There was a time when downsizing meant giving something up.

• A bigger backyard for a smaller one.
• Four bedrooms for two.
• A family home for an apartment.
• Space for convenience.

But Perth’s downsizer market is changing. For many homeowners approaching retirement or entering the next stage of life, the idea is no longer to own less house. It is to own a home that makes more sense.

• A home that is easier to maintain.
• A home closer to the beach.
• A home where the morning starts with a walk rather than a lawn to mow.
• A home close to cafés, restaurants, shopping, healthcare and friends.
• A home that can be locked up when the owners travel.

And, increasingly, a home that gives them a lifestyle they may not have had time to enjoy while raising a family. That is why Perth’s coastal property market is becoming increasingly important to the downsizer conversation.

The trend is particularly interesting in 2026 because Perth is no longer operating in the same market conditions that defined the extraordinary supply shortage of late 2025 and early 2026.

• Prices remain high.
• Demand remains strong.
• But buyers now have considerably more choice.

REIWA’s latest metropolitan data, updated on 1 September 2026 and covering settled transactions for the 12 months to August, puts Perth’s median house price at $960,000 and the median unit price at $690,000. The median two-bedroom house is around $926,000, while the median three-bedroom house is around $880,000. For units, the median two-bedroom price is approximately $685,000. It shows that smaller properties are no longer simply a budget alternative to detached houses. They have become a major part of Perth’s mainstream housing market. At the same time, coastal suburbs are showing some extraordinary numbers.

• Scarborough’s median house price is now around $1.55 million, with annual sales price growth of 21.6 per cent. Its median unit price is approximately $848,000.
• Mullaloo sits around $1.5 million, up 16.6 per cent annually.
• Hillarys is around $1.75 million, with annual growth of 23.2 per cent and a median unit price of approximately $940,000.
• At the more affordable end of the coastal spectrum, Rockingham sits around $853,250, while Mandurah is around $682,000. Both have recorded strong annual growth.
• At the premium end, Cottesloe is around $3.5 million, Trigg around $2.9 million, North Beach around $2.21 million and City Beach around $3.925 million.

The numbers reveal something important. No single Perth coastal market exists. There is a coastal spectrum — from premium western suburbs to relatively affordable southern coastal markets — and that spectrum gives downsizers more options than the traditional idea of “retirement by the beach” suggests. For homeowners considering their next move, the real question is no longer: “Should I downsize?” It is: “Where and how should I right-size my home for the next stage of my life?”

Whether you’re buying or selling, Trusted Real Estate Agents in Perth can help you achieve the best results.

Perth Property Market in 2026: The Big Picture

To understand why coastal downsizing is becoming more prominent, we first need to understand where the Perth market stands today. Perth has experienced exceptional price growth. A few years ago, the market looked very different from what homeowners face today. REIWA’s latest data shows a Perth median house price of $960,000 and a median unit price of $690,000. That is an important starting point for downsizers because the value of the existing family home is often the financial foundation for the move. A homeowner who purchased decades ago may now hold substantial equity. But there is a second side to that equation. The property they want to buy has also become more expensive.Perth is still an expensive market compared with its recent history, but it has significantly more available stock than at the beginning of the year. That creates a different buying environment. Perth 2026 market snapshot:

Market indicator	Latest 2026 position
Perth median house price	$960,000
Perth median unit price	$690,000
Median 2-bed house	$926,000
Median 3-bed house	$880,000
Median 4-bed house	$1.05 million
Median 1-bed unit	$540,000
Median 2-bed unit	$685,000
Median 3-bed unit	$889,000
Data period	12 months to August 2026
Data source	Landgate / REIWA

A median unit price of $690,000 puts many apartments and other smaller dwellings within a completely different financial range from Perth’s detached housing market. For a homeowner selling a $1.2 million, $1.5 million or $2 million family home, that difference can potentially create a meaningful capital release — although transaction costs need to be considered carefully. The Perth market is not experiencing the same extreme scarcity buyers faced during the tightest part of the recent cycle. That does not mean every property is negotiable. It does not mean desirable coastal homes will sit indefinitely. And it certainly does not mean buyers should assume prices will fall sharply. What it does mean is that buyers have greater scope to compare properties, assess value and wait for the right fit. A downsizer is rarely looking for just another house. A family home is usually designed around a period of life when space is essential.

