Perth FHBs: How buyers can get into their first homes sooner in 2025

Perth is currently seen as the hottest real estate market in Australia. But what does this mean for those trying to buy their first home now?

Western Australia’s capital keeps outperforming other major cities across the country with strong price increases.

This aligns with January’s CommSec State of the States report, which ranks Western Australia as the nation’s best-performing economy for the second time in ten years.

The state came first in five of the eight economic measures tracked by the report, staying ahead of fast-growing states like Queensland for the second quarter in a row.

Even with this success, experts believe the Western Australian economy still has room to grow.
By December, Perth was one of just two Australian cities where home prices did not fall.

Perth first-home buyers can get ahead despite the current hot market

Prices instead rose by 0.39% in a single month, wrapping up a year of exceptional growth at 17.59%, according to realestate.com.au’s Senior Economist, Anne Flaherty.

“We’re seeing enormous competition in the Perth market from all sides,” Flaherty says.

“This includes property investors, existing homeowners and first-home buyers (FHB). Properties are selling faster than ever.”

Flaherty points to fierce competition and a long-term shortage of new homes as key reasons behind rising prices.

These issues are made worse by a booming population and more investors entering the market.

Savvy WA first-home buyers are getting strategic help when it comes to getting into the market. Pictured: Stockland’s Illyarrie Community

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Despite higher prices, experts argue there are still pathways for renters and hopeful buyers to get into the market.

Perth remains much cheaper than other major cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

There’s also fresh hope with housing developments bringing new stock to market across Perth, particularly in the popular north-west corridor.

Flaherty highlights projects in renewable energy and mining as part of the state’s growing economic strength.

These sectors are creating jobs and drawing long-term investment, making the market more stable for those looking to buy.

“The focus on future-focused industries means opportunities remain for savvy buyers,” she says.

How FHBs are getting ahead in 2025

According to Col Dutton, Stockland General Manager WA Development, many first-home buyers experience information overload, leaving them feeling paralysed in their decision-making process.

“The good news is that proactive buyers can circumvent roadblocks. Being strategic and informed about available support can make homeownership achievable,” he says.

Perth buyers can empower themselves with knowledge and set themselves up for entering the property market in 2025 with Stockland’s Open Doors event series, partnered with Urban List and the REA Group. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain essential knowledge and insights.

“The aim is to demystify complex information, presenting it in a clear and accessible manner so that first-time buyers can feel informed and confident as they navigate their home-buying journey,” Dutton explains.

The seminars will also showcase areas in Perth that offer affordability, lifestyle, and future growth potential.

Education around investing responsibly can be a big help for those unsure of what their next step is.

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Scroll down to learn more about the Open Doors event and reserve your spot—spaces limited.

The barriers for buyers trying to break into the market

Several hurdles are making the journey challenging for first-time home buyers.
Competition and prices are, of course, on the list.

High interest rates have also been a challenge, although Flaherty says cuts forecast for 2025 will bring “some relief”.

But psychological barriers can often be the biggest obstacles, shares Dutton.

Fear of overcommitment, concerns about making a bad investment, uncertainty about market conditions, and fear of rejection from banks and brokers are other common roadblocks.

“These barriers can lead to delayed decisions, cause buyers to be overly cautious, or result in feeling overwhelmed, ultimately preventing them from progressing,” he warns.

Flaherty adds that holding off can actually create more challenges for buyers in the long term.

“If prices go up, then that means people have to save a bigger deposit, and often while paying rent, so it’s tricky,” she says.

4 FHB-friendly suburbs in Perth’s north-west

Dutton shares that Stockland has several new communities that will provide an attractive alternative to paying rent in established suburbs.

“Our communities are designed to foster a sense of belonging, featuring playgrounds, multiple parks, markets, and cafes.”

“Residents enjoy free community programs such as Live Life Get Active fitness classes and RSPCA dog training.”

1. Alkimos Beach – Land starting from $375,000*

A 50-minute drive north of Perth CBD, this community blends urban convenience with coastal living.

Alkimos Beach is a stunning coastal community that emphasises sustainability.

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Situated on the west side of Marmion Avenue, the community has direct beach access and established amenities and is Australia’s first to achieve a 6-Star Green Star certification.

It also boasts excellent transport links, including proximity to the Mitchell Freeway and Alkimos train station, as well as two schools and nearby shopping precincts.

2. Amberton Beach – Land starting from $365,000*

This community for active people boasts 11 parks, including two AFL-sized ovals with playgrounds, gym equipment, a dog exercise area, a skate spot, and cricket nets.

The southern foreshore node features Lighthouse Park, a beachside car park, and a foreshore playground.

The Amberton Beach Bar & Kitchen offers a local dining option, while the newly opened Eglinton Beach Primary School further enhances the area’s growing amenities.

Amberton Beach has incredible outdoor amenities, perfect for families.

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3. Illyarrie – Land starting from $355,000*

Located less than a kilometre from Wanneroo Central Shopping Centre and key community services, this prime location offers exceptional convenience.

Primary and high schools are nearby, just 8 km from Joondalup town centre and 10 km from Burns Beach.

4. Alkimos Vista – Land starting from $377,000*

An easy drive 44 km north of Perth CBD, this vibrant community is just 3.9 km from the ocean.

Spanning 44 hectares, it will feature over 550 homes, 2.5 hectares of green space, a 5-star Green Star certification, Picasso Park, primary schools, Alkimos College, and future retail and office spaces.

Alkimos Vista is a thriving community hub of sustainable, family-friendly amenities.

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4 tips for overcoming FHB roadblocks for Perth buyers

For first-home buyers keen to take the next step:

1. Assess your finances and seek loan pre-approval early.
2. Explore government incentives, such as first home grants and low-deposit loans.
3. Familiarise yourself with buying off the plan.
4. Research affordable areas with growth potential.

Register now for the Open Doors event – spaces limited!

*Price correct at time of publication; 27 February 2025 and is subject to change without notice or obligation. Subject to availability. Stockland is only responsible for the sale of the land. Price does not include stamp duty, registration fees, additional costs that may be incurred under the Building Contract (e.g. due to delays in titling the lot) or any other incidental fees associated with the acquisition of land or a home or the construction of a home.

This article has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial circumstances or objectives and should not be relied upon for any purpose without consulting financial, legal or professional advisers regarding your individual circumstances and suitability for investment. All distance and travel timeframe references are estimates only, refer to distance by car or driving time (unless specified otherwise), and are based on information obtained from Google Maps at the time of publication (February 2025).

Some images are artist’s impressions and subject to change. All details, images and statements are based on the intention of, and information available to, Stockland as at the date of this article and may change due to future circumstances. Information and images relating to landscaping are indicative only and may show mature plantings which may not be mature at settlement. This article contains information provided by third parties based on information available as at 27 February 2025 which have not been independently verified by Stockland. The views, opinions and commentary of third parties in this article, may not represent the views, opinions and commentary of Stockland. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Stockland makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any such statements, and Stockland does not accept any loss or damage arising as a result of any reliance on the views, opinions and commentary of such individuals. Any statements made by Stockland or third parties in this article should not be taken as financial, legal, or professional advice.