Perth City Guide

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and one of the most isolated major cities on earth, anchoring a state powered by iron ore, gas, gold and lithium exports. That resources wealth, combined with a Mediterranean climate, world-class beaches (Cottesloe, Scarborough) and the Swan River foreshore, underpins a relaxed, high-amenity lifestyle. After years as Australia's most affordable capital, Perth has been the standout performer of the recent cycle, with REIWA reporting a record median house price of AUD 840,000 in December 2025 (up 12% over the year) and units up 18%. Foreign buyers face Australia-wide rules: FIRB approval is required before purchase, foreigners are generally restricted to NEW dwellings and off-the-plan stock, and a temporary ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings runs 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029. In Western Australia a 7% foreign-buyer transfer-duty surcharge applies on residential acquisitions (though WA, unlike NSW/Victoria/Queensland, does not levy a foreign-owner land-tax surcharge).