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
If you're a foreign buyer thinking about purchasing an apartment in Perth, one of your first questions is probably: what kind of rental return can I actually expect?
Perth's rental market has been tight for several years now, and that has pushed yields to levels that are competitive with other Australian capitals.
This article breaks down the real numbers for gross and net yields, rent levels by apartment size, and which neighborhoods and apartment types perform best in Perth as of early 2026.
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.
What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Perth?
What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for apartments in Perth sits at around 5.8%, which is solid by Australian standards and reflects the city's persistently tight rental market.
Most apartment investments in Perth fall within a realistic gross yield range of 4.9% to 6.5%, depending heavily on bedroom count and location within the metro area.
The main factor causing yields to vary in Perth is strata complexity: high-amenity towers with pools, gyms, and concierge services command higher prices without proportionally higher rents, which compresses your yield compared to simpler walk-up buildings.
Compared to Sydney (typically 3% to 4% gross) and Melbourne (around 4% to 5% gross), Perth apartments currently offer noticeably better gross yields, partly because Perth's property prices haven't run as far ahead of rents as they have on the east coast.
What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for apartments in Perth typically lands between 3.5% and 4.5%, with a realistic middle planning figure around 3.8% to 4.2% for most buildings.
This means most apartment investors using a property manager can expect to keep roughly 60% to 75% of their gross rent after all ongoing ownership costs are deducted.
The single biggest expense that drags gross yield down to net yield in Perth is strata levies, which can range from 5% of rent for a basic walk-up to over 20% for a high-rise with lifts, pools, and concierge services, and this cost often surprises first-time apartment investors.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Perth is about 0.48% per month, which translates to roughly A$480 in monthly rent for every A$100,000 of apartment value.
Most apartment transactions in Perth show rent-to-price ratios ranging from 0.40% to 0.55% per month, with the variation driven mainly by apartment size, building quality, and suburb location.
Smaller 1-bedroom apartments in inner-ring suburbs like Victoria Park tend to have the highest rent-to-price ratios, because their lower purchase prices attract strong renter demand from young professionals and students without the price premiums seen in larger or lifestyle-focused units.
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How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Perth?
What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Perth right now?
The typical monthly tenant budget for renting an apartment in Perth in early 2026 ranges from about A$2,400 to A$3,250 per month (roughly US$1,500 to US$2,050, or EUR 1,400 to EUR 1,900), covering the bulk of mainstream rental demand.
Tenants targeting mid-range apartments in Perth, such as well-located 2-bedroom units in established suburbs, usually budget between A$2,600 and A$3,000 per month (around US$1,650 to US$1,900, or EUR 1,500 to EUR 1,750).
For high-end or luxury apartments in premium Perth locations like the CBD, South Perth riverfront, or beachside Scarborough, tenant budgets typically start at A$3,500 per month and can exceed A$4,500 (US$2,200 to US$2,850, or EUR 2,050 to EUR 2,650) for top-tier properties.
We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Perth here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Perth is about A$2,480 per month (around US$1,570, or EUR 1,450), based on the median weekly rent of A$572.
Entry-level 1-bedroom apartments in Perth, typically older units in suburbs like Cannington or Balga without premium finishes, rent for around A$1,900 to A$2,200 per month (US$1,200 to US$1,400, or EUR 1,100 to EUR 1,300).
Mid-range 1-bedroom apartments in desirable inner suburbs like Mount Lawley or Victoria Park, usually in buildings with secure parking and air conditioning, rent for about A$2,400 to A$2,700 per month (US$1,520 to US$1,710, or EUR 1,400 to EUR 1,580).
Luxury 1-bedroom apartments in Perth, such as new-build units in East Perth with city views or in Subiaco near the hospital precinct, can command A$3,000 to A$3,500 per month (US$1,900 to US$2,220, or EUR 1,750 to EUR 2,050).
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Perth is about A$2,925 per month (around US$1,850, or EUR 1,710), based on the median weekly rent of A$675.
