Rental Affordability in WA: Current Trends and Insights

Rental Affordability in Western Australia

What the Latest REIA Data Means for Tenants and Investors

At D Residential Group, our Mount Lawley–based team of Perth property managers specialise in boutique property management, working closely with investors to protect income while supporting strong tenant relationships. Rental affordability in Western Australia continues to face pressure, according to the latest REIA Housing Affordability Report (September Quarter 2025). While the pace of rent growth has slowed compared to previous years, affordability has still declined both over the quarter and across the year.

Rental affordability has tightened in WA

The report shows the proportion of family income required to meet median rent in Western Australia has increased to 24.2 per cent.

This represents:

• an increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter
• an increase of 0.5 percentage points over the past year

In simple terms, households are needing to commit a slightly larger share of their income to rent than they were twelve months ago.

How WA compares nationally

While affordability has declined locally, Western Australia remains broadly in line with national trends.

Across Australia, the proportion of income required to meet median rent sits at 24.3 per cent, unchanged over the quarter and slightly improved year on year.

Rental affordability declined in Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Signs of stabilisation in rent growth

There is, however, an important shift underway.

REIWA President Suzanne Brown noted that rent price growth in Perth has slowed, with median rents hovering around 700 per week after several years of sharp increases.

This easing does not mean rents are falling, but it does suggest the market may be moving away from the extreme growth seen during the peak of the rental shortage.

What this means for tenants

For tenants, the data highlights:

• ongoing pressure on household budgets
• limited relief despite slower rent growth
• the importance of securing well priced, well managed rentals when they become available

In a market like this, strong communication, lease planning and proactive management can make a meaningful difference to rental stability.

What this means for investors

For property investors, the figures reinforce several key points:

• rental demand remains strong
• rents are holding firm, even as growth moderates
• well located, well maintained properties continue to perform

From an income property management perspective, this is where strategic rent setting becomes critical, balancing market performance with long term tenant retention.

Our perspective at D Residential Group

At D Residential Group, we monitor rental affordability closely because it sits at the intersection of tenant sustainability and investor performance.

Our role is to:

• set rents based on real market data, not guesswork
• retain quality tenants where possible
• protect long term income while reducing vacancy risk

We believe strong tenant relationships matter. While rents should always reflect genuine market conditions, our focus is on sustainable, well-considered pricing rather than short-term uplift. Retaining quality tenants who care for the home, pay rent on time and want to stay often delivers stronger, more consistent outcomes than setting rent at levels that cannot be maintained over time.

If you would like tailored advice on how these rental affordability trends apply to your property, or support navigating lease renewals in the current market, our Mount Lawley–based team at D Residential Group is here to help.