• There may be children.
• There may be teenagers.
• There may be grandparents visiting.
• There may be multiple cars, sports equipment, school bags, bicycles, furniture and years of accumulated possessions.

The large house makes sense. But eventually, the household changes.

• The children move out.
• The spare bedrooms become rarely used.
• The backyard becomes a chore rather than a pleasure.
• The formal dining room may sit untouched for months.
• The large lawn that once hosted birthday parties becomes another weekend task.

And suddenly the homeowner starts asking a very different question: “Why are we maintaining all this space?” That is where downsizing begins. But in Perth, another question often follows: “If we are going to move, why not move somewhere we will enjoy more?” For many homeowners, the answer is the coast.

A homeowner living in a large suburban property may rely heavily on the house itself for lifestyle. They need:

• a large backyard;
• entertaining areas;
• multiple living rooms;
• large kitchens;
• extra bedrooms;
• garages;
• storage;
• and extensive outdoor space.

But a homeowner living near the coast may be able to outsource part of that lifestyle to the neighbourhood.

• The beach becomes an outdoor space.
• The café becomes an informal meeting room.
• The foreshore becomes the walking track.
• The local restaurant becomes the weekend dining area.
• The park becomes a recreation space.
• The marina becomes part of the lifestyle.

That is why a smaller coastal home can sometimes provide a larger lifestyle.

Australia’s population is aging, and Perth is no exception. As more homeowners move into their 60s, 70s and beyond, housing requirements naturally evolve. Demand isn’t simply for “retirement homes”. Many older Australians remain active, independent and engaged in work and community life.

• They may travel.
• They may continue working.
• They may run businesses.
• They may care for grandchildren.
• They may spend part of the year away.

Their needs are therefore increasingly about convenience and flexibility, rather than simply age. That makes coastal suburbs with strong amenity particularly attractive.

The New Perth Downsizer: From Downsizing to Rightsizing

The word “downsizing” can sometimes create the wrong impression, because it suggests compromise.

• It suggests compromise.
• It suggests moving into something smaller because you no longer need a large house, rather than choosing what best suits your next stage of life.

But many Perth homeowners are approaching the decision differently. They are rightsizing. Rightsizing means choosing the amount and type of property that actually suits the next stage of life. That could mean:

• a two-bedroom apartment;
• a three-bedroom apartment;
• a villa;
• a townhouse;
• a duplex;
• a smaller detached house;
• or even a premium coastal property that is smaller than the current family home but significantly more expensive per square metre.

That is why you can’t judge the downsizer market by property price alone. The buyer is considering a combination of: space + location + lifestyle + maintenance + accessibility + security + future suitability.

Imagine two properties.

Property A

• Four bedrooms
• Large backyard
• Two bathrooms
• Double garage
• Older kitchen
• 650-square-metre block
• 25-minute drive to the beach
• Extensive maintenance

Property B

• Three bedrooms
• Two bathrooms
• Secure garage
• Small courtyard
• Modern kitchen
• Walkable to cafés
• 800 metres from the beach
• Low maintenance

Property B is smaller. But for a couple whose children have left home, it may actually be the better property. That is the fundamental shift: the question is no longer, “How much space do I have?” It is, “How useful is the space I have?”

Perth’s coastal corridor should not be treated as one market. The differences between City Beach, Scarborough, Mullaloo, Mindarie, Rockingham and Mandurah are substantial. Price, housing stock, distance from the CBD and lifestyle all vary. Most importantly, each suburb attracts a different type of downsizer.

• The price is different.
• Housing stock is different.
• The distance from the CBD is different.
• Lifestyle is different.