Entry-level 2-bedroom apartments in Perth, such as older villa-style units in outer suburbs like Gosnells or Armadale, rent for around A$2,200 to A$2,500 per month (US$1,390 to US$1,580, or EUR 1,290 to EUR 1,460).
Mid-range 2-bedroom apartments in well-connected suburbs like Como, Maylands, or Scarborough, typically with one car bay and air conditioning, rent for about A$2,800 to A$3,200 per month (US$1,770 to US$2,030, or EUR 1,640 to EUR 1,870).
Luxury 2-bedroom apartments in Perth's top locations, such as riverfront South Perth or new CBD towers with resort-style amenities, can command A$3,800 to A$4,500 per month (US$2,400 to US$2,850, or EUR 2,220 to EUR 2,630).
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Perth is about A$3,250 per month (around US$2,060, or EUR 1,900), based on the median weekly rent of A$750.
Entry-level 3-bedroom apartments in Perth, typically older units in middle-ring suburbs like Rivervale or Belmont, rent for around A$2,700 to A$3,000 per month (US$1,710 to US$1,900, or EUR 1,580 to EUR 1,750).
Mid-range 3-bedroom apartments in popular family-friendly suburbs like Subiaco or Claremont, often with two bathrooms and secure parking, rent for about A$3,200 to A$3,800 per month (US$2,030 to US$2,400, or EUR 1,870 to EUR 2,220).
Luxury 3-bedroom apartments in Perth's premium pockets, such as penthouse-style units in Cottesloe or new towers in Elizabeth Quay, can command A$4,500 to A$6,000 per month (US$2,850 to US$3,800, or EUR 2,630 to EUR 3,510).
How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Perth?
A well-priced apartment in Perth typically rents within 11 to 18 days, depending on the suburb and property presentation, which reflects the city's still-tight rental conditions.
Perth's apartment vacancy rate was around 2.6% in December 2025, which is below the 3% threshold that marks a balanced market, so landlords currently have the upper hand.
The main factors that cause some Perth apartments to rent faster than others include proximity to a train station (Perth is very car-dependent, so rail access matters), having functional air conditioning (essential during Perth's hot summers), and the building's strata rules on pets, since many Perth renters have dogs and strict no-pet bylaws can significantly slow leasing.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost 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.
Which apartment type gives the best yield in Perth?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, 1-bedroom apartments typically offer the best rental yield in Perth, averaging around 6.5% gross, which makes them the top performer among standard apartment types.
The typical gross yield ranges are roughly 6.5% for 1-bedroom units, 5.9% for 2-bedroom units, and 4.9% for 3-bedroom units, with studios generally performing similarly to 1-bedrooms but with a smaller pool of comparable sales data.
The main reason 1-bedrooms outperform in Perth is that purchase prices jump significantly as you add bedrooms (especially in newer, lifestyle-oriented buildings), but weekly rents don't increase at the same rate, because Perth's renter pool is weighted toward young professionals and couples who don't need or want to pay for extra space.
Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Perth?
The features that most positively impact rental yield for apartments in Perth are secure car parking (essential in this car-dependent city), reverse-cycle air conditioning (critical for tenant retention during Perth's 40-degree summer days), and proximity to a train line or high-frequency bus corridor that provides fast CBD access.
In Perth, mid-floor apartments (floors 2 to 6) tend to rent out most easily because they offer a balance of security and views without the premium prices of top floors, and they're less affected by lift outages than higher floors in older buildings.
Apartments with balconies definitely command higher rents in Perth, typically A$20 to A$50 more per week, because outdoor entertaining space is highly valued in Perth's warm climate where people spend a lot of time outdoors.
Building features like lifts and secure parking generally justify their strata costs in Perth, but pools and concierge services often don't, because they push strata levies above 15% of rent without delivering proportional rent premiums in most suburbs outside the absolute premium tier.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Perth?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Perth neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments include Subiaco, Scarborough, Victoria Park, Mount Lawley, and East Perth, all of which consistently show fast leasing times and low vacancy.
