REIWA has welcomed today's announcement on the extension of the WA Rent Relief Program and the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) and Vacant Property Rental (VPR) Incentive schemes.
The STRA and VPR incentives have been extended to 28 February 2026. These programs offer payments to owners who move short-stay or vacant properties into the long-term rental market. So far, 810 homes have shifted across.
REIWA President Suzanne Brown said the incentives are a practical way to add stock in a tight market.
"Perth's rental supply is improving but remains well under what we would usually expect," she said.
"Every home added to the long-term rental pool makes a difference, and the 810 properties transitioned so far show these incentives are working. Extending them gives owners more time to contribute to lifting supply."
The WA Rent Relief Program has been extended through to 30 June 2026. It has already supported nearly 3,700 households to stay in secure housing, helping tenants clear arrears and avoid eviction.
Ms Brown said the program remains important for people in challenging circumstances.
"Rent relief is keeping people housed who may otherwise face eviction. That is crucial for them and has flow-on benefits for the whole market", she said.
"Extending the program ensures more at-risk tenants can stabilise their situation and remain in their homes."
