📉 Perth's Property Slump: More Than Half of Suburbs in Decline

New data from Hotspotting’s Autumn 2025 Price Predictor Index has revealed a sharp downturn in Perth’s property market, with over 57% of suburbs now in negative territory.

The once red-hot housing zones of Rockingham, Baldivis, and Port Kennedy — previously known for affordability and rapid growth — have now flipped into full retreat.

🧮 What the Data Shows:

• 57% of Perth suburbs show declining sales trends
• 17% show no clear pattern
• Only 26% show positive growth
• Southern suburbs like Balga, Butler, Mount Lawley, and Ellenbrook are also sliding

According to Tim Graham of Hotspotting, the slowdown was first signalled in 2024 and has now firmly taken hold across Perth’s metro fringe.

🏘️ Resilient Suburbs & Market Bright Spots

Despite the broader decline, some pockets are resisting the trend:

• Growing house markets: Como, Dianella, Morley, Piara Waters, Wellard
• Unit markets holding strong: Cannington, Leederville, Maylands, Wembley, Yokine, West Perth

Further afield, regional markets are painting a mixed picture:

• Geraldton, while declining in sales activity, posted a 6.5% median house price jump this quarter
• Bunbury led the annual growth with 25.9% increase in median price to $616,995
• Port Hedland was the only regional centre to see a price drop this quarter

🌏 Surprise Leader: Darwin

Hotspotting’s Terry Ryder pointed to Darwin as the biggest national standout:

“79% of Darwin markets are trending upward. Sales have surged 49% since December – no other region comes close.”

This dramatic growth positions Darwin as one of the most promising markets for 2025, outshining even the east coast capitals.

💰 What Buyers Are Doing Now

Despite the Perth slump, buyer sentiment remains surprisingly strong. Mortgage broker Jonathan Preston said falling interest rate expectations are fuelling pre-approval demand, particularly from investors:

“There’s no collapse in confidence. If anything, investor interest is growing — they’re getting ready to strike.”

🧠 Takeaways for Home Run Players

If you’re placing bids in the Perth region:

• Be extra cautious in fringe suburbs with sliding sales volumes
• Pay attention to unit markets that are proving more resilient than houses
• Watch Darwin and regional centres like Geraldton for potential auction outperformance

Knowing which markets are stabilising versus sliding could be the key to sharpening your next property estimate.