Perth Rental Market Update: January Summary 2026

Growth Returns as Demand Remains Strong

At D Residential Group, based in Mount Lawley, we believe informed investors make better long term decisions. As we move through the 2025 to 2026 financial year, the latest data shows renewed momentum in the Perth rental market.

After a year of more moderate growth, January delivered a noticeable lift in rental prices across Perth.

Perth Median Rent Rises to $720 Per Week

Perth’s median dwelling rent increased to $720 per week in January. This represents:

• 2.9 percent growth over the month
• 7.5 percent growth compared to January last year

Breaking this down further:

Houses
Median rent now sits at $725 per week
Up 3.6 percent over the month
Up 6.6 percent year on year

Units
Median rent now sits at $690 per week
Up 1.5 percent over the month
Up 6.2 percent year on year

January traditionally sees increased rental activity as families secure homes ahead of the school year. However, this growth also reflects ongoing underlying demand across the Perth rental market.

Supply Has Improved, But Conditions Remain Sensitive

At the end of January, there were 2,087 properties available for rent across Perth.

While this represents a lift from December levels, it remains 3.2 percent lower than the same time last year.

It is important to remember that nearly 20,000 rental properties were removed from the WA market following the lifting of COVID rental moratoriums in 2021. The Perth rental market is still recovering from that significant reduction in supply.

Although the market has shown improvement over the past 18 months due to increased stock levels, we are not yet back to long term equilibrium.

Strong population growth, combined with constrained conditions in both the new build and established housing markets, continues to support rental demand.

Leasing Times Remain Efficient

Homes leased in a median of 17 days in January. This is only one day slower than December and remains significantly faster than historical averages.

Suburbs recording particularly fast leasing times included Innaloo at eight days, North Fremantle at ten days, and Subiaco, Morley and Piara Waters at eleven days.

Well presented, competitively priced properties continue to attract strong enquiry and secure tenants efficiently.

What This Means for Perth Landlords

While the rental market is stabilising compared to peak crisis conditions, demand remains steady and supply remains sensitive to investor confidence and legislative settings.

With another review of the Residential Tenancies Act on the horizon, it is important that any policy changes carefully consider their impact on rental supply. History has shown that investor participation can shift quickly when conditions become unfavourable.

For landlords, this environment reinforces the importance of:

• Proactive property management
• Maintaining presentation and compliance
• Strategic long term planning
• Informed and timely rent reviews

Final Thoughts

The Perth rental market is no longer in crisis mode, but it remains structurally tight.

Growth has resumed momentum, leasing times remain efficient, and demand continues to be supported by strong population fundamentals.

For Perth property investors, now is a time for strategy, clarity and informed decision making.

At D Residential Group, we provide hands on, high level property management across Mount Lawley, Maylands, Bayswater and surrounding suburbs. If you would like an updated rental appraisal or tailored advice on your investment property, we would be delighted to assist.

Discover the difference informed Perth property management can make.