Perth Property Listings Hit Record Low as Buyer Demand Soars
Market squeeze tightens — here’s what’s really happening in Perth real estate
Perth has just hit a new milestone — and not the good kind. The latest data from REIWA shows the number of homes for sale has plunged to its lowest level on record, shifting the balance of power across the market and tightening the pressure on both buyers and sellers.
At the end of December 2025, active listings fell to just 1,881 properties across the entire metro area. That’s a 57% drop year-on-year and more than 35% down from November.
In short: stock is disappearing faster than it’s being replaced.
Why listings are so low
REIWA attributes this decline to a blend of seasonal behaviour and sustained demand.
Many sellers delay listing over the festive break, but even beyond that, buyers are snapping up available homes quickly — leaving very little sitting on the market. New stock simply isn’t hitting the market fast enough to keep up.
What this means for buyers
Buyers are walking into a market where competition is fierce and options are limited. Homes are selling quickly, and many buyers are feeling the familiar “act now or miss out” pressure. It’s a market where preparation, decisiveness, and realistic expectations matter more than ever.
What this means for sellers
While the conditions look ideal — fewer competing listings and strong buyer inquiry — many homeowners are hesitant to sell because they’re concerned about finding their next property. This “seller hesitation” creates a feedback loop, keeping stock levels low even when demand is strong.
Price pressure continues
With limited choice and strong buyer activity, prices have continued their upward momentum. Both house and unit markets saw sustained growth through late 2025 as buyers chased whatever stock they could access — or pivoted to more affordable segments like apartments and townhouses.
What could happen next
Listings traditionally rise in January as sellers return from holidays and prepare for the year ahead. Whether that rebound will be enough to break the current pattern is uncertain. The underlying imbalance — strong demand and insufficient new supply — remains the biggest factor shaping Perth’s real estate landscape.
Bottom line: Perth’s property market is tight, competitive, and moving quickly. For anyone planning to buy or sell in 2026, staying informed and acting strategically will be key.
Credit: Market data sourced from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).
