The market has rebounded from the 2022–2023 lows and is currently seeing renewed price rise, but regional variations in pace and factors are evident in the national dwelling-value trends for Q1 2025. Perth in particular and Western Australia as a whole were among the better-performing states in the quarter and year ending March 2025.  

For sellers in Perth, this includes setting a price that is both confident and reasonable, preparing homes to take advantage of shifting demand, choosing focused marketing channels to draw in owner-occupiers and investors, and timing listings and negotiations with the local knowledge of Bargoti Real Estate.  

According to crucial national data sources (ABS, CoreLogic/NAB/market reports), WA is growing faster than many east-coast markets. There is also an increase in investor and FHB activity, and supply restrictions are driving up prices in coveted suburbs.

Executive summary

• The average Australian home reached approximately $1 million in Q1 (March) 2025, according to national data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
• This indicates modest but broad-based national growth following previous rate-driven slowdowns.
• Locally, Perth’s market dynamics deviate from the national norm in terms of volume and submarket behaviour; REIWA data for the city indicates that “other dwellings” (units, townhouses, and terraces) continued to have significant momentum during Q1 2025 and notable annual gains.
• A valuable lesson for sellers in Perth is that while national trends (such as RBA rates, buyer mood, and investor flows) are essential for background, Perth’s microdynamics—
  1. Stock levels
  2. Suburbs
  3. Home types
• The tightness of the rental market—
  1. Determine the best timing
  2. Pricing
  3. Marketing approach.  

Introduction — Why national trends matter to Perth sellers

1. Perth sellers naturally consider REIWA’s most recent statistics, local auction outcomes, and suburb comparables. That’s right, listing judgments are based on local facts.  

2. However, national trends from organisations such as the ABS are also significant since they influence the macroenvironment. For example, buyer confidence and offering behaviour are influenced by national media narratives, interest rate expectations, investor appetite, and migration patterns.

3. Combining local intelligence (REIWA, Landgate, local listings, and rent data) with national signals (ABS) results in better pricing, more savvy marketing, and more certain negotiating for Bargoti Real Estate, which bills itself as an authority in Perth.  

4. This blog discusses Q1 2025 both locally and nationally, outlines the ramifications, and provides a proper action plan for Perth sellers.

The national snapshot: what ABS Q1 2025 tells us

Key ABS takeaways (March quarter 2025)

• The total value of residential dwellings rose
• Average (mean) dwelling price hit about $1,016,700
• Some capitals recorded modest quarterly rises

1. The ABS announced an increase in the March quarter of 2025, which raised the overall value to almost $11.4 trillion in the first quarter of 2025. The ABS also noted a modest increase in the number of residential dwellings and a rise in the mean price of these houses. These numbers support the idea that the value of the national market is increasing following periods of stabilisation.

2. Even though median outcomes vary, Australia’s housing portfolio has a very high mean value, driven mainly by high-value metro markets, according to the March 2025 ABS report, marking a significant psychological and analytical milestone.

3. The ABS report stressed that year-over-year comparisons revealed greater variation, with some regions experiencing a flat or modest decline in the rise. The national average conceals significant variance across submarkets.

Why these ABS numbers matter to sellers

• Interest rate expectations & buyer affordability
• Valuation anchoring
• Investor appetite

1. When the media portrays prices as rising once again, ABS growth helps to justify buyer urgency and reinvigorates recovery narratives. Sellers can use this to frame scarcity.

2. When evaluating risk and LVR outcomes, lenders and valuers look to national statistics; in borderline circumstances, a rising national mean might bolster more compelling valuation arguments.

3. National hikes combined with reduced interest rates or forecasts of rate cuts can boost investor demand, which is crucial for Perth suburbs that appeal to investors (inner-city apartments, outside growth corridors).

Perth in Q1 2025: REIWA’s story (and what it means)

While ABS gives the national frame, REIWA shows Perth’s painting within that frame.

Highlights from REIWA and Perth data (March quarter / Q1 2025)

• Strong growth in “other dwellings” (units, townhouses, terraces)
• Submarket variation across Perth
• Listings & sale pace

1. In the March quarter, the median sale price for other housing types was approximately $555,000, up 2.8% from the previous quarter and ~19.4% from the prior year, according to REIWA. Following increases in home prices, REIWA saw a shift in search preferences towards less expensive options.

2. According to REIWA’s data, there were contrasting movements in Perth: median house values in outer Perth increased somewhat, while those in middle Perth saw some losses. The annual shifts in inner Perth houses were sharper and were influenced by high-end activity and stock prices. This illustrates Perth’s intra-city variations, which are crucial for pricing strategies tailored to specific suburbs.

