As we kick off a new year at Holdsworth Real Estate, we’ve been analyzing the latest data from REIWA to see exactly where West Australians are looking to make their next move. The 2025 wrap-up is in, and the results paint a fascinating picture of a market defined by two major themes: affordability and lifestyle.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for a “foot in the door” or a seasoned investor tracking rental demand, these insights into Perth’s most-searched suburbs provide a roadmap for the year ahead.
The CBD Remains King: Why Perth City Topped the List (Again)
For the second year running, Perth City has secured the #1 spot as the most searched suburb for both sales and rentals. In 2025, it racked up over 566,000 searches for sales alone.
According to REIWA President Suzanne Brown, this isn’t just a trend—it’s a response to the current economic climate. With detached house prices in inner-city areas rising, apartments have become the strategic choice for many.
The “Foot in the Door” Strategy
We are seeing a significant wave of first-home buyers who are “priced out” of houses but refuse to compromise on location. By purchasing a city apartment, they can live close to work and enjoy world-class amenities, with the long-term plan to turn the property into an investment once they’re ready for the suburbs.
The University Factor
The buzz around the newly opened ECU City campus is also driving massive interest. With UWA and Curtin nearby, students and staff are looking for proximity, particularly along high-density corridors like Hay Street, Adelaide Terrace, and Murray Street.
The Top 10 Most Searched Suburbs (Sales)
The 2025 data shows a mix of aspirational “dream” suburbs and practical, high-growth areas.
| Rank | Suburb | Median House Price | Median Unit Price |
| 1 | Perth City | $1,350,000 | $575,000 |
| 2 | Mandurah | $600,000 | $520,000 |
| 3 | Subiaco | $2,062,500 | $760,000 |
| 4 | Baldivis | $740,300 | $582,500 |
| 5 | Rockingham | $760,000 | $490,000 |
| 6 | South Perth | $2,042,500 | $820,000 |
| 7 | Scarborough | $1,310,000 | $747,500 |
| 8 | Como | $1,562,500 | $765,000 |
| 9 | East Perth | $1,577,500 | $600,000 |
| 10 | Applecross | $2,830,000 | $1,082,000 |
Mandurah & The Coast: Coming in at #2, Mandurah continues to be a powerhouse for families and retirees. Its blend of coastal lifestyle and relative affordability (with a median house price of $600,000) makes it a perennial favorite.
The “Bridesmaid” Suburb Effect: Interestingly, many buyers start their search in premium areas like Subiaco or Applecross but often settle in neighboring suburbs where they can find similar lifestyle benefits at a more accessible price point.
The Rental Market: High Demand for “Turnkey” Living
The rental market mirrors the sales market, with Perth City and Mandurah taking the top two spots.
For tenants, the priority has shifted toward convenience and walkability. In the city, professionals and corporate tenants are driving demand for furnished apartments—perfect for those relocating for work who want to move straight in with minimal fuss.
Standout Rental Suburbs:
- Baldivis & Rockingham: These suburbs remain highly sought after for renters seeking value, particularly with the increased defense and infrastructure activity near Rockingham.
- Geraldton: Notably, Geraldton was the only regional suburb to break into the top 10, highlighting the growing appeal of WA’s regional hubs.
What This Means for Holdsworth Real Estate Clients
If you are looking to sell in the CBD or inner-city suburbs, you are currently holding the most “searched-for” real estate in the state. High search volumes translate to high enquiry, provided your property is marketed to reach these active buyers.
For landlords, the demand for city apartments remains insatiable, particularly for properties priced up to $850 per week where the “lifestyle-to-commute” ratio is most attractive.
