The Western Australian property market is entering a new phase in September 2026. After several years of strong price growth, tight housing supply and intense buyer competition, Perth’s property market is showing signs of normalisation.
For buyers, investors and business owners, rising property listings are creating more choice, while elevated interest rates continue to influence borrowing capacity, repayments and investment decisions.
However, a more balanced market does not mean every property is becoming less attractive. Location, property type, rental demand and affordability remain important factors shaping opportunities across Perth and regional WA.
The key for September 2026 is to look beyond headline property prices. Whether you’re purchasing a home, investing in residential property or acquiring commercial premises, understanding cash flow, financing costs and long-term market fundamentals is essential.
Perth Property Market Outlook September 2026
More Listings, More Buyer Choice
Perth’s residential market is shifting towards more balanced conditions as properties take longer to sell and buyers become more selective.
- According to REIWA, active listings reached 7,335 properties at the end of August 2026, up 7.8% from July and 146.1% compared with August 2025. REIWA attributes the shift to easing demand and longer selling times.
- Despite the increase in stock, Perth house prices remain elevated. REIWA’s September data puts the median house sale price at $955,125 for the 12 months to August 2026, while the median unit price reached $690,000.
The market is not moving uniformly. With more stock available, buyers may have greater scope to negotiate, while sellers may need to be more realistic on pricing and presentation. For prospective purchasers, additional listings offer more opportunity to compare properties and make considered decisions rather than compete in a highly pressured market.
WA Property Market Outlook: What Buyers and Investors Should Know
Residential Property
Higher listings are giving buyers more choice, while affordability and borrowing capacity remain key considerations.
Units and Apartments
Units may appeal to buyers seeking a lower entry price than detached houses, although location, strata costs and rental demand need careful assessment.
Commercial Property
Quality, location and tenant demand remain important, particularly as businesses weigh the cost of leasing against purchasing their own premises.
Perth House Prices and Residential Demand
Perth’s residential property market remains supported by established demand, but the rapid growth conditions seen in previous years appear to be easing.
REIWA’s August results indicate that annual median prices remain high, even as quarterly conditions have softened. The distinction matters: annual median figures can lag more recent changes in buyer demand and selling prices.
For buyers, September may provide greater scope to negotiate, conduct due diligence and compare properties. For sellers, the increase in available stock means realistic pricing and strong presentation may become increasingly important.
Rather than relying on broad Perth-wide growth expectations, buyers should assess individual suburbs, comparable sales, property condition and their ability to manage repayments.
WA Rental Market and Property Investment
Perth’s rental market remains relatively tight, although conditions vary by property type and location.
REIWA’s September market snapshot recorded 1,974 properties available for rent in the week ending 20 September, compared with 2,122 in the corresponding week a year earlier. Median weekly rents for the 12 months to August were $750 for houses and $700 for units.
WA Rental Market and Property Investment
For property investors, rental demand can help support income, but a strong advertised rent does not automatically translate into a strong investment return.
Before Purchasing, Consider:
- Expected rental income and realistic vacancy periods.
- Mortgage repayments under different interest-rate scenarios.
- Council rates, insurance, maintenance and property management fees.
- Land tax and other applicable holding costs.
- Potential capital expenditure and future resale demand.
Investors should assess net cash flow, not just gross rental yield. A property that appears attractive based on rent alone may place pressure on household finances if interest costs or maintenance expenses increase.
Perth Office and Commercial Property Outlook
Perth’s office market is becoming increasingly differentiated, with quality, location and tenant demand continuing to influence leasing and purchasing decisions.
High construction and labour costs continue to influence development feasibility, which may encourage some owners to consider refurbishing existing buildings rather than undertaking new developments.
For small business owners, strata office properties in areas such as West Perth, Leederville, Subiaco and East Perth may provide alternatives to premium CBD accommodation.
Purchasing business premises can provide greater control and potentially build a long-term asset. However, it also ties up capital that may otherwise be used to fund operations, employ staff or grow the business.
Before buying, business owners should compare the full cost of ownership with leasing, including finance, strata levies, maintenance and the impact on working capital. The right decision depends on business cash flow, growth plans and the proposed ownership structure.
Interest Rates and Borrowing Capacity
Interest rates remain a major influence on the September 2026 property outlook.
At its 11 August meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held the cash rate at 4.35%, following three increases earlier in 2026. The RBA noted that inflation remained too high and that previous rate increases were still working through the economy.
