Perth’s housing market is experiencing a significant seller’s market, with homes selling in a median time of just 10 days and prices continuing to rise. It’s a challenging environment for buyers, but with the right strategy, success is still possible.
What is a seller’s market?
A seller’s market occurs when there are a few homes for sale but many buyers. Because demand outweighs supply, sellers have the upper hand as they can choose from multiple interested buyers and often sell at higher prices. Homes sell quickly, and buyers may compete in bidding wars, making it harder to negotiate a more favourable price or terms of sale.
Why is Perth currently a seller’s market?
Right now, Perth fits this description. Active listings dropped to a record low of just 2,981 at the end of August 2025, a considerable 18.3% lower than the same time last year, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).
The unusually low number of new listings over winter, combined with strong ongoing demand, has created a shortage of available properties. In some cases, this shortage has created somewhat of a vicious cycle where sellers are waiting to secure their next home before listing, further limiting the already tight supply.
As a result, homes are selling incredibly fast. In August, houses in Perth sold in a median of just 10 days, while units sold in nine days. Some suburbs saw homes snapped up in under a week, highlighting the speed of the market.
At the same time, prices are rising. Perth’s median house sale price increased 14.3% year-on-year in August to $800,000. Units also rose, with the median price hitting $552,500, a 17.8% increase from the same time last year.
What does this mean for buyers?
For buyers, this environment presents several challenges. Limited choice means you may need to compromise on location or features. Rising prices can make it more difficult to secure a property within budget. And with homes selling so quickly, hesitation can mean missing out entirely.
The good news is that despite these hurdles, Perth’s market still offers many opportunities for buyers, and with the right approach, you can still come out on top.
First, it’s important to prepare your finances thoroughly. A good buyer’s agent can connect you with a trusted mortgage broker and help you understand your budget before you even start looking. With pre-approval in place, you’ll be ready to make a strong offer the moment the right property appears.
That’s where a buyer’s agent really proves their worth. We give you access to off-market and pre-market properties, help you assess fair value using local market data, and guide you through the negotiation process – so your offer stands out and your purchase stays on track.
With homes selling fast and prices rising in Perth, acting quickly is essential. A local buyer’s agent like Resolve Property Solutions can help you navigate the competitive market, access the right opportunities and avoid overpaying. Book a free discovery call today for expert, tailored advice.
