If you’ve spent any time looking at real estate apps lately, you’ve probably noticed that the Perth market isn’t just “warm”—it’s positively sizzling. As we settle into 2026, the conversation around the dinner table has shifted from “Is now a good time to buy?” to “How do we actually get in?”
At Holdsworth Real Estate, we believe in giving it to you straight. The market has changed significantly over the last 24 months, and the roadmap for 2026 is being drawn by three key factors: Affordability, Accessibility, and Availability. Let’s break down what this means for your property goals this year.
1. The Affordability Crunch: By the Numbers
It’s no secret that Western Australia has enjoyed (or endured, depending on which side of the fence you’re on) several years of record-breaking growth. To understand where we are going, we have to look at how far we’ve come.
The heavy lifting done by property values over the last two years is, frankly, staggering:
| Property Type | 2024 Price Growth | 2025 Price Growth |
| Houses | +25% | +12% |
| Units | +21.7% | +18% |
While the rate of growth for houses slowed slightly in 2025, the unit market picked up the slack as buyers began looking for more affordable alternatives to the traditional quarter-acre block.
The Reality Check: For first-home buyers, the “entry fee” has gone up. Saving for a deposit is taking longer, and the mortgages required are larger. For those looking to upgrade, the “gap” between your current home and your dream home has likely widened, requiring a significant extension of your debt.
2. The Accessibility Bridge: Helping Hands (With a Catch)
When affordability drops, demand usually follows. However, Perth is currently defying that gravity, largely due to accessibility. State and Federal governments have introduced a suite of “bridges” to help people cross the affordability gap.
These include:
- The $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): Specific to those buying or building brand-new homes.
- First Home Super Saver Scheme: Allowing you to save for a deposit via your super.
- The 5% Deposit Scheme: Reducing the upfront cash hurdle for eligible buyers.
- Keystart: Providing low-deposit loans and shared equity options.
- Stamp Duty Concessions: Targeted at first-time buyers to lower closing costs.
The Holdsworth Take: These schemes are fantastic for getting people through the door. However, there’s a paradox at play. By making it easier for more people to buy, these measures actually increase demand. In a market where supply is already low, this “brought-forward” demand acts as a floor for prices, preventing them from cooling down as much as they might otherwise.
3. The Availability Crisis: Where Are the Houses?
This is the final, and perhaps most critical, piece of the 2026 puzzle. For a market to function healthily, you need “churn”—new listings coming on to replace those that have sold.
Lately, that churn has stalled. While homes came to market in decent numbers over the last few years, they were snapped up so quickly that active listing levels stayed historically low. In the final six months of 2025, new listings for established homes fell significantly below long-term averages.
The result? The Return of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
By the end of December 2025, active listings in Perth fell to below 2,000 properties. When you consider the size of our city, that is an incredibly small pool of options. This imbalance is the primary engine driving price growth right now. Until we see a significant wave of new listings or a massive surge in new home completions, the competition for every single “For Sale” sign will remain fierce.
What This Means for Your Strategy
- If you are Selling: You are in a position of incredible strength. With listings under 2,000, your property isn’t just a home; it’s a rare commodity. The key is not just finding a buyer, but managing the multiple offers to ensure you get the best terms.
- If you are Buying: You need to be “market-ready.” This isn’t the year for “browsing.” Have your finance pre-approved, your deposit ready, and your “must-have” list finalized so you can move the moment a property hits the portal.
- If you are an Investor: The lack of availability isn’t just affecting sales; it’s keeping the rental market incredibly tight. Yields remain strong, and the capital growth of the last two years has likely added significant equity to your portfolio.
Let’s Chat About Your Next Move
The 2026 market requires a nuanced approach. It’s not just about the price; it’s about timing, accessibility schemes, and knowing how to navigate the low-stock environment. Contact us today if you want to make your move in this exciting market!
