Winter and the fear of being 'homeless' have seen new listings decline in July, according to REIWA.
The fall in new listings, combined with consistently strong demand, has led to active listings falling to the lowest level in 12 months.
According to www.reiwa.com data, active listings settled at 3,382 at the end of July.
REIWA President Suzanne Brown said while it was common for new listings to decline in Winter, concerns about being 'homeless' were also deterring potential sellers.
"We typically see the number of properties coming to market decrease at this time of year," she said.
"Houses don't always look their best in Winter and it can be a lot of work to keep them looking market-ready for home opens when it is consistently rainy. So, many people choose to wait until the traditional 'Spring selling season' to list their home.
"This year, while new listings dropped slightly in June, they fell further in July. Our members are saying the fear of being without a home is exaggerating the seasonal decline in new listings, with potential sellers hesitant to put their properties on the market.
"People often talk about the challenges facing buyers, but sellers are between a rock and a hard place at the moment.
"If they choose to buy a new home before selling their own, there may be financial implications, such as paying two mortgages until their home sells. While bridging loans are available, they may not be in a position to get finance to purchase before they sell.
"And if they can't secure finance, they will be at a competitive disadvantage by having to make offers subject to the sale of their home and are likely to be overlooked in favour of buyers with cash or subject to finance offers.
"Selling first gives you the advantage of being able to make an offer for cash or with a small finance component, but it then leaves you with the issue of having to find somewhere to live, potentially in a short timeframe.
"We know it is hard to find a rental, particularly if you might only need one for a few months or need to find one in a certain area. People also want to take their time finding their new home and not just buy the first one available because they are facing a settlement deadline."
Ms Brown offered the following advice for potential sellers.
"Winter can be a good time to sell. The lack of competition from other sellers, combined with strong demand, can lead to very good outcomes," she said.
"If you are considering buying before selling, it is a good idea to get your existing home ready for sale so you can get it on the market as soon as your offer is accepted.
"You should also try and organise your finance so you can confidently make a strong offer.
"If you want to sell first, you could make a long settlement part of the contract. This will give you some time to buy a new home or find a rental.
"I also encourage sellers already on the market to consider subject to sale offers. These buyers may be willing to offer slightly more than cash or subject to finance buyers to get their foot in the door. And in today's market their property is likely to sell reasonably quickly. They may also be open to a longer settlement, which will give you a bit of breathing room when it comes to finding your new residence."
Perth sales market
Perth's median house sale price increased 1.4 per cent in July to $797,000. This was the biggest monthly percentage increase since October 2024. The median house sale price was 15.5 per cent higher than at the same time in 2024.
The median unit sale price also increased, rising 1.9 per cent over the month to $550,000. This was 19.6 per cent higher than a year ago.
"The number of sales significantly outpaced new listings in July and the growing imbalance between supply and demand has increased the upward pressure on prices," Ms Brown said.
"We are seeing the most sales activity in the $600,000 to $800,000 price bracket, but members report demand remains strong across the board.
"They are even seeing a return of east coast investors and buyer's agents in some areas."
The suburbs that saw the most price growth in July were East Victoria Park (up 4 per cent to $1,050,000), Dawesville (up 3.2 per cent to $765,000), Maylands (up 2.6 per cent to $1,000,000), Doubleview (up 2.5 per cent to $1,230,000) and Woodvale (up 2.1 per cent to $1,085,000).
Fremantle, Como, Bullsbrook, Falcon and Warnbro were also among the top performers, recording growth of 1.5 per cent or more over the month.
Time on market
Houses in Perth sold in a median of 12 days in July, one day faster than June but three days slower than July 2024.
Units also sold in a median of 12 days, one day faster than June but three days slower than the same time last year.
"Members report homes that don't need any work are selling faster and getting better price outcomes than those that do," Ms Brown said.
"Even in a highly competitive market, it highlights the value of investing in the presentation of your home."
According to www.reiwa.com data, the fastest selling suburbs for houses in July were Lakelands (four days); Wandi (six days); and Atwell, Brabham, Kenwick, Kingsley, Landsdale, Langford, Queens Park and Wanneroo (seven days).
Perth rental market
Perth's median dwelling rent price remained stable at $680 per week in July. This was 4.6 per cent higher than the same time last year.
The median weekly rent price for houses increased 0.7 per cent to $685, which was 5.4 per cent higher than July 2024.
The median rent for units declined 1.5 per cent to $650 per week but was 6.6 per cent higher than a year ago.
Ms Brown said after several years of strong increases, rent price growth was slowing considerably.
"The biggest change over the past 12 months has been the rate of growth," she said.
"For example, the median weekly house rent increased 4.6 per cent in the year to July 2025, compared with 12.1 per cent in the year to July 2024 and 16.0 per cent in the year to July 2023. The median weekly unit rent increased 6.6 per cent, 15.1 per cent and 17.8 per cent over the same timeframes.
"The upward pressure on prices has been easing as a result of an increase in supply and changes to demand, such as an increase in the size of tenant households."
According to www.reiwa.com, the suburbs that saw the most growth in their median weekly dwelling rent price in July were Tuart Hill (up 8.3 per cent to $650), Nollamara (up 3.0 per cent to $695), West Perth (up 2.9 per cent to $700), Aveley (up 2.9 per cent to $720) and Joondalup (up 2.8 per cent to $638).
Listings for rent
There were 2,358 properties available for rent on www.reiwa.com at the end of July. This was 2.1 per cent lower than June and 5.7 per cent lower than the same time last year.
Median leasing times
Homes leased in a median of 17 days during July, one day slower than June but one day faster than 12 months ago.
www.reiwa.com data showed the suburbs recording the fastest median leasing times were Coolbellup, Leederville, Nollamara and Yanchep (11 days) and Mindarie, Subiaco, Wembley, Banksia Grove, Butler and Success (12 days).
* Active listings – the number of properties advertised on www.reiwa.com at any given time. New listings – new properties listed for sale.
