Apartments and units are stepping into the spotlight in 2026, and the shift is more structural than cyclical. After years of being overshadowed by the detached housing boom, medium- and high-density living is emerging as one of the most compelling investment stories in Western Australia.
Recent forecasts from the REIWA point to unit values rising by as much as 20% in 2026. While that headline number grabs attention, the more important signal sits underneath it: demand is broadening, supply remains constrained, and buyer motivations are evolving in ways that favour well-located apartments.
The market is shifting from rapid growth to a more selective, demand-driven phase. Affordability pressures, changing household structures and lifestyle-led decisions are reshaping what buyers and renters value. Apartments sit squarely at that intersection, offering a practical response to tighter budgets without sacrificing location or liveability.
For investors, the appeal is twofold. Entry prices for units typically sit below houses, even as rental demand continues to intensify. Vacancy rates across Perth remain tight, and apartments close to transport, activity centres and employment hubs are benefiting from a growing pool of tenants priced out of detached housing. As borrowing capacity remains constrained, units are increasingly where renters and first-time buyers can compete.
Downsizers are also playing a critical role in reshaping demand. Quality apartments offer a lower-maintenance lifestyle, security, proximity to amenities and a chance to unlock equity without compromising on location. The demand is proving particularly strong for newer or well-managed buildings with good design, storage and liveability.
From an investment perspective, this matters. Downsizers tend to be discerning buyers, which places a premium on quality stock and well-run strata schemes. Buildings with clear governance, proactive maintenance and long-term planning are better positioned to attract both owner-occupiers and tenants, supporting capital growth and rental resilience over time.
Realmark’s view for 2026 is not about chasing momentum, but about understanding where fundamentals are strengthening. Apartments are no longer a secondary option in Perth’s property market. They are becoming a deliberate choice - for investors seeking yield and growth, for downsizers prioritising lifestyle, and for buyers navigating affordability in a tighter lending environment.
For those considering units and apartments this year, the opportunity lies in being selective. Location, building quality, strata management and long-term demand drivers matter more than ever. In a market defined by adjustment rather than acceleration, apartments are emerging not as a compromise, but as a considered, forward-looking investment play.