Perth Property Investment Guide for Foreign Buyers (2026)

Last updated: 6 January 2026 • 14 min read

Perth has been Australia's standout property market. While Sydney and Melbourne have oscillated between modest gains and corrections, Perth has surged—median dwelling values climbing over 75% since March 2020, with annual growth rates consistently leading the nation.

For foreign investors, Perth presents a rare combination: strong capital growth, exceptional rental yields (4.5-6.5%), and crucially, lower foreign buyer costs than any eastern state capital. Western Australia charges a 7% foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge versus 8-9% in NSW/VIC, and imposes no foreign owner land tax surcharge at all—a significant ongoing cost advantage.

But Perth is not without complexity. Its economy remains tied to resources, its market has historically been volatile, and the extreme supply shortage that has driven recent growth won't last forever. This guide shows you how to capitalise on Perth's strengths while managing its unique risks.

Perth's Investment Landscape: Understanding the Opportunity

Perth is Australia's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.2 million, capital of Western Australia, and gateway to the nation's resources sector. Its property market operates on different fundamentals than the eastern capitals—understanding these dynamics is essential for foreign investors.

Why Perth Is Attracting Foreign Investment

Exceptional Recent Performance

Perth has delivered Australia's strongest property returns (data as of late 2025):

• Annual growth: 8-11% for houses, 11-15% for units
• Median dwelling value: ~$914,000
• Median house price: $810,000-$926,000
• Median unit price: $565,000-$650,000
• Five-year growth: Over 75% since March 2020

This performance has pushed Perth's median house price past Melbourne's for the first time, making it Australia's fourth most expensive capital after Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide.

Severe Supply Shortage

The fundamental driver of Perth's growth is a profound supply-demand imbalance:

• Stock levels: 45% below the five-year average
• New listings: Down 28% year-on-year
• Days on market: Just 11-13 days (properties sell within two weeks)
• Construction pipeline: Insufficient to meet population growth

This shortage shows no immediate signs of easing. Building approvals remain subdued, construction costs have risen sharply, and labour shortages persist. For investors, this means sustained upward pressure on values—at least in the medium term.

Exceptional Rental Yields

Perth offers Australia's best rental returns among major capitals:

• Median weekly rent (houses): $690-$755
• Median weekly rent (units): $650
• Gross rental yield: 4.5-6.5% (versus 2.5-3.5% in Sydney)
• Vacancy rate: 0.7% (critically low)

A vacancy rate below 1% indicates extreme rental market tightness. Landlords have significant pricing power, and properties lease within days of listing. For yield-focused foreign investors, this is compelling.

Population Growth Engine

Western Australia's population growth of 2.8% (2023) is among the highest in Australia, driven by:

• Interstate migration: Australians relocating from expensive eastern cities
• International migration: Skilled workers for resources and healthcare sectors
• Natural increase: Young demographic profile

This population influx creates sustained housing demand that outpaces new supply.

Resources Sector Strength

WA's economy is underpinned by iron ore, lithium, gold, and natural gas exports. Major projects including:

• Ongoing iron ore expansion (Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue)
• Lithium development for EV batteries
• LNG projects in the Pilbara
• Rare earths and critical minerals

These industries generate high-paying jobs that flow through to housing demand in Perth.

The Challenges You Need to Understand

Resources Dependency Risk

Perth's fortunes are linked to commodity prices, particularly iron ore. A significant decline in global demand—whether from China's property slowdown or broader economic factors—could impact:

• Employment in mining and related services
• Population growth (migration patterns can reverse quickly)
• Property demand and values

Perth experienced this during the 2014-2019 downturn when house prices fell approximately 20% following the end of the mining construction boom. While current fundamentals differ, this historical volatility warrants consideration.

Affordability Ceiling Approaching

Perth's rapid price growth is creating affordability constraints:

• Median house prices have risen $200,000+ in two years
• Price-to-income ratios are widening
• First-home buyers increasingly priced out of desirable suburbs
• Rental stress affecting tenant capacity to pay higher rents

When affordability becomes stretched, growth typically moderates. The question is when, not if.

Geographic Isolation

Perth is one of the world's most isolated major cities:

• 4+ hour flight from Sydney/Melbourne
• 6-8 hour flight from major Asian hubs
• Limited direct international connections compared to eastern capitals

For foreign investors, this means:

• Property inspections require significant travel commitment
• Fewer service providers specialising in foreign buyers
• Potentially smaller pool of future foreign buyers when selling

Eastern Investor Retreat

Perth's affordability advantage over eastern cities has narrowed significantly. When Perth's median was $500,000 versus Melbourne's $900,000, eastern investors poured in. Now that Perth has matched Melbourne, that flow has slowed:

• Fewer interstate buyers at open homes
• Reduced buyer's agent activity from eastern states
• More price-sensitive local market

This isn't necessarily negative—it suggests the speculative froth is reducing—but it may moderate future growth rates.

