We’re only a few days into 2026, and already the property market in Perth is giving us plenty to talk about. If you’ve been wondering whether buyer interest is still strong or if more properties are coming to market this year — the early signs are in, and they’re pretty clear.
According to the latest data from REIWA, there were just 1,862 properties listed for sale across Perth in the first week of January. That’s not a typo — it’s one of the lowest numbers we’ve seen in over 30 years, and a 56.8% drop compared to the same time last year.
You probably aren’t even seeing many For Sale signboards going up lately — and that’s because many homes are selling so quickly, they’re snapped up before the marketing campaign fully rolls out.
A Tough Start for Buyers — But Opportunity for Sellers
This shortage of listings means there’s still a lot of competition among buyers. Even over the holidays, properties that were priced and presented well continued to attract strong interest — and in many cases, multiple offers within days.
For sellers, this kind of environment creates a real advantage. Fewer properties available means yours stands out more. And if the property is well-prepared and marketed right, you’re likely to see good foot traffic through home opens and strong offers from motivated buyers.
We’ve also continued to see a rise in off-market sales across Perth, including here in the northern suburbs. With buyer demand so high, some sellers are choosing to avoid launching a full campaign altogether. Instead, they’re quietly accepting strong offers from qualified buyers wanting to secure something before it goes public. It’s a trend that’s becoming more common — and one we expect to continue in this kind of seller’s market.
What’s Happening With Prices?
Pretty much everyone is predicting that prices will keep rising in 2026, but probably not at the same speed we saw over the past couple of years. More modest growth — somewhere around 7% to 10% — is still expected. And in areas like Currambine, Iluka, Burns Beach, Kinross and surrounding northern suburbs, demand is holding strong thanks to schools, lifestyle, and ongoing population growth.
Selling Without the Pressure of Rushing Your Next Move
One concern I often hear from homeowners is: “What if I sell quickly but can’t find my next home?”
Despite the low stock levels, we’ve had great success negotiating flexible settlement terms for our sellers. This has allowed many to secure a strong price now, while also gaining extra time to settle or a rent back period after settlement to comfortably find and purchase their next property — reducing stress and avoiding rushed decisions.
In this market, buyers are often more accommodating on terms when the property is right.
Looking Ahead for 2026
REIWA’s outlook suggests we’ll start to see more listings come to market later in the year as confidence returns and building completions pick up. But for now, the limited supply is still very much a defining feature of our local market.
For buyers, this means being prepared and quick to act. We’re encouraging all of our buyers to get pre-approved, know what you’re looking for, and keep an eye on new listings as soon as they pop up — because they won’t last long.
If you’ve been thinking about selling — or just wondering what your home might be worth in this current market — feel free to reach out for a quick update. No pressure, no obligations, just friendly advice based on what’s happening right now in your suburb. You can also use our digital instant valuation estimate tool too by CLICKING HERE
Wishing everyone a fantastic start to the year — here’s to a strong and balanced market in 2026.
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Brett White
Licensee – RE/MAX Extreme
Source: REIWA