And, most importantly, each suburb attracts a different type of downsizer. The key question is which market best matches the buyer’s priorities.

Suburb	Median house price	Annual growth	Median unit price	Downsizer proposition
City Beach	$3.925m	—	$1.31m	Premium coastal lifestyle
Cottesloe	$3.50m	9.5%	$1.38m	Prestige + beach + train
Trigg	$2.90m	26.1%	$1.58m	Premium beach lifestyle
North Beach	$2.21m	37.1%	$1.03m	Established coastal community
Hillarys	$1.75m	23.2%	$940k	Marina + amenities
Scarborough	$1.55m	21.6%	$848k	Beach + apartments + amenity
Mullaloo	$1.50m	16.6%	—	Quieter beach lifestyle
Mindarie	$1.385m	10.8%	$1.125m	Marina + northern lifestyle
Rockingham	$853k	16.9%	$600k	Coastal value
Mandurah	$682k	19.6%	$640k	Lifestyle + affordability

1. Scarborough: One of the most compelling middle-ground markets

Scarborough is particularly interesting because it combines a strong coastal identity with a broad range of properties. It sits between premium coastal living and more accessible downsizer options.

• REIWA’s latest data places its median house price at $1.55 million, up 21.6 per cent annually.
• Its median unit price is approximately $848,000, with two-bedroom units around $801,000 and three-bedroom units around $1.15 million.

A homeowner may be able to move from a large suburban house into a two- or three-bedroom coastal apartment without sacrificing access to the beach lifestyle. Scarborough also offers something some quieter coastal suburbs lack: amenity density. The beach is complemented by cafés, restaurants, entertainment and established services.

2. Mullaloo: A quieter coastal alternative

Mullaloo provides a different proposition. Its median house price is approximately $1.5 million, with annual growth of 16.6 per cent. The suburb has a more traditional suburban character while remaining close to the beach. That makes it attractive to homeowners who still want a private home, a garden, a garage and outdoor space, but no longer want a large family-sized property.

• a garden;
• a garage;
• outdoor space;

but no longer want a large family-sized property. Mullaloo can therefore appeal to downsizers who want to reduce the house without radically changing how the home feels.

3. Hillarys: Lifestyle and convenience

Hillarys has a different strength. Its median house price is around $1.75 million, with annual sales price growth of 23.2%. The median unit price is approximately $940,000.

• The suburb’s marina and established amenity create a lifestyle that goes beyond simply being near the beach.
• A property close to shopping, restaurants, recreation and transport can reduce the need for long trips and make everyday life easier.

For downsizers, that matters. The key point is that buyers are purchasing convenience as much as property, which sets Hillarys apart.

4. Mindarie: Marina living in Perth’s north

Mindarie’s median house price is approximately $1.385 million, with annual growth of 10.8 per cent. Its median unit price is around $1.125 million. The marina lifestyle gives the suburb a distinct identity. For a downsizer who enjoys:

• waterfront environments;
• restaurants;
• walking;
• boating;
• social activity;

Mindarie can offer a strong lifestyle proposition. The trade-off is distance. At about 34 kilometres from Perth, Mindarie is much farther from the CBD than Scarborough or Cottesloe.

• For someone commuting five days a week, that may matter.
• For a homeowner who has retired or works flexibly, it may matter much less.

That is exactly why downsizer decisions need to be personal, not purely numerical.

5. North Beach: Strong growth, strong price point

North Beach is one of the most striking examples of recent coastal growth. 

• REIWA’s latest data puts the median house price at approximately $2.21 million, with annual sales price growth of 37.1 per cent. 
• Its median unit price is approximately $1.03 million. That is a substantial price level. 

It demonstrates that coastal scarcity continues to attract strong demand. But it also highlights an important lesson: High growth does not automatically mean a property is good value.

• Buyers need to look at individual properties, comparable sales, land size, building quality and the type of housing available.
• For a downsizer, a well-designed apartment or smaller home in North Beach may be compelling.

But the financial decision needs to make sense relative to alternatives such as Scarborough or Mullaloo.