The Complete Cost Breakdown for Foreign Buyers

Perth offers material cost advantages for foreign investors compared to eastern capitals. Let's examine the complete picture.

FIRB Application Fees (2025-26 Financial Year)

Standard national structure applies—no state variation. These fees are indexed annually on 1 July:

Property Value	Application Fee
Less than $75,000	$4,500
Up to $1 million	$15,100
$1-2 million	$30,300
$2-3 million	$60,600
$3-4 million	$90,900
$4-5 million	$121,200
$5-6 million	$151,500
$6-7 million	$181,800
$7-8 million	$212,100
$8-9 million	$242,400
$9-10 million	$272,700
Over $10 million	Additional $30,300 per $1M bracket

Source: ATO, effective 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

For detailed information on FIRB fees, see our complete FIRB fees breakdown guide.

Western Australia Stamp Duty

WA's stamp duty structure combines base rates with a 7% foreign buyer surcharge—lower than NSW (9%), VIC (8%), QLD (8%), and TAS (8%).

Base transfer duty rates:

Property Value	Rate
$0-$120,000	1.9%
$120,001-$150,000	$2,280 + 2.85% of excess over $120,000
$150,001-$360,000	$3,135 + 3.8% of excess over $150,000
$360,001-$725,000	$11,115 + 4.75% of excess over $360,000
Over $725,000	$28,445 + 5.15% of excess over $725,000

Foreign purchaser surcharge: 7% of the total property value (flat rate)

For a comprehensive comparison of foreign buyer stamp duty surcharges across all Australian states, see our state-by-state foreign buyer stamp duty guide.

Real Cost Examples

Example 1: $750,000 Perth apartment (new dwelling)

Cost Item	Amount
Purchase price	$750,000
Standard stamp duty	~$29,600
Foreign buyer surcharge (7%)	$52,500
Total stamp duty	$82,100
FIRB application fee	$15,100
Legal/conveyancing	$2,000
Total upfront costs	$99,200

Percentage of purchase price: 13.2%

Comparison with NSW ($750,000 property):

• NSW stamp duty + surcharge (9%): ~$97,500
• NSW FIRB fee: $15,100
• NSW total: ~$114,600
• Perth saves: $15,400 upfront

Example 2: $1.2 million Perth house (new dwelling)

Cost Item	Amount
Purchase price	$1,200,000
Standard stamp duty	~$52,900
Foreign buyer surcharge (7%)	$84,000
Total stamp duty	$136,900
FIRB application fee	$30,300
Legal/conveyancing	$2,500
Building inspection	$700
Total upfront costs	$170,400

Percentage of purchase price: 14.2%

The Land Tax Advantage: Perth's Hidden Benefit

This is where Perth truly differentiates itself for foreign investors.

Western Australia imposes NO foreign owner land tax surcharge.

Compare this to eastern states:

State	Foreign Owner Land Tax Surcharge
NSW	4% of land value annually
VIC	4% of land value annually
QLD	2% of land value annually
SA	None
WA	None
TAS	2% of land value annually

What this means in practice:

For a $1 million property with $400,000 land value:

• NSW annual surcharge: $16,000/year
• VIC annual surcharge: $16,000/year
• QLD annual surcharge: $8,000/year
• WA annual surcharge: $0

Over 10 years:

• NSW/VIC: $160,000+ in foreign surcharge land tax
• WA: $0

This is a material ongoing cost advantage that compounds significantly over a long holding period. Combined with lower upfront stamp duty surcharge, Perth can save foreign investors $100,000-$200,000+ over a 10-year hold compared to NSW or Victoria.

Standard WA Land Tax (Still Applies)

While there's no foreign surcharge, standard WA land tax applies to investment properties:

• Threshold: $300,000 (aggregated land value)
• Rates: Progressive from $300 up to 2.67% for values over $11 million
• Assessment date: 30 June each year

For a $1 million property with $400,000 land value:

• Standard WA land tax: approximately $1,200-$1,500/year

This is dramatically lower than eastern states even before foreign surcharges are considered.