The RBA’s next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for 28–29 September, meaning interest-rate settings remain an important consideration for buyers making decisions this month. Rather than trying to predict the next rate move, buyers should consider whether a purchase remains affordable under a range of repayment scenarios.
For prospective buyers, higher interest rates can reduce borrowing capacity and increase mortgage repayments. Investors may also face tighter cash flow, particularly where rental income does not fully cover property expenses.
Before committing to a purchase, consider whether you could comfortably manage repayments if rates increased further or your circumstances changed.
A property purchase should remain financially sustainable under less favourable conditions, not just today’s assumptions.
Regional WA Property Market Outlook
While Perth attracts significant attention, regional Western Australian property markets can offer different opportunities and risks.
Regional centres influenced by resources, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and local employment may experience market conditions that differ considerably from metropolitan Perth.
For buyers and investors, local economic conditions, population trends, employment stability and rental demand are important considerations.
A regional property with an attractive purchase price may still carry risks if its tenant pool is limited or the local economy is heavily dependent on one industry.
Rather than assuming regional WA will move in line with Perth, buyers and investors should assess each location on its own fundamentals, including employment drivers, population trends, housing supply and rental demand.
What the September 2026 Outlook Means for Buyers
The changing WA property market reinforces the importance of making decisions based on your financial position rather than trying to time the market perfectly.
With more properties available and borrowing costs still elevated, buyers may have more time and choice than during the highly competitive conditions of recent years. This makes property selection, due diligence and affordability particularly important.
Before Purchasing, Consider:
- Your borrowing capacity: Understand your repayments, deposit requirements and available equity.
- Your cash flow: Model the impact of interest rates, vacancies and unexpected expenses.
- Your investment timeframe: Consider whether the property aligns with your long-term financial goals.
- Your tax position: Understand how ownership structure, rental income, deductible expenses and capital gains tax may affect your overall return.
- Your exit strategy: Consider resale demand, ongoing marketability and whether the property will suit future buyers.
For existing property owners, September is also an opportunity to review portfolio performance, assess debt levels and ensure your investment strategy remains appropriate as market conditions evolve.
The Bottom Line: A More Balanced WA Property Market Calls for Careful Decisions
Western Australia’s property market appears to be entering a more measured phase in September 2026. Rising listings are giving buyers more choice, while elevated interest rates and changing demand are placing greater emphasis on affordability, cash flow and careful property selection.
Perth’s residential market continues to show elevated median prices, while rental conditions remain relatively tight. Commercial property opportunities are increasingly shaped by location, quality and the financial needs of businesses.
For buyers, investors and business owners, the focus should be on more than short-term price movements. Market conditions can change quickly, and broad Perth or WA figures will not necessarily reflect an individual suburb or property. Understanding the numbers, managing risk and considering the longer-term fundamentals can help support more informed property decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September 2026 a good time to buy property in Perth?
Increasing listings may provide buyers with more choice and negotiating opportunities. However, affordability, property quality and individual financial circumstances remain important.
Are Perth property prices still rising?
REIWA’s annual median data continues to show elevated prices, while more recent conditions point to a market that is becoming more balanced. Annual median figures can lag changes occurring within individual suburbs and property segments, so they should not be viewed as a prediction of future price movements.
Is WA property a good investment in 2026?
Investment suitability depends on the individual property, purchase price, rental income, holding costs, borrowing capacity and long-term objectives. Current market strength does not guarantee future capital growth or positive cash flow.
What should WA property investors consider before buying?
Investors should assess rental demand, vacancy risk, interest costs, maintenance, tax implications and the property’s potential resale market.
How can an accountant help with property investment?
An accountant can help assess cash flow, ownership structures, tax implications and investment costs to support informed property decisions.
Sources:
- REIWA – Perth Market Insights
- REIWA – Perth Listings Exceed 7,000
- REIWA – Perth Market Conditions
- Reserve Bank of Australia – Monetary Policy
- WA Treasury – Housing Market
- Small Business Development Corporation WA
How Can We Help?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to give our office on 08 9221 5522 or via email – info@camdenprofessionals.com.au or arrange a time for a meeting so we can discuss your requirements in more detail.
Camden Professionals, together with Investax Group, can also help property investors and business owners understand the cash-flow, ownership and tax considerations that sit behind a property decision, where advice is required.
General Advice Warning
The material on this page and on this website has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any person. Any advice contained on this page and on this website is General Advice and does not consider any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. In addition, the examples provided on this page and on this website are for illustrative purposes only.
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