6. Trigg: Premium coastal living

Trigg’s median house price is approximately $2.9 million, with annual growth of 26.1 per cent. This is a very different downsizer market. The buyer is unlikely to be choosing Trigg primarily to save money. Instead, they may be exchanging a very large family home for a smaller premium property in a tightly held coastal location. The objective is lifestyle. 

• proximity to Trigg Beach;
• natural environment;
• privacy;
• prestige;
• recreation;
• and the scarcity of coastal property.

This is premium rightsizing, rather than conventional downsizing.

7. Cottesloe: Downsizing without leaving the premium market

Cottesloe’s median house price is around $3.5 million, while the median unit price is approximately $1.38 million. Annual house-price growth is 9.5 per cent. A homeowner with a multimillion-dollar family home may be able to dramatically reduce the capital tied up in the property while staying in the same prestigious coastal environment. This can be an attractive proposition for homeowners who do not want to leave their established community. They may prefer to remain close to:

• friends;
• family;
• restaurants;
• the beach;
• transport;
• and familiar services.

In this case, downsizing is less about changing suburbs and more about changing the home’s scale.

8. City Beach: The premium end of the market

City Beach is at an entirely different price point. REIWA’s latest data puts the median house price at approximately $3.925 million, while the median unit price is around $1.31 million. This places City Beach at a distinctly premium level. 

• For a homeowner already sitting on substantial equity, this can still create a significant downsizing opportunity. 
• A move from a $4 million family home to a $1.3 million unit represents a very different financial position.

The key point is that the buyer does not necessarily feel as though they have “left” the lifestyle. They have changed how they access it.

9. Rockingham: Coastal living at a more accessible price

Rockingham is one of the most important markets for understanding the broader downsizer trend.

• Its median house price is approximately $853,250, with annual growth of 16.9 per cent.
• The median unit price is around $600,000.

That places Rockingham in a completely different affordability category from Cottesloe or City Beach. The major trade-off is distance from Perth’s CBD. Again, this becomes less significant for someone who is no longer commuting daily.

• foreshore recreation;
• shops;
• restaurants;
• public transport;
• and established services.

The major trade-off is distance from Perth’s CBD. Again, this becomes less significant for someone who is no longer commuting daily.

10. Mandurah: The strongest affordability story

Mandurah sits at the lower end of this coastal spectrum. 

• The median house price is approximately $682,000, with annual growth of 19.6 per cent. Its median unit price is approximately $640,000. 
• A Perth homeowner with a $1.2 million or $1.5 million family property could move into a much lower-priced coastal market and retain substantial capital after transaction costs.

Mandurah also has a train station providing a direct rail connection to Perth, which can be an important consideration for homeowners who still want metropolitan access without living in the inner suburbs. This is the clearest example of why coastal downsizing should not be associated exclusively with wealthy homeowners. For some downsizers, Mandurah is not a compromise.

Also read: Australian Rental Vacancy Rates Improve After 4.5 Years, Yet Relief Could Be Short-Lived

Where Is the Best Coastal Value for Downsizers?

A premium buyer may see Cottesloe as better value than a cheaper suburb because the location is irreplaceable.

• A homeowner trying to release maximum equity may see Mandurah as better value.
• A buyer seeking a balance between beach lifestyle and metropolitan access may prefer Scarborough.

A buyer seeking a quieter suburban environment may prefer Mullaloo.

• Those who enjoy marina living may favour Hillarys or Mindarie.
• This creates four broad coastal downsizer categories.

Downsizer priority	Strong candidates
Premium coastal lifestyle	Cottesloe, City Beach, Trigg
Balance of lifestyle and accessibility	Scarborough, Hillarys
Quieter beach lifestyle	Mullaloo
Marina/waterfront lifestyle	Hillarys, Mindarie
More affordable coastal move	Rockingham
Maximum equity release	Mandurah
Established coastal community	North Beach, Scarborough
Smaller property with strong amenity	Scarborough, Cottesloe

The key is not to compare suburbs purely on median price. A $900,000 apartment in Scarborough and a $900,000 property in Mandurah are not equivalent products. They offer different lifestyles.