The main demand driver in these suburbs is the combination of walkable lifestyle amenities (cafes, restaurants, bars) with reliable public transport to the CBD, which matters because Perth professionals increasingly want to reduce car dependence even in a city built around driving.
In these high-demand Perth neighborhoods, well-priced apartments typically rent within 11 to 18 days, with Subiaco averaging about 11 days and Victoria Park around 18 days based on recent REIWA data.
One emerging neighborhood gaining rental momentum in Perth is Bayswater, which is benefiting from the new Metronet train station upgrades and is attracting renters priced out of nearby Mount Lawley and Maylands.
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 highest yields for apartments in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Perth neighborhoods with the highest apartment rental yields include Victoria Park (around 6.0% gross), Cannington (around 6.2% gross), and Rivervale (around 5.8% gross), which outperform lifestyle suburbs where prices have run ahead of rents.
The typical gross yield range in these top-yielding Perth neighborhoods is 5.5% to 6.5%, compared to 4.5% to 5.5% in premium beachside or western suburbs locations.
The main reason these neighborhoods offer higher yields is that they're "liveable but not trophy-priced": they have good transport links, established amenities, and solid tenant demand, but haven't attracted the speculative buyer premiums seen in places like Cottesloe or Scarborough beachfront, where prices reflect lifestyle cachet more than rental income.
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.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Perth?
Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental is legal for apartments in Perth, but it is regulated through a statewide registration system and planning rules that can restrict what you're allowed to do in certain buildings and areas.
The main legal requirements for operating a short-term rental apartment in Perth include registering on the WA Government's STRA Register, complying with any local planning scheme rules (especially for unhosted rentals), and ensuring your strata bylaws permit short-stay guests.
For Airbnb-style rentals in Perth, you must register your property on the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register run by the WA Department of Local Government, and some local councils may require additional development approval if you're renting out the property while you're not living there.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Perth.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Perth can generate 20% to 40% higher gross revenue than long-term rentals in favorable locations, but the net yield advantage shrinks significantly once you account for the higher operating costs.
Typical gross yields for short-term rentals in strong Perth locations (CBD, Scarborough, near hospitals) can reach 7% to 9%, compared to 5% to 6.5% for long-term rentals, but this requires consistently high occupancy and professional management.
The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Perth include platform fees (typically 3% to 15% of bookings), professional cleaning between guests (A$80 to A$150 per turnover), furnishing and styling costs, higher wear and tear, and utilities that you pay instead of the tenant.
To outperform a long-term rental in Perth, a short-term rental typically needs to achieve at least 65% to 70% occupancy across the year, which can be challenging outside peak tourist periods since Perth doesn't have the year-round visitor demand of Sydney or Melbourne.
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What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Perth?
What are building service charges as a % of rent in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical building service charge (strata levy) for apartments in Perth runs between 10% and 15% of monthly rent, which translates to roughly A$250 to A$450 per month (US$160 to US$285, or EUR 145 to EUR 265) for a median-priced 2-bedroom unit.
The realistic range of strata levies in Perth spans from about 5% of rent for basic walk-up buildings without lifts or pools, up to 20% or more of rent for high-rise towers with concierge, gyms, and swimming pools.
The services that typically justify higher strata charges in Perth include lift maintenance (lifts are expensive to service and replace), heated swimming pools (which are popular but costly to run), and 24-hour security or concierge, though you should always check whether the building's sinking fund is healthy, because a low sinking fund can signal upcoming special levies that will hit your net yield hard.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Perth right now?
A sensible annual maintenance budget for an apartment in Perth is around A$1,000 to A$2,000 per year (US$630 to US$1,270, or EUR 585 to EUR 1,170), covering items inside your lot that strata doesn't cover.
The realistic range depends on apartment age: newer units (under 10 years) might only need A$500 to A$1,000 annually, while older apartments (20+ years) can require A$1,500 to A$3,000 per year, especially if they have aging air conditioning units, dated hot water systems, or tired carpets.
