Perth City was the most searched suburb on reiwa.com for properties for sale in 2025, according to reiwa.com data.
This was the second year the suburb topped the list.
REIWA President Suzanne Brown said Perth City's popularity reflected affordability pressures in the house market, as well as the convenience and variety of apartments available in the CBD.
"Our members report strong interest from first home buyers priced out of detached houses and see an apartment as a way to get a foot in the door," she said.
"For some buyers it's not the end goal, but it allows them to enter the market, live close to work and lifestyle amenities, potentially renting it out later when they move into a house in the suburbs."
Ms Brown said the city was also attracting downsizers seeking larger, higher-quality apartments.
"These buyers are looking for a low-maintenance option with strong amenity, often close to services and hospitals, while still having enough space for family to visit," she said.
Ms Brown said interest may also be supported by anticipation ahead of the opening of the newly completed ECU City campus next month.
"Our members are seeing enquiry from buyers who want to be close to the campus, UWA and Curtin University, and the city's employment opportunities," she said.
Ms Brown said enquiries were concentrated in areas with a high volume of apartments, including Hay Street, Adelaide Terrace and Murray Street.
Mandurah was Perth's second most searched suburb for properties for sale in 2025.
"Mandurah continued to attract strong interest due to its coastal lifestyle and relative affordability compared with many metropolitan suburbs," Ms Brown said.
"It appeals to a broad mix of buyers, including families, retirees and investors.
"People are drawn to the lifestyle on offer, as well as the services and amenity available."
The remaining suburbs included a mix of premium inner-city locations such as Applecross, South Perth and Subiaco, as well as outer suburbs including Baldivis and Rockingham.
"Baldivis stands out for the number of properties available for sale. It consistently tops our weekly list for the most sales, which reflects the overall size of the suburb and the number of dwellings," Ms Brown said.
"Rockingham has moved up three places compared with last year. Some members have also reported increased enquiry linked to major defence and infrastructure activity in the area."
"Inner-city suburbs like Applecross, South Perth and Subiaco remain popular among buyers due to their established amenity, proximity to the CBD and lifestyle appeal."
Ms Brown said suburb searches were a useful indicator of where buyers were directing their attention, even if they didn't always lead to a purchase.
"People often begin their search in suburbs they aspire to live in, then adjust based on what is available and what they can afford," she said.
"In many cases, this leads them to neighbouring areas, sometimes called 'bridesmaid suburbs', where they can access a similar lifestyle with a different price point."
Perth's most searched suburbs for sale
| Suburb | Number of searches | Median house sale price (12 months to Dec 2025) | Median unit sale price (12 months to Dec 2025) | |
| 1 | Perth City | 566,405 | $1,350,000 | $575,000 |
| 2 | Mandurah | 363,786 | $600,000 | $520,000 |
| 3 | Subiaco | 330,188 | $2,062,500 | $760,000 |
| 4 | Baldivis | 318,395 | $740,300 | $582,500 |
| 5 | Rockingham | 313,935 | $760,000 | $490,000 |
| 6 | South Perth | 312,118 | $2,042,500 | $820,000 |
| 7 | Scarborough | 330,844 | $1,310,000 | $747,500 |
| 8 | Como | 298,320 | $1,562,500 | $765,000 |
| 9 | East Perth | 284,562 | $1,577,500 | $600,000 |
| 10 | Applecross | 263,206 | $2,830,000 | $1,082,000 |
Source: REIWA. Searches where the suburb has been specified, from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. Median house sale price for the 12 months to December 2025, as at 7 January.
Rental market
Perth City also topped the list for suburbs searched for rent in 2025.
Ms Brown said Perth City continued to attract a broad mix of tenants, with REIWA members reporting strong demand from professionals and corporate tenants.
"There are a high number of furnished apartments, which is particularly valuable for people moving interstate and overseas who can arrive with minimal belongings and move straight in," she said.
"We're also seeing strong interest from young professionals, couples wanting a central base when working across the metro area, and downsizers looking for low-maintenance living."
Ms Brown said convenience was the main factor for tenants searching in the city.
"Location, walkability and proximity to work, transport and everyday amenities often outweigh size considerations," she said.
"The strongest enquiry tends to be for properties up to $850 per week, where tenants see value once reduced commuting time and lifestyle benefits are factored in."
Mandurah was also Perth's second most searched suburb for rent in 2025.
Ms Brown said renters continued to be drawn to Mandurah for its lifestyle and affordability, similar to the sales market.
Baldivis, Rockingham and Joondalup also featured in the top 10, while Geraldton was the only regional suburb to appear on the list.
Perth's most searched suburbs for rent
| Suburb | Number of searches | Median weekly house rent (12 months to Dec 2025) | Median weekly unit rent (12 months to Dec 2025) | |
| 1 | Perth City | 331,250 | $700 | $750 |
| 2 | Mandurah | 190,421 | $550 | $540 |
| 3 | East Perth | 186,862 | $700 | $750 |
| 4 | Baldivis | 186,235 | $650 | $495 |
| 5 | Rockingham | 171,247 | $600 | $540 |
| 6 | Subiaco | 167,366 | $850 | $750 |
| 7 | Victoria Park | 166,363 | $800 | $600 |
| 8 | South Perth | 162,162 | $772 | $750 |
| 9 | Geraldton | 161,927 | $500 | $405 |
| 10 | Joondalup | 160,635 | $680 | $620 |
Source: REIWA. Searches where the suburb has been specified, from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. Median weekly rent price for the 12 months to December 2025, as at 7 January.
