escalate to fines and orders to cease operation if you continue without proper registration or approval.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Perth.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Perth sits at around 71%, which is solid but not exceptional by Australian capital city standards.
The realistic occupancy range for most Perth short-term rentals spans from about 55% for less competitive listings to around 80% or higher for well-located, well-managed properties in tourism hotspots.
Perth short-term rentals see their highest occupancy rates during the Australian autumn months (March to May) and spring (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and events like the Perth Festival draw visitors.
The lowest occupancy months for Perth short-term rentals are typically the peak summer period (December to February), when extreme heat discourages some tourists, and the winter months (June to August), when cooler weather and school terms reduce leisure travel.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Perth.
What's the average nightly rate in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Perth is approximately A$152 (US$99 or €91), though this varies significantly by property type and location.
The realistic nightly rate range for most Perth short-term rentals spans from about A$90 to A$250 (US$58 to US$162 or €54 to €150) for standard 1 to 2 bedroom properties, with luxury beachfront homes commanding A$400 or more per night.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season and off-season in Perth is around A$30 to A$60 (US$20 to US$39 or €18 to €36), with rates climbing during major events, school holidays, and the pleasant autumn and spring months.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Perth short-term rental market is competitive but not fully saturated, with roughly 6,470 active listings citywide and room for well-differentiated properties to perform strongly.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Perth has been growing steadily, though the new registration and approval requirements have slowed the pace of new entrants compared to pre-regulation years.
The most oversaturated Perth neighborhoods for short-term rentals are Scarborough, Fremantle, and Cottesloe, where high concentrations of beach-focused listings create intense competition and pressure on nightly rates.
Perth neighborhoods that still have room for new short-term rental supply include areas near major hospitals like Murdoch and QEII, university precincts like Bentley, and emerging lifestyle hubs like Victoria Park, where business and visiting-family demand is less saturated than pure tourism areas.
Don't lose money on your property in Perth
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| FIRB Guidance Note 1 | Official Australian Government guidance on foreign property purchases. | We used it to explain which property types foreigners can legally buy and rent out in Perth. We also referenced it for the temporary resident rental restrictions. |
| ATO Established Dwelling Ban | The tax authority's official update on foreign purchase restrictions. | We used it to confirm the dates and scope of the 2025-2027 ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings. We also used it to frame what foreign investors should target. |
| REIWA Perth Metro Data | WA's peak real estate body with Landgate-sourced market statistics. | We used it as our primary source for Perth median rents and prices by bedroom count. We then calculated gross rental yields from these figures. |
| Domain Rent Report | Major Australian property portal with methodology-backed market reporting. | We used it to cross-check Perth median rents and validate market tightness. We also referenced it for rent trend context. |
| SQM Research Vacancy Report | Widely cited Australian housing data provider with published methodology. | We used it to quantify Perth's 0.7% vacancy rate for December 2025. We also used it to assess market tightness for landlords. |
| AirDNA Perth Overview | Leading short-term rental analytics provider tracking Airbnb and Vrbo. | We used it to estimate Perth STR occupancy, average daily rates, and active listing counts. We also assessed market saturation using their data. |
| WA Planning STRA Reforms | Official WA Government explanation of short-term rental planning rules. | We used it to explain Airbnb legality and the 90-night exemption threshold in Perth metro. We also referenced it for registration requirements. |
| WA Treasury Land Tax | Official WA Government explanation of when land tax applies. | We used it to include land tax as a holding cost for Perth investment properties. We also used it to make net yield estimates more realistic. |
| WA Consumer Protection - Rent | State regulator guidance that landlords and tenants must follow. | We used it to explain rent increase timing rules in Perth. We also referenced it for setting landlord expectations on rent growth strategy. |
| WA Consumer Protection - Bonds | Regulator summary of bond rules and tenant onboarding costs. | We used it to state the maximum bond amounts landlords can charge. We also used it to explain bond return timelines. |
| ATO TFN Application | Official process for overseas residents to get an Australian tax number. | We used it to explain how non-resident landlords can obtain a TFN. We also used it to make the remote landlord workflow practical. |
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.
Related blog posts