This is where the emotional appeal of coastal downsizing meets financial reality. A homeowner may think: “My house is worth $1.5 million and I can buy something for $900,000. I’ll have $600,000 left.” But the real calculation is more complicated. There are transaction costs. These can include:

• selling commission;
• marketing;
• legal and settlement costs;
• transfer duty on the new property;
• moving expenses;
• repairs;
• renovation;
• furniture;
• financial advice;
• and potentially financing costs.

That means the headline difference between two property prices is not necessarily the amount of money released. This is one of the biggest reasons people delay downsizing. Imagine:

• Current home: $1.5 million
• Replacement home: $900,000
• The headline difference is $600,000. 

But if the move involves significant transaction costs and the replacement property needs work, the net amount retained can be considerably lower. The homeowner may then ask: “Is it worth moving?” This is why downsizing decisions should be based on a full financial model rather than a simple property-price comparison.

Transfer duty is one of the biggest transaction costs buyers need to consider. REIWA has previously highlighted stamp duty as a significant barrier to downsizing, with its Housing Issues Survey finding that 63 per cent of respondents considered stamp duty an obstacle to moving into a more suitable home. That matters because the downsizer market often includes homeowners with substantial equity who are highly conscious of unnecessary transaction costs. The cost of moving can therefore influence whether they:

• move now;
• wait;
• buy smaller;
• choose a different suburb;
• or stay where they are.

However, Western Australia has an important development. 

From 12 March 2026, the WA Government expanded the off-the-plan duty concession and increased the relevant thresholds.

• For eligible pre-construction purchases, a 100 per cent concession applies to qualifying new dwellings valued at $800,000 or less, capped at $50,000.
• Between $800,000 and $900,000, the concession phases down, and at $900,000 or more, a 50 per cent concession applies, subject to the scheme’s conditions and cap.

The concession has also been expanded to eligible survey-strata and community-title arrangements, increasing the range of smaller developments that may qualify.

• The WA Government specifically identifies eligible apartments, townhouses, villas, units, duplexes and triplexes as part of the expanded housing choice.
• The scheme has been extended until 30 June 2028. For downsizers considering a new apartment, townhouse or villa, this can be highly relevant. 

However, don’t treat the concession as a blanket benefit. Eligibility depends on:

• the contract;
• timing;
• property type;
• value;
• construction status;
• and other scheme requirements.

A buyer should confirm their specific circumstances with a conveyancer or qualified adviser.

Why Perth’s Unit and Townhouse Market Matters So Much

This may be one of the most important parts of the entire downsizer story. For years, detached houses dominated the Australian idea of property ownership. But Perth’s unit market is becoming more significant.

• REIWA’s latest metropolitan data puts the median unit price at $690,000, compared with $960,000 for houses.
• That $270,000 gap between the two medians is meaningful. It gives homeowners who want to reduce their housing footprint more options.

But the appeal isn’t just price. It is functional. A well-designed unit can provide:

• two bedrooms;
• two bathrooms;
• secure parking;
• balcony or courtyard;
• lift access;
• storage;
• modern kitchen;
• and low-maintenance living.

That can be precisely what an empty-nester couple wants.

One-bedroom properties may be too restrictive for many downsizers. They may not provide enough room for:

• guests;
• grandchildren;
• hobbies;
• a home office;
• storage;
• or future care requirements.

Two bedrooms offer more flexibility. Three bedrooms can provide even greater versatility. This is why the ideal downsizer product may not be the smallest property, but the smallest property that still provides flexibility. Some homeowners who have spent decades in detached houses feel uncomfortable moving into a large strata complex. They may prefer:

• villas;
• townhouses;
• duplexes;
• triplexes;
• or small boutique developments.

These properties can provide a middle ground. They retain some of the feel of a traditional home while reducing:

• land maintenance;
• garden work;
• cleaning;
• and overall upkeep.