FIRB Regulations: What You Can Buy in Perth

FIRB rules apply nationally—Perth has no special exemptions or additional restrictions. Understanding FIRB requirements is essential for foreign property investors.

Current Rules

What foreign buyers CAN purchase:

✅ New dwellings

• Off-the-plan apartments
• House-and-land packages
• Newly constructed properties never previously occupied
• No limit on number of properties
• FIRB approval required for each purchase

✅ Vacant land

• For residential development
• Must commence construction within 24 months
• Must complete within 4 years
• Cannot sell until construction complete

What foreign buyers CANNOT purchase:

⚠️ CRITICAL: Established Dwelling Ban Currently In Effect

Foreign persons (including temporary residents) are currently banned from purchasing established dwellings in Australia. This prohibition took effect on 1 April 2025 and remains in force until 31 March 2027.

What this means right now:

• You cannot purchase any existing house, apartment, or townhouse that has been previously occupied
• The ban applies regardless of whether you want to live in the property or invest
• Temporary residents who previously could buy one established dwelling as a principal residence no longer have this option

Very limited exceptions apply only to:

• Redevelopment projects creating 20+ additional dwellings
• Commercial-scale build-to-rent developments meeting specific criteria
• PALM scheme worker accommodation

For foreign investors in Perth today: The significant stock of established houses in Perth's desirable established suburbs—Subiaco, Mount Lawley, Fremantle, Claremont—is off-limits. Your investment options are strictly limited to new builds, off-the-plan purchases, and vacant land with development intent.

For comprehensive information on FIRB regulations and what foreign buyers can purchase, see our ultimate FIRB guide 2025.

Perth-Specific FIRB Considerations

Developer exemption certificates: Many Perth developers hold exemption certificates for their projects. If buying from such a developer:

• No individual FIRB approval required
• Must notify ATO within 30 days of purchase
• Streamlines the purchase process significantly

Vacancy fee obligations: If your property is vacant or not genuinely available for rent for 183+ days per year, you must pay an annual vacancy fee equal to double your original FIRB application fee.

For a $750,000 property:

• FIRB fee: $15,100
• Annual vacancy fee (if applicable): $30,200

This makes leaving properties empty extremely costly. Ensure you have a rental strategy from day one.

Where to Invest: Perth's Opportunity Zones

Perth's property market varies dramatically by location. Strategic suburb selection is essential.

Perth CBD and Inner City

Areas: Perth CBD, East Perth, West Perth, Northbridge, Subiaco

The opportunity:

• Proximity to major employment
• Walkable lifestyle precincts
• Strong tenant demand from professionals
• New apartment developments (FIRB-eligible)

The risk:

• Apartment oversupply in some buildings
• CBD vacancy rates higher than suburban
• Smaller apartments struggle to attract families

Investment profile:

• Median apartment: $550,000-$750,000
• Gross yield: 4.5-5.5%
• Capital growth: Moderate (lagging houses)
• Target tenant: Young professionals, FIFO workers

Strategy: Focus on quality buildings with limited stock (under 100 apartments), near train stations, with good owner-occupier appeal. Avoid large investor-dominated towers.

Western Suburbs (Premium)

Areas: Cottesloe, Claremont, Nedlands, Dalkeith, Peppermint Grove

The opportunity:

• Perth's prestige locations
• Beach and river proximity
• Excellent schools (private school belt)
• Strong long-term capital growth

The risk:

• Very high entry prices ($2M-$10M+)
• Lower rental yields (2.5-3%)
• Limited new development opportunities

Investment profile:

• Median house: $2M-$5M+
• Gross yield: 2-3%
• Capital growth: Strong long-term
• Target tenant: Executives, expat families

Strategy: Ultra-high-net-worth investors only. Focus on land value and generational wealth preservation. New dwelling opportunities are rare—typically custom builds.

Northern Corridor

Areas: Joondalup, Wanneroo, Clarkson, Butler, Alkimos, Yanchep

The opportunity:

• Significant new development (FIRB-eligible stock)
• House-and-land packages from $500,000-$700,000
• Growing infrastructure (train extensions, shopping centres)
• Strong rental demand from families

The risk:

• Distance from CBD (45-60+ minutes)
• Dependent on infrastructure delivery
• Some areas may face oversupply

Investment profile:

• Median house: $550,000-$750,000
• Median apartment: $400,000-$500,000
• Gross yield: 5-6%
• Capital growth: Moderate-strong (infrastructure dependent)

Specific suburbs to consider:

• Joondalup: Established centre, university, hospital, train station
• Alkimos: Newer area, significant growth pipeline
• Yanchep: Emerging, train extension planned

Strategy: Focus on areas with confirmed transport infrastructure. House-and-land packages offer good value for yield-focused investors.

