At the height of the Perth property market’s bull run, most buyers had next to no time to inspect a home thoroughly, let alone explore the surrounding neighbourhood.
Now, with properties taking longer to sell, they have more opportunity to assess whether an area suits their needs before making an offer.
According to REIWA, houses sold in a median of 26 days last month – up from just eight days a year earlier – while units took 23 days, compared with nine days in September 2025.
Realmark Urban Residential Sales Consultant Audrey Vaslet said fierce competition had previously forced buyers to consider unfamiliar suburbs and make decisions quickly.
“Having more time gives them a chance to do their own due diligence and make a more informed decision before committing,” she said.
“The neighbourhood plays a big part in your enjoyment of a property, so it is always best to look beyond the house itself.
“Although you can’t control your neighbours as people come and go, you want to feel safe and comfortable in your surroundings.”
Ms Vaslet said priorities varied according to personal circumstances and lifestyle.
Families might focus on school catchments, parks and quieter streets, while others preferred easy access to amenities or greater privacy.
Affordability also extends beyond the purchase price, with a cheaper home further from work potentially bringing longer commutes and higher transport costs.
Passmore Real Estate Principal and Director Mark Passmore said buyers should consider how a neighbourhood suited their daily routine, including access to schools, shops, healthcare, public transport, and family and friends.
“Think about walkability, traffic, noise and whether you feel comfortable in the area,” he said.
“I encourage people to walk the neighbourhood, visit at different times, including evenings and weekends, and speak to neighbours where possible.
“You’re buying into a community as well as a property.”
However, buyers also need to think about how a neighbourhood might change in future years.
Mr Passmore said new developments and infrastructure could improve local amenities but also cause construction disruption, increased traffic or changes to privacy and outlook.
He encouraged buyers to investigate potential changes through local council planning applications and strategies, the PlanWA mapping tool, and State Government consultation and infrastructure websites.
“Ask what is proposed, approved or under construction and confirm information directly with the relevant authority,” Mr Passmore said.
“An experienced local agent can provide neighbourhood context.”
Ms Vaslet recommended buyers consider how their own circumstances might evolve.
“You can make changes to a property over time, but you can’t change its location,” she said.
“While it is easy to get caught up in the features of a home, making sure the neighbourhood is right for you both now and in the future is just as important.”
This article was originally featured on The West Australian, written by Keren Bellos.