The WA Government’s 2026 changes are particularly relevant because eligible new survey-strata properties, such as duplexes and triplexes, can now fall within the expanded off-the-plan concession framework.

What Downsizers Actually Want in 2026

The best downsizer property is not simply a small property. It is a future-proof property. Its most important characteristics are surprisingly consistent.

1. Low maintenance

This is often the starting point. Homeowners want to spend less time maintaining the property. That means:

• smaller gardens;
• easy-clean surfaces;
• modern fittings;
• manageable outdoor areas;
• and minimal external maintenance.

2. Single-level or easy-access living

A property that works today should continue working into the future. This makes:

• single-level homes;
• lifts;
• wide access;
• practical bathrooms;
• and minimal stairs
• increasingly attractive.

3. Two or three bedrooms

The second bedroom provides flexibility. The third bedroom can provide even more. It may become:

• guest accommodation;
• a study;
• hobby room;
• or a room for visiting family.

4. Two bathrooms

A second bathroom may not seem essential. But for downsizers, it can significantly improve functionality.

• But for downsizers, it can significantly improve functionality.
• It provides privacy when guests stay and can also make the home more future-friendly.

5. Secure parking

Secure parking remains highly important.

• This is especially important in coastal areas where homeowners may own a vehicle but use it less often.
• A garage can also provide valuable storage.

6. Storage

This is one of the most overlooked downsizer requirements.

• A couple may be downsizing their house.
• They may not reduce their possessions overnight.

Good storage can therefore make the difference between a home that feels comfortable and one that feels cramped.

7. Walkability

The closer the property is to useful amenities, the more valuable the location can become. A downsizer may prioritise walking distance to:

• cafés;
• supermarkets;
• medical services;
• pharmacies;
• restaurants;
• parks;
• public transport;
• and the beach.

The ability to complete everyday tasks without driving can become increasingly important over time.

8. Outdoor living

Downsizing does not mean giving up outdoor space. It means making it manageable.

• A small courtyard can be enough.
• A generous balcony can be enough.

The important thing is that the space is usable, not burdensome.

Many downsizers are selling properties they have owned for decades. These homes can contain decades of memories. But buyers do not necessarily see those memories. They see:

• dated bathrooms;
• old carpets;
• crowded rooms;
• tired gardens;
• large furniture;
• and maintenance work.

That does not mean every home needs an expensive renovation. In many cases, strategic preparation matters more. The focus should be on:

• decluttering;
• repairs;
• garden presentation;
• lighting;
• furniture placement;
• neutral presentation;
• and making the property feel easy to live in.

The goal is to help the buyer imagine their next chapter. More available stock means sellers cannot rely solely on market momentum. Buyers have more properties to compare. That makes accurate pricing critical.

• An overpriced coastal property can sit while buyers watch the market.
• A correctly positioned property can attract attention quickly.

This is where local market knowledge becomes valuable.

Read about: Self-Employed, Investors and Non-Traditional Borrowers: Are More Australians Turning to Alternative Home Loans?

2026–2030 Outlook: Is Coastal Downsizing a Long-Term Perth Trend?

The strongest argument for coastal downsizing is that it doesn’t depend on one year’s property cycle. There are structural forces behind it.

• Perth is growing: Population growth supports underlying housing demand.
• Perth is ageing: More households will increasingly need homes that are easier to maintain and access.
• Coastal land is finite: There is no unlimited supply of established beachside locations.
• Housing preferences are changing: Smaller, better-located homes are becoming increasingly attractive to empty nesters.
• Units are becoming more important: The strong unit market shows that smaller dwellings are becoming a more significant part of Perth’s housing system.
• Government policy is supporting some forms of new housing: The expanded off-the-plan duty concession provides additional support for eligible new apartments, townhouses, villas and other qualifying dwellings.

Together, these factors suggest the downsizer market is more than a temporary trend.

Strong recent growth does not guarantee another year of double-digit growth.

