property
Retirees Flee Large Homes for East Perth Apartments to Cut Costs
East Perth apartments pull retirees from larger homes as maintenance costs climb and access to services improves.
How we reported this
Sales of two-bedroom units in East Perth rose 30 percent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same six months last year.
The increase follows a steady run of listings from owners in surrounding inner areas who want fewer upkeep demands and quicker routes to doctors, shops and rail links after years of higher interest rates.
Buyers now target buildings around Claisebrook Cove and the strip along Royal Street, where new strata schemes include ground-floor medical suites and direct paths to the Perth Busport. The City of Perth’s recent upgrade to riverside walkways has also drawn attention from agents handling retiree clients.
East Perth’s practical edge
Downsizers cite the short walk to the East Perth Train Station and the cluster of pharmacies near Wellington Street as decisive factors. One couple sold a four-bedroom house in Maylands and settled into a 98-square-metre apartment on Plain Street that sits three minutes from the station entrance and two blocks from a bulk-billing clinic.
Developers have responded with smaller floor plates and shared gardens that cut individual gardening time. Several projects completed in 2025 now advertise 24-hour concierge and on-site storage for mobility scooters.
Price signals and next steps
CoreLogic data released last week put the median price for East Perth apartments at $685,000 in June 2026, up 8 percent from December 2025. Two-bedroom stock under 100 square metres accounted for most of the volume, with days on market averaging 22.
Prospective buyers should review the latest strata reports for buildings completed after 2020 and speak to local agents about current incentive packages that cover stamp duty concessions for over-60s. Checking listings on the City of Perth website and attending the next open inspections at Claisebrook Cove complexes will show what stock remains before spring listings arrive.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.