3. According to recent reports (REIWA listings pages and market commentary), Perth’s listings increased through early 2025, giving buyers more options and a little longer days on the market than during the most competitive period of 2023–2024. Nevertheless, tight rental conditions and growing rents have maintained a high demand for investor-friendly products.

What REIWA signals about Perth sellers’ opportunities

• Units & terraces are in vogue
• Suburb selection matters more than ever
• Quality presentation + targeted marketing yields a premium

1. Sellers of luxurious “other dwellings” can profit from investors seeking yield and capital growth or from buyers slipping down the price scale (to escape affordability pressure).

2. The listing method should be match-sharp (kind, condition, proximity to amenity) because metro averages conceal microclimates.

3. Sellers can no longer rely just on scarcity when there are more listings; unique marketing and a staged presentation are essential.

How national and Perth trends diverge — five key contrasts

• Magnitude of change
• Dwelling mix effect
• Supply dynamics
• Rent/yield environment
• Buyer composition & drivers

1. Perth’s annual growth can be significantly higher for various dwelling types, particularly units and some outer suburbs, whereas national aggregates (ABS) show modest quarterly growth. Accordingly, it’s possible that Perth sellers’ capital increased more quickly than the national average.

2. High-value homes in Sydney and Melbourne have a significant impact on the national average. Perth’s noteworthy Q1 increases in other housing are a reflection of local demand cycles, which include changes in investor purchasing patterns and affordability. This fundamental shift in demand should be taken into consideration by Perth unit sellers.

3. ABS does not consistently record increases in national stocks. Sales velocity varies by suburb and property type in Perth, where listings increased but were still balanced against the shortage of rental properties.

4. Investors view WA’s cash flow prospects as better than the national average due to rent increases for specific dwelling types (REIWA reported growing median rents for two-bedroom apartments and parity for three-bedroom homes in Q1). This is crucial for sellers aiming to attract investment.

5. Owner-occupiers remain essential on a national level, but on a local level, Perth has been attracting interstate buyers and investors due to its better lifestyle and yields, particularly during periods of mining boom and migration. As a result, Perth is more susceptible to domestic migration trends than some other capitals. (See local market reports and REIWA analysis.)

Drivers behind the numbers (economics, policy, supply/demand)

We must comprehend what drives the data to translate them into a strategy. The primary motivators for Q1 2025 are as follows:

• Interest rates & RBA guidance
• Affordability and substitution
• Supply shortages in targeted segments
• Migration & population movement
• Media & psychological effects (the ”headline” problem)

1. Buyer affordability is influenced by the RBA’s stance and market expectations regarding rate cuts or rate stability. Markets priced in possible easing later in 2025 in Q1 2025, which increased buyer interest. Media comments on rising values and national ABS upticks fuel buyer eagerness. For sentiment indicators, sellers should pay attention to public opinion and the official RBA direction.

2. Perth’s robust “other dwellings” growth can be explained by the fact that buyers are drawn to more economical housing types when house prices exceed income. If their product checks all the boxes (low upkeep, close to transportation, modern finishing), sellers of flats or terraces might charge more.

3. Certain desirable product classes (such as well-located apartments with a solid rental history or high-quality three-bedroom homes close to amenities) might still be challenging to find, even when the number of listings rises. Strong rental demand is indicated by REIWA’s median rent increases for two-bedroom apartments, which makes quality investment stock hard to come by.

4. In comparison to certain eastern states, Perth’s demand has been bolstered by post-pandemic interstate relocations and return migration to Western Australia, which is tied to the performance of the resources sector and lifestyle. This satisfies investor and owner-occupier demand. Investors, downsizers, and interstate relocators may now make up a wider variety of local buyer pools.

5. Public expectations are shaped by national ABS headlines, such as “average dwelling hits $1 million.” “This can be beneficial for sellers in vendor briefings and marketing copy, but it needs to be balanced with suburban truth.

What the data implies for Perth sellers — strategic takeaways

Below are distilled lessons for Perth vendors, each linked to the evidence above:

1. Price to your submarket, not to the national mean

• ABS figures are helpful, but they don’t matter if your comparative sales are different.  
• Reserve national numbers to frame buyer expectations and use REIWA and Landgate comps for hyperlocal pricing.

2.  If you’re selling an “other dwelling,” emphasise affordability and rental credentials

• Buyers shifted to flats and terraces in Q1; yield and low maintenance will appeal to value-seeking owner-occupiers and investors.  
• Clearly display the predicted yield, vacancy indicators, and leasing histories.

3. Presentation matters more as listings rise

Increased listings, according to REIWA, force sellers to stand out from the competition (staging, expert photography, floor plans, precise time).

4. Lean into demand narratives that are true locally

• Make use of the information about your suburb’s growing rents, proximity to growth routes, or infrastructure successes.  
• Local facts clinch deals, but national headlines help.