The most common maintenance expenses apartment owners face in Perth include air conditioning servicing and repairs (essential due to heavy summer use), replacing or repairing window blinds damaged by intense sun exposure, and periodic pest treatments for the silverfish and cockroaches that thrive in Perth's warm climate.
What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property taxes for an apartment in Perth consist mainly of council rates (around A$1,200 to A$2,000 per year, or US$760 to US$1,270, or EUR 700 to EUR 1,170) plus potentially some land tax if your total landholdings exceed the threshold.
The realistic range of property taxes for Perth apartments varies from about A$1,000 per year for a modest unit in an outer suburb to A$3,500 or more per year for a premium apartment in a high-value inner-city location, with council rates making up the bulk of this.
Property taxes in Perth are calculated differently for council rates (based on the property's Gross Rental Value set by the Valuer-General) and land tax (based on the aggregated unimproved value of all land you own in WA), with apartments typically having a small land value share due to subdivision across many lots.
Many single-apartment investors in Perth end up paying zero or minimal land tax because the land value apportioned to one apartment often falls below the tax-free threshold, but you should factor in land tax if you own multiple properties or if you're buying in a boutique building with only a few lots.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Perth.
How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Perth in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Perth ranges from about A$300 to A$600 per year (US$190 to US$380, or EUR 175 to EUR 350), covering standard risks like loss of rent, tenant damage, and public liability.
The realistic range of insurance costs in Perth depends on your coverage level and apartment value: basic policies start around A$250 per year, while comprehensive coverage with lower excess and higher liability limits can reach A$700 to A$900 per year for more valuable properties.
What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Perth as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical property management fee for apartments in Perth is around 8% to 10% of rent (plus GST), which works out to roughly A$215 to A$295 per month (US$135 to US$185, or EUR 125 to EUR 175) for a median-rent 2-bedroom unit.
The realistic range of property management fees in Perth runs from about 7% for competitive agencies managing multiple properties for one owner, up to 12% for boutique or full-service managers, plus letting fees of one to two weeks' rent when finding a new tenant.
Standard property management fees in Perth typically include rent collection, routine inspections (usually quarterly), coordinating repairs, handling tenant queries, and managing the end-of-lease process, though advertising costs and tribunal attendance may incur extra charges.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| REIWA Perth Metro | WA's peak real estate body publishing official market data | We used REIWA for Perth Metro median unit prices and rents by bedroom count. We calculated gross yields and rent-to-price ratios from these figures. |
| SQM Research | Independent property research firm tracking vacancy rates | We used SQM for Perth vacancy rate trends over time. We factored vacancy into our net yield and demand tightness assessments. |
| WA Government STRA Register | Official WA Government source for short-term rental rules | We used this to confirm STRA registration requirements. We based our legality and compliance sections on this official guidance. |
| WA Consumer Protection | WA regulator for tenancy rules and landlord obligations | We used this to verify which costs landlords versus tenants pay. We built our net yield cost model based on these rules. |
| WA Government Land Tax | Official source for WA land tax thresholds and rates | We used this to explain how land tax applies to apartments. We estimated when single-apartment investors would face zero or low land tax. |
| HERE Property | Perth property manager publishing detailed fee guides | We used this as one reference for management fee ranges. We cross-checked these figures against another Perth operator. |
| Blackburne Property Management | Established WA property group with transparent fee structures | We used this as a second source for management fees. We triangulated to confirm the 8% to 10% range is standard. |
| Finder (Insurance) | Major comparison site summarizing WA landlord insurance | We used this for insurance cost ranges and coverage expectations. We kept our insurance estimates conservative based on these benchmarks. |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics | Australia's national statistics agency for housing data | We used ABS for methodological context on rental measurement. We cross-checked that our rent figures align with official definitions. |
| WA Planning Commission | Official planning regulator for development approval rules | We used this to explain STRA planning requirements. We clarified that local approvals may be needed beyond registration. |
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