Southern Corridor

Areas: Rockingham, Mandurah, Baldivis, Wellard

The opportunity:

• Affordable entry points
• Strong rental yields (5-6%+)
• Lifestyle appeal (beaches, waterways)
• Young family demographic

The risk:

• Distance from Perth CBD
• Employment concentration concerns
• Mandurah historically volatile

Investment profile:

• Median house: $500,000-$650,000
• Gross yield: 5.5-6.5%
• Capital growth: Variable

Strategy: Rockingham and Baldivis offer better fundamentals than Mandurah. Focus on proximity to train stations and employment centres.

Eastern Suburbs

Areas: Belmont, Rivervale, Victoria Park, Bayswater, Midland

The opportunity:

• Close to CBD and airport
• Undergoing gentrification
• More affordable than western suburbs
• Strong tenant demand

The risk:

• Variable suburb quality
• Some areas have social housing concentration
• Airport noise in eastern suburbs

Investment profile:

• Median house: $700,000-$900,000
• Median apartment: $450,000-$550,000
• Gross yield: 4.5-5.5%
• Capital growth: Strong (gentrification play)

Specific suburbs to consider:

• Victoria Park: Café strip, young professionals, excellent transport
• Bayswater: Train station, improving amenity
• Rivervale: Close to CBD, undervalued

Strategy: Focus on pockets with improving amenity. Look for new townhouse developments that appeal to owner-occupiers and tenants.

Fremantle and Surrounds

Areas: Fremantle, East Fremantle, North Fremantle, South Fremantle

The opportunity:

• Historic port city character
• Strong lifestyle appeal
• University of Notre Dame presence
• Tourism and hospitality employment

The risk:

• Heritage restrictions on development
• Limited new dwelling supply
• Parking and traffic challenges

Investment profile:

• Median house: $1M-$1.5M
• Median apartment: $600,000-$800,000
• Gross yield: 3.5-4.5%
• Capital growth: Moderate-strong

Strategy: Premium lifestyle investment. Limited new dwelling opportunities—typically boutique developments. Strong owner-occupier appeal supports values.

Suburbs to Approach with Caution

❌ Burswood units: Despite prime riverside location, unit prices collapsed 20%+ in 2024. Oversupply and large investor-only buildings.

❌ Large apartment towers in CBD: High strata fees, investor saturation, limited owner-occupier appeal.

❌ Very outer suburbs without transport: Areas 60+ minutes from CBD without train access face liquidity challenges.

❌ Mining town proxies: Suburbs dominated by FIFO workers can be volatile when resources sector slows.

Investment Strategy: Making the Numbers Work

Case Study: $850,000 New Townhouse in Victoria Park

Property details:

• 3-bedroom townhouse, 140sqm
• New development (off-the-plan)
• 6km from Perth CBD
• Near train station and café strip
• Expected rent: $650/week

Upfront costs:

Cost Item	Amount
Deposit (30% for foreign buyers)	$255,000
FIRB application fee	$15,100
Standard stamp duty	~$34,900
Foreign buyer surcharge (7%)	$59,500
Legal/conveyancing	$2,200
Total upfront investment	$366,700

Annual cash flow analysis:

Income:

• Annual rent: $33,800
• Less vacancy (3 weeks): -$1,950
• Net rental income: $31,850

Expenses:

• Loan interest (6.5% on $595,000): -$38,675
• Land tax (standard only—no foreign surcharge): -$1,200
• Council rates: -$2,200
• Strata/body corporate: -$2,400
• Insurance: -$1,100
• Property management (7.5%): -$2,535
• Maintenance (0.75% of value—new property): -$6,375
• Total annual expenses: -$54,485

Annual cash flow: -$22,635 (negative gearing)

Monthly shortfall: $1,886

10-Year Projection

Assumptions:

• Capital growth: 6% annually (conservative for Perth)
• Rent growth: 4% annually
• Expense growth: 3% annually

Year	Property Value	Annual Rent	Annual Costs	Cash Flow
1	$850,000	$31,850	-$54,485	-$22,635
3	$955,000	$34,500	-$57,800	-$23,300
5	$1,073,000	$37,300	-$61,300	-$24,000
7	$1,206,000	$40,400	-$65,000	-$24,600
10	$1,522,000	$45,600	-$71,200	-$25,600

10-year summary:

Item	Amount
Property value (Year 10)	$1,522,000
Capital gain	$672,000
Less CGT (32.5% for foreign residents)	-$218,400
Net capital gain	$453,600
Loan principal repaid (~10 years)	~$85,000
Total equity built	$538,600

Total capital invested:

• Initial outlay: $366,700
• 10 years negative cash flow: ~$240,000
• Total invested: $606,700

10-year ROI: $538,600 ÷ $606,700 = 88.8% total or 6.5% annually

Comparison: Same Investment in Melbourne

If you invested the same $606,700 in a Melbourne property:

Additional costs in Victoria:

• Higher stamp duty surcharge (8% vs 7%): +$8,500
• Foreign land tax surcharge (4% annually): ~$160,000 over 10 years

Melbourne total additional cost: ~$168,500

This effectively wipes out nearly one-third of your Perth returns. The WA cost advantage is substantial and compounds over time.

For a detailed comparison of investment opportunities across Australian cities, see our Melbourne property investment guide and Brisbane foreign investment property guide.

Managing Your Perth Investment Remotely

Foreign investors face unique management challenges with Perth's geographic isolation.

Property Management Selection

Perth has fewer property managers specialising in foreign buyers compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Critical selection criteria:

✅ Experience with foreign owners: Understanding of FIRB compliance, vacancy fee returns, tax withholding requirements

✅ Tenant quality focus: Perth's tight market doesn't mean every tenant is good. Thorough screening essential.

✅ Responsive communication: Time zone differences matter less within Australia, but responsiveness is still crucial

✅ Transparent reporting: Online portals with real-time access to statements, inspection reports, maintenance logs

✅ Competitive fees: Perth property management typically 7-8% of rent plus leasing fees

Dealing with FIFO Tenants

Perth's rental market includes many Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) workers. Key considerations:

Advantages:

• Often higher income, reliable rent payment
• Property may be empty 2 weeks per month (less wear)
• Long-term leases common

Disadvantages:

• May leave suddenly if mining job ends
• Property sits empty during roster periods
• Single-income vulnerability

Strategy: FIFO tenants can be excellent, but verify employment stability and consider requiring guarantors.

Tax Compliance

Same obligations apply as other states:

• Rental income: Taxable in Australia, requires TFN
• Annual tax returns: Must file even if living overseas
• Withholding: Property manager withholds tax if no valid TFN provided
• Capital gains tax: 32.5% on profit (no 50% discount for foreign residents)
• Vacancy fee returns: Annual lodgement required even if property was occupied

Engage an Australian accountant experienced with foreign property investors.

Perth vs. Other Australian Cities

Perth vs. Sydney

Perth advantages:

• 40% lower median prices
• Double the rental yield (5% vs 2.5%)
• 2% lower stamp duty surcharge (7% vs 9%)
• No foreign land tax surcharge (saves $15,000+/year)
• Faster sales (11 days vs 30+ days)

Sydney advantages:

• Historically stronger capital growth (7-8% vs 5-6% long-term)
• More diverse economy
• Larger, more liquid market
• Better international connectivity

Verdict: Perth offers substantially better yield and lower costs. Sydney offers potentially better long-term capital growth and lower volatility.

Perth vs. Melbourne

Perth advantages:

• Similar median prices but stronger recent growth
• Significantly higher rental yields
• 1% lower stamp duty surcharge (7% vs 8%)
• No foreign land tax surcharge (vs 4% in VIC)
• Lower vacancy rates

Melbourne advantages:

• More diverse economy
• Stronger education sector
• Better public transport
• Larger market with more property options

Verdict: Perth offers clear cost advantages and stronger current fundamentals. Melbourne offers more economic diversity and potentially lower long-term volatility.

Perth vs. Brisbane

Perth advantages:

• Higher rental yields
• Stronger recent capital growth
• No foreign land tax surcharge (vs 2% in QLD)
• Same stamp duty surcharge (both 7%)

Brisbane advantages:

• 2032 Olympics infrastructure investment
• More affordable entry points
• Subtropical climate
• Growing tech and services sector

Verdict: Both are strong markets for foreign investors. Perth leads on yield; Brisbane may offer better lifestyle appeal and Olympic-driven growth catalysts.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Some Perth properties should be avoided regardless of price:

❌ Large CBD apartment towers (200+ units): Oversupply, investor saturation, high vacancy rates

❌ Properties marketed exclusively to overseas buyers: Often overpriced, targeting less informed purchasers