5. Plan for investor interest but prepare for owner-occupier scrutiny

• Owner-occupiers will examine lifestyle, commute times, and schools, but investors are coming (yield improvements).  
• Depending on the probable consumer demographics, marketing packets should contain both lifestyle and financial tales.

Tactical playbook for pricing, marketing, and negotiating in Perth

This section is an operational checklist that sellers and Bargoti Real Estate agents can use. Each step includes why and how.

Pricing & pre-listing prep

1. Hyperlocal comparable analysis (mandatory)

• Why: Submarkets in Perth differ greatly; middle-class family suburbs and inner-city luxury move in distinct ways.
• How: Pull the latest 12 months’ worth of settlement sales within a 1-2 km radius, adjusting for bedrooms, land size, and condition. Utilise Landgate and REIWA for high-level validation, and reconcile with ABS.

2. Set a price band, not a single rigid figure.

• Why: Because there are more listings, buyers are searching for deals; a tight range allows for flexibility in negotiations while clearly defining expectations for vendors.
• How: Give the vendor a suggested list price, a reasonable range for anticipated sales, and a contingency reserve.

3. If selling a unit/terrace: compile rental & strata pack early

• Why: Instant access to rental history speeds up investor offers, and Q1 demand indicates that both tenants and investors like these.

4. Pre-sale repairs & staging ROI calculator

• Why: Small spends often deliver outsized returns where competition has risen.
• How: Prioritise curb appeal, neutral paint, kitchen & bathroom touchups — provide a short ROI estimate (e.g., $3k staging → $10–15k premium in many Perth micro-markets)

Marketing & listing strategy

1. Launch with a 10–14 day “market warming” campaign

1. Why: A targeted pre-launch generates a shortlist of potential customers, but an increase in listings dilutes attention.
2. How: Email campaigns to Bargoti’s buyer database, social media adverts aimed at suburbs that serve Perth relocators, and private viewings for investors and interstate queries.

2. High-quality media is non-negotiable

• Why: First impressions are visual, and buyers are increasingly shortlisting products online.
• How: Make use of an interactive floorplan, drone photos when appropriate, professional photography, and videography (walkthrough video). Give precise room measurements and NBN/strata information.

3. Segmented campaigns: investor vs owner-occupier tracks

• Why: Although they have distinct goals, Q1 demonstrates interest from both owner-occupiers and investors.
• How: Two ad creatives, one focusing on yield, tenancy history, accessibility to public transport and facilities, and the other on commute times, schools, and lifestyle.

4. Leverage national headlines tactically

• Why: Don’t overstate; combining local comparisons with the national context enhances FOMO and generates urgency with ABS’s national story.
• How: Cite local statistics to back statements such as “National price recovery and Perth’s rental market tightening underpin buyer confidence.” Agent briefing kits should include citations to local REIWA statistics.

Open for inspections & offers

1. Structured open houses with time slots

• Why: Creates manageability and perception of demand.
• How: Offer specific time slots; provide buyer packs onsite.

2. Pre-qualify potential buyers

• Why: With more listings, time wasted on unqualified buyers is costly.
• How: Ask for pre-approval evidence for finance; for investors, request proof of balance and literacy around yield.

3. Offer collection strategy: auction vs private treaty vs expression of interest

• Why: Q1 conditions support different strategies depending on the product.
• How: Consider: use auction or EOI for high-demand, low-supply pockets; private treaty for properties needing marketing time or where the vendor prefers certainty. Use local sale velocity and comparable days on market to decide.

Negotiation & settlement support

1.Use rent & yield figures as leverage in investor negotiations

• Why: Rising rents in Perth’s Q1 give sellers knee-jerk confidence; proving yield helps when the buyer is an investor.

2. Prepare counteroffer scripts for agents

• Why: Quick, confident counters preserve seller leverage.
• How: Scripts that restate market interest, show alternative offers (if any), and set a time limit can move fence-sitters.

3. Settlement flexibility as a bargaining chip

• Why: Competitive buyers may trade price for faster or slower settlement.
• How: Offer a 30-45 day settlement for owner-occupiers; 60+ day for buyers arranging leases/finance if it nets price.

Examples & scenarios — seller profiles & recommended approaches

Here are real-world examples of Q1 2025 Perth sellers, along with suggested strategies for each.

Scenario A: A young couple (owner-occupier target) is selling a middle-ring, three-bedroom house.

• Market facts: The performance of middle-class homes in Perth was uneven; some middle-class neighbourhoods saw modest quarterly drops but significant annual increases.
• Strategy: Offer a competitive price within the neighbourhood 6–8% range, cater to families, draw attention to commuting times and schools, conduct owner-occupier targeted marketing, and establish a private agreement with a conditional closure window to draw in genuine buyers.

Scenario B: An investor is offering a well-positioned two-bedroom flat close to a university.