Interest rates can change.

• Affordability can become stretched.
• Construction can increase supply.
• Consumer confidence can weaken.
• Economic conditions can change.
• And individual suburbs can perform very differently.

For example, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide have accumulated substantial growth buffers over the past five years, meaning even a significant downturn would not erase all those gains. That does not predict a downturn.

The Perth property market of 2026 is sending a clear message. The city has reached a point where the median house is now around $960,000, while the median unit is approximately $690,000. Coastal suburbs are commanding substantial premiums, but the range is wide.

• Mandurah at around $682,000 to Rockingham at around $853,000
• Scarborough at around $1.55 million
• Hillarys at around $1.75 million
• North Beach at around $2.21 million
• Trigg at around $2.9 million
• Cottesloe at around $3.5 million
• City Beach at around $3.925 million

Perth offers a remarkably broad coastal property spectrum. That range is one of the market’s greatest strengths. It means downsizing does not have to mean moving into a generic retirement environment. It can mean moving to:

• a beachside apartment in Scarborough;
• a villa in Mullaloo;
• a townhouse near the marina in Hillarys;
• a smaller home in Mindarie;
• an apartment in Cottesloe;
• a coastal property in Rockingham;
• or a more affordable lifestyle home in Mandurah.

The right answer depends on the homeowner’s priorities. But the underlying trend is clear.

• They want less maintenance.
• They want convenience.
• They want better access to recreation.
• They want homes that are easier to manage.
• They want to remain connected to family and community.
• And increasingly, they want the coast.

If you are considering making the move, the most important questions are not simply about today’s property price. Ask:

1. Does my current home still suit the way I live?

If you rarely use several rooms, that may be a signal.

2. How much maintenance do I actually want over the next 10–20 years?

The answer may be different from what you wanted 20 years ago.

3. Would coastal living genuinely improve my lifestyle?

Think about how often you would use the beach, cafés, walking paths and local amenities.

4. Which property format suits me?

House, villa, townhouse or apartment?

5. How much capital do I want to retain?

Do not calculate only the difference between the sale and purchase prices. Include the full cost of the move.

6. What will happen if my circumstances change?

Consider accessibility, stairs, parking, and future needs.

7. Which suburb gives me the best balance of lifestyle and value?

The cheapest coastal suburb is not automatically the best choice. The most expensive one is not automatically the best either.

The Bottom Line

A simple but powerful change in priorities is shaping Perth’s coastal downsizer market.

• For one generation, the ideal home was often the biggest home the household could afford.
• For the next stage of life, the ideal home may be the one that gives the homeowner the most freedom.

That could mean a smaller floorplan. But it could also mean: A better location, less maintenance, stronger amenities, and more time. And in Perth, the coastline provides a uniquely powerful combination of all four. Market data shows coastal property remains highly sought after, while the strong performance of units shows smaller dwellings are becoming an increasingly important part of the city’s housing landscape. The increase in available listings during 2026 also gives downsizers something they desperately needed during the tightest phase of the market:

• Choice to compare.
• Choice to wait.
• Choice to negotiate.

Choice to find the right property rather than simply the first property available.

And with Western Australia’s expanded off-the-plan duty concession now supporting a broader range of eligible new dwellings through June 2028, downsizer-friendly apartments, villas, townhouses, duplexes and triplexes could become an increasingly important part of the market.

• For sellers, this means understanding the downsize buyer will become increasingly important.
• For buyers, it means looking beyond the traditional definition of “downsizing”.
• And for local property professionals such as Bargoti Real Estate, it means recognising that these transactions are often about much more than selling one home and buying another. 

They are about helping homeowners turn decades of property ownership into the lifestyle they want next. Because ultimately, the most successful downsizing decision is not the one that leaves you with the smallest home. It is the one that leaves you with more of the things that matter.

• More time.
• More convenience.
• More freedom.
• More experiences.

And, for an increasing number of Perth homeowners, more mornings by the coast.

Get in Touch with Bargoti Real Estate

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