❌ Buildings with very high strata fees ($100+/sqm annually): Erodes returns significantly

❌ Properties in mining-dependent suburbs without diversification: Vulnerable to resources downturn

❌ Off-the-plan with unknown developers: Research track record thoroughly—Perth has seen developer failures

❌ Properties with sunset clauses under 18 months: Insufficient time for construction and market protection

❌ Suburbs with declining population or amenity: Check ABS data and local development plans

Your Perth Investment Action Plan

Phase 1: Research and Preparation (2-3 months)

☑️ Determine your budget including all foreign buyer costs ☑️ Use the PropertyCosts FIRB calculator for accurate projections ☑️ Research target suburbs based on your strategy (yield vs growth) ☑️ Understand Perth's market cycles and resources sector dependency ☑️ Connect with Perth-based buyer's agents (if buying remotely) ☑️ Arrange finance pre-approval with foreign-buyer-experienced lenders

Phase 2: Property Selection (1-2 months)

☑️ Identify 3-5 target properties (new dwellings or off-the-plan) ☑️ Commission building inspections where applicable ☑️ Review strata/body corporate records for apartment purchases ☑️ Verify developer track record for off-the-plan purchases ☑️ Obtain rental appraisals from multiple property managers ☑️ Check FIRB eligibility and developer exemption certificates

For guidance on purchasing off-the-plan properties, see our off-the-plan property guide for foreign buyers.

Phase 3: Purchase and Setup (1-2 months)

☑️ Apply for FIRB approval (or confirm developer exemption) ☑️ Engage WA-based conveyancer experienced with foreign buyers ☑️ Finalise financing arrangements ☑️ Execute contract with appropriate conditions ☑️ Arrange property management before settlement ☑️ Set up Australian bank account for rental income ☑️ Obtain Australian Tax File Number ☑️ Arrange landlord insurance

Phase 4: Ongoing Management

☑️ Monthly financial reconciliation ☑️ Quarterly property inspections via manager ☑️ Annual tax return filing ☑️ Annual vacancy fee return (even if property occupied) ☑️ Periodic rent reviews (annually) ☑️ Maintain 12-month expense buffer ☑️ Review investment strategy every 3-5 years

Calculate Your Perth Investment

Perth's combination of strong growth, exceptional yields, and lower foreign buyer costs makes it compelling—but every investment requires detailed financial analysis.

Our FIRB Calculator provides WA-specific modelling:

Upfront costs:

• Exact WA stamp duty including 7% foreign surcharge
• FIRB application fees
• All transaction costs

Ongoing costs:

• WA land tax (standard rates—no foreign surcharge)
• Council rates by local government area
• Realistic maintenance and strata estimates

Investment projections:

• Cash flow analysis with Perth rental yields
• Capital growth scenarios
• 10-year return calculations
• Comparison with other Australian cities

Calculate your Perth investment with accurate WA costs →

Final Thoughts: Is Perth Right for You?

Perth offers foreign investors a compelling proposition: strong recent performance, exceptional rental yields, and materially lower costs than eastern capitals. The absence of foreign owner land tax surcharge alone can save $100,000+ over a 10-year hold.

Perth is right for you if:

• You prioritise rental yield and cash flow
• You can accept resources sector exposure
• You have a 7-10+ year investment horizon
• You want to minimise ongoing foreign buyer costs
• You're comfortable with geographic isolation from eastern capitals
• You can sustain modest negative cash flow in early years

Perth may not be right for you if:

• You need maximum liquidity and market depth
• You're concerned about single-sector economic exposure
• You want proximity to Asian business connections
• You're investing for less than 5 years
• You require extensive on-the-ground support services

Perth's property market has delivered exceptional returns, but past performance doesn't guarantee future results. The supply shortage driving current growth will eventually ease, and the resources sector remains cyclical.

Success in Perth requires careful suburb selection, realistic cost modelling, and the patience to hold through market cycles. For foreign investors willing to do the work, Perth offers genuine opportunity—with lower barriers than any eastern state capital.

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and should not be considered financial, legal, or property investment advice. Property values, regulations, and market conditions change. Always consult qualified professionals including financial advisors, buyer's agents, tax specialists, and conveyancers before making investment decisions.

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Related Resources

• Complete FIRB Guide 2025
• FIRB Fees Breakdown 2025
• State-by-State Foreign Buyer Stamp Duty Guide
• Off-the-Plan Property Guide for Foreign Buyers
• Melbourne Property Investment Guide
• Brisbane Property Investment Guide
• PropertyCosts FIRB Calculator