• Market facts: According to REIWA, investor interest is high and rents for two-bedroom properties are rising.
• Strategy: Use investor-focused marketing, such as buy-to-let calculators; highlight rental history, yield, and vacancy rates; and take into account auctions and EOIs to target several investors.

Scenario C: A seller of an upscale inner Perth home

• Market facts: High-end neighbourhoods rely on individual buyer preferences; inner Perth homes saw fluctuations.
• Approach: Avoid a hasty discounted sale unless the vendor has a pressing need; instead, use bespoke promotion, off-market pre-marketing to high-net-worth buyers, a longer marketing window, and luxury staging and lookbooks.

Common seller mistakes & how to avoid them

1. Anchoring to national headlines —

• Mistake: pricing to the ABS mean.
• Fix: Use suburb comps and REIWA. National data is context, not price setting.

2. Underestimating the competition of listings —

• Mistake: assuming scarcity will sell it.
• Fix: Invest in marketing and staging; shorten the time to open to capture attention.

3. Poorly packaged rental/strata info for units —

• Mistake: failing to present the investor case.
• Fix: Always include yield scenarios and historical rent growth.

4. Ignoring rent growth when negotiating with investors —

• Mistake: allowing lowball offers without referencing market rents.
• Fix: Show current rent comparables and vacancy rates to argue for value.

Risk management: what could change in H2 2025 and how sellers should prepare

The following risks, both positive and negative, could change the direction of Q1 2025 for sellers:

1. Potential upside

• RBA rate cuts increase buyer demand, which in turn raises prices even further (in 2025, markets were already pricing in easing).  
• If reductions are indicated, sellers may benefit from earlier promotion.

2. Potential downside

• If mortgage serviceability stays tight and income growth lags, owner-occupier demand may be slowed by affordability constraints.
• Days on market and price may decline if the number of listings from spring 2025 exceeds the expansion of the buyer pool.  
• The rise of REIWA listings in early 2025 is a warning sign.

3. How sellers should prepare

• Be prepared to modify marketing expenditures and have backup pricing plans (plan A, B, and C).
• For properties aimed at investors, maintain current rental comparables to draw in competition.

Conclusion — the 10-point action plan for Perth sellers

• Use REIWA & Landgate comps for pricing; treat ABS national stats as strategic context.
• If selling a unit/terrace, lead with rental and strata information — this class outperformed in Q1.
• Stage and present boldly — listings are up; presentation wins attention.
• Segment marketing: craft investor and owner-occupier tracks.
• Consider EOI/auction for high-demand pockets; private treaty where timing or market fit requires it.
• Pre-qualify buyers to reduce wasted time and accelerate reasonable offers.
• Use rent growth and vacancy evidence in investor negotiations.
• Prepare for changing RBA signals — have pricing contingency plans.
• Vendor education: brief sellers on national vs local dynamics so expectations align.
• Keep marketing agile — reallocate ad spend to the best-performing channels and buyer segments during the campaign.

Appendix: key statistics, data sources and methodology notes

1. Primary sources used

• ABS—Total Value of Dwellings, March Quarter 2025: mean dwelling price, total value movements, and national aggregate statistics. (ABS data pages and media release).
• REIWA — Perth market data & REIWA comments on the increase of other dwellings, rent fluctuations, and median sale prices by dwelling type for the March quarter of 2025.
• Independent studies and local market commentary: several Perth market updates and commentary pieces are utilised to cross-check buyer flows, days-on-market, and local listings.

2. Methodology notes

• National versus local comparisons
• Timeframe

REIWA/local Landgate data were used for micro decisions and comparisons, while national ABS figures were used for macro framing.

For national or broader claims, you should focus on the March quarter of 2025. For monthly or near-term listing data, refer to the most recent REIWA or local reporting available at the time you are reviewing it.

Final words (for Bargoti Real Estate and Perth sellers)

Q1 2025 is a reminder of a core real estate truth: significant national trends set the scene, but local details win the performance. For Perth sellers, that means using the ABS as context, REIWA and Landgate as the decision engine, and innovative marketing and negotiation as the execution.

Bargoti Real Estate’s role is to stitch this data into confident listing strategies, clear vendor communication, and campaigns that convert attention into offers.

DISCLAIMER – The information and opinion provided is for guidance and general informational purposes only. The sole intention is to provide general understanding of the subject matter so the readers can assess whether they need more detailed information. The information provided on this website should not be regarded as a financial, business, legal or real estate advice and it is strongly recommended that the readers should seek their own independent financial, business, legal or real estate advice. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information and the material is correct and up to date at the date of publication. However, we do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information provided as the factors like changes in circumstances after the time of publication, may impact such accuracy or completeness. Bargoti real estate will not accept responsibility or liability for any reliance on the blog information, including but not limited to, the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or links.