What's the Perth housing market like

[dawn1]

Is Perth a city with a good housing and rental market? Will it be possible for me to find a nice apartment with a decent landlord before I move, who will be happy not to meet me until I arrive to move into their flat? Or will I have to move first and find a flat after? And would I have to expect lots of competition, meaning high prices and lots of rejection from landlords?

[Michael_Cooke]

The housing and rental market has cooled down from its peak around 4-5 years ago.

While it is still competitive to get into desirable suburbs, the price has gone down on most rental listings and the line up of candidates has reduced.

Yes, there will still be competition, but it will not be as intense as it once was - expect to have some rejection but it will not be a never-ending pile of rejections.

I would not recommend organising an apartment before you move here unless you have someone your really, truly trust to inspect the place for you.

Although scammers are relatively rare, the best way to ensure you actually get what you pay for is to see the property and meet the people responsible for signing you to the lease (should you be the successful applicant).

Under no circumstances should you be paying money (either security deposit or bond) through an unofficial channel such as a private Gumtree listing prior to moving. Once you are in Perth, you can use Gumtree at your discretion but I have not used it for renting so I cannot personally recommend that approach.

Here is some additional information regarding Bond (also known as a security deposit):
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/lodging-bond

[Ottilia_Magnusson]

At the moment it is easy to find a rental property. Most ppl move here before they rent as it is hard to know what area you want to live in if you don't know the city. Most rentals are student rentals so student quality. If you want nice appartments you have to be willing to pay more. Rent is not cheap (but cheaper than sydney). Most landlords do not need to meet you before you move in as they go through realestate agents and never want contact with the tenant but there are exceptions. I do not think you have to worry too much about competition at this time of the year, it is usually more competition at start of university. Most agents want signed contracts thought but you can find rentals from private persons on gumtree and there is flatmate website as well.

[James_Bryant]

I live in a complex of 4 units, that are 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom. We are in the suburb of South Perth, and right on the river. You can walk to the CBD from here, lot's of cafe's etc. We are the only owner occupier of the complex, all the other people rent and have been commenting that their rents keep dropping in price. What used to cost $550 a week is now down to $380 a week.

It's safe to say that you will not have any trouble getting into a rental and some really nice areas are becoming much much cheaper!