Independent research. Long-term thinking. Better property decisions.
Buyers Advocate Perth Research examines the long-term forces that shape Perth residential property performance—from buyer behaviour and scarcity to neighbourhood demand and market resilience.
Our aim isn’t to predict what happens next. It’s to better understand the characteristics that have mattered over time.
RESEARCH REPORT NO. 1 · 2026
How School Catchments Have Influenced Perth Property Prices Over 30 Years
More than 30 years of Perth median house price data across six leading public and private school precincts, examining long-term growth, neighbourhood differences and performance through Perth’s 2014–2019 downturn.
30+ years of data 
6 school precincts 
Public + private schools
Key Findings
All six school precincts outperformed Greater Perth
Over the long term, each of the six selected precincts delivered stronger median price growth than Greater Perth.
The school isn’t enough
Suburbs associated with the same highly regarded school performed very differently.
Stronger in the long run, more resilient in downturns
During the 2014-2019 downturn, several school precincts showed greater resilience than Greater Perth.
30-YEAR MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR)
School Precinct Methodology
This research analyses more than 30 years of REIWA median house price data across six established public and private school precincts, comparing their long-term performance with Greater Perth.
Each precinct is represented by selected surrounding suburbs. As REIWA median house price data is reported at suburb level, these do not always align precisely with school intake boundaries, and some suburbs may be only partly within a local or optional intake area.
The analysis, therefore, compares broader school precincts and associated suburbs, rather than individual properties strictly within school catchment boundaries.
It also examines selected suburb performance during Perth’s 2014–2019 property downturn.
Full methodology and data notes are included in the Research Report.
Research in the Media
Featured in WAtoday
How Perth’s most in-demand schools impact nearby property prices
By Holly Thompson | 17 August 2026
Also published by: The Sydney Morning Herald · The Age · Brisbane Times
Supporting Research & Insights
Explore additional insights and analysis that informed this research.
Scarcity Isn’t a Buzzword — It’s What Protects You When Markets Slow
Why scarcity can matter as much in slower markets as during periods of strong growth.
Why Perth’s Long-Term Property Demand Clusters Around Water, Schools & Amenity
Why enduring demand often forms around combinations of schools, lifestyle amenity and established neighbourhoods.
Behavioural Decision-Making in Property Investing
How psychology, emotion and buyer behaviour influence property decisions—and ultimately shape market demand.
Research informs the decision. The individual property still matters.
Our research helps us understand the patterns that have shaped Perth property over time. Applying those insights to an individual property requires looking much deeper.
Let’s talk about how research and experience work together to help you buy well.
