There’s no doubt that the Perth property market is experiencing a moment in the spotlight. After years of underperformance relative to cities on the east coast, Perth has emerged as one of Australia’s strongest markets, and for financial advisers, these shifts aren’t just headlines — they are central to the decisions that we advise on every day.
Boutique Advisers partners with Performance Property, a Perth-based property investment and portfolio management firm, to compile market update reports of Australia’s highly dynamic property market. Their research indicates that Perth’s property market saw 20% growth across houses and units, by far the highest of any other Australian capital city. For reference, Adelaide experienced the second highest growth rate, with prices rising by 12% in 2024. This is largely driven by a 3.3% annual population increase – nearly double the national average of 1.8% – which is further composed of a 248% increase in net overseas migration and 270% rise in interstate migration.
For new investors
Naturally, for clients aiming to take advantage of this trend, the devil is in the detail. Investors are taking notice of this growth; investment lending increased by 55% last year, reflecting a significant increase in the proportion of investment properties being purchased. However, investment properties are not a one-way ticket to lasting wealth, notwithstanding their popularity in middle-class Australia. This is where financial advice becomes not just useful, but necessary. Our purpose is not to chase trends — it is to map out strategies tailored to individual circumstances. That might mean considering property investment as part of a diversified portfolio or ensuring that a decision to upsize a home aligns with long-term retirement planning and cash flow goals.
Those who already hold investment properties
For clients who already own property in Perth, there are significant capital gains and rental yields being made. This presents opportunities for clients to leverage the available equity in their home to fund their other financial goals, but with prices rising and interest rates still higher than many are comfortable with, apprehension remains high. Clients want to know if economic conditions are suitable to buy, refinance, rent out, sell, or downsize, but the reality is that individual circumstances are an unavoidable factor in that equation. Our advice always starts with the individual: rising values aren’t helpful if they come at the cost of lifestyle or long-term flexibility. We help clients weigh up options with clarity, and do not simply ask if they can afford it, but if this serves to further their goals, purpose, and legacy.
First home buyers
For younger clients or those trying to get into the market for the first time, the news is far more sobering. Entry-level homes are being pushed further out of reach, and the rental crisis makes saving even harder. We’re working closely with these clients to build realistic timelines, leverage government incentives, and explore whether alternative strategies — such as rentvesting — might work for their circumstances. Despite this, Performance research indicates that Perth remains the most affordable capital city in the country. Using an affordability index of average new mortgage repayment vs average salary, Perth clocks in at 44% – far behind Sydney’s 87% and Melbourne’s 54%. These economic conditions are also a good opportunity for financial education; as many of our younger clients are considering property for the first time, it’s our job to guide them through what can be an overwhelming process. This doesn’t just include the transaction, but also the long-term impact of how a mortgage fits into their broader goals around career, travel, family, and financial independence.
In a volatile property market, financial advice isn’t about crystal balls and get-rich-quick schemes — it’s about clarity, confidence, and collaboration. Whether our clients are seasoned investors or first home buyers, we aim to help them understand the risks and opportunities within a broader context. The Perth property market offers chances for growth, but it also demands discipline and planning.
As property prices rise and affordability tightens, the difference between a good decision and a costly mistake is often in the advice. At Boutique Advisers, we’re proud to provide that guidance — clarity for the future so clients can realise their potential to live their best financial life. Contact us today for a more in-depth discussion about how you can live your best financial life.
Anthony Sims is an Associate at Boutique and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from UWA. He is the Economics and Business section editor for The Pelican, UWA’s magazine. which is the second oldest student newspaper in Australia and first published in 1929.