Why Expats and Singapore Buyers Are Interested in Perth Property
Perth is going through a one-of-a-kind economic “perfect storm” right now. Unlike Sydney and Melbourne, where markets are already stretched, Perth offers comparatively modest entry costs, very low vacancy rates, and a world-class lifestyle. For an Australian living in Singapore, the draw is twofold: the time zone difference is small (which makes managing a property far easier), and you can be on the ground in under five hours.
When you buy property in Perth you’re tapping into a resource-rich economy that is growing quickly. But you need to understand the rules that apply to your purchase before you sign a contract.
World-Class Education: A Quiet Driver of Perth's Property Market
Here’s something many offshore investors overlook: Western Australia has a genuinely impressive tertiary education sector, and it quietly underpins demand for property across Perth’s middle and inner suburbs.
The University of Western Australia (UWA), founded in 1911, consistently ranks among the world’s top universities — sitting at #77 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and holding the top spot in WA for graduate employability. It’s part of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight research universities, alongside the likes of Melbourne, Sydney, and ANU. Curtin University, also based in Perth, ranks #183 globally (QS 2026) and has built a strong reputation in engineering, business, and technology. Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, and the University of Notre Dame round out a surprisingly deep higher education offering for a city of Perth’s size.
So why does this matter for property investors?
Because international students follow quality education — and they need somewhere to live. Australia now hosts over 800,000 international students annually, making it the third most popular study destination in the world behind only the US and UK. That’s remarkable for a country of 27 million people. Notably, Murdoch University in Perth had the highest proportion of international students of any Australian university in 2024, with international enrolments making up over 57% of its total student body. Thekoalanews
Perth consistently attracts tens of thousands of international students each year — drawn by globally recognised qualifications, a lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and a lifestyle that’s hard to argue with. UWA alone is home to more than 4,000 international students from over 100 countries.
For property investors, this translates into sustained rental demand in suburbs close to university campuses. Areas like Crawley, Nedlands, and Victoria Park sit on the doorstep of UWA, while Bentley and surrounding suburbs benefit from Curtin University’s large campus. Student populations create a reliable, year-round tenant base — exactly the kind of fundamentals that make a rental property perform.
It’s also worth noting that many international graduates choose to stay in Perth after completing their studies, contributing to long-term population growth and further housing demand. Education infrastructure isn’t just a lifestyle amenity — it’s an economic engine.
Does the FIRB Apply to You?
The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) is often the first thing offshore buyers encounter. The good news for Australians living in Singapore: as an Australian citizen, you’re not subject to FIRB restrictions. You can purchase established homes, new builds, or vacant land in Perth just as you would if you were living in Subiaco or the CBD.
If you’re a Singaporean citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident living in Singapore, the rules are different. Temporary residents and foreign nationals are generally limited to purchasing new dwellings or vacant land, and FIRB approvals come with application fees that scale with the property’s value.
At Property NXT Australia, we always recommend verifying your residency status with a qualified legal professional early in the process — especially if you’re buying through a trust or other entity.
How to Get Finance for Your Perth Investment from Singapore
Many people assume that securing a mortgage while earning Singapore Dollars is complicated. In reality, a number of Australian lenders have dedicated expat loan products worth knowing about.
Currency shading is the key thing to understand. Most Australian banks will reduce your declared Singaporean income by 20% or more to account for exchange rate fluctuations. So if you earn $200,000 SGD, the bank may only count around $160,000 AUD when assessing your borrowing capacity.
Loan-to-value ratios are also typically lower for expats — usually 70% to 80%, compared to 90% to 95% for Australian residents. You’ll likely need a larger deposit than you’d expect. And it’s worth making sure your mortgage broker understands the tax treaty between Singapore and Australia, since tax residency and loan residency are assessed differently.
The Tax Landscape: CGT, Stamp Duty, and Land Tax
There are three primary tax considerations for Singapore-based investors.
Western Australia currently applies a 7% foreign buyer surcharge on top of standard stamp duty — but Australian citizens are exempt from this. If you’re not a citizen, this adds a meaningful upfront cost to any purchase.
On land tax, WA uses a tiered system based on the unimproved value of the land. If you accumulate multiple Perth properties, your land tax liability can increase quickly, so factor this into your long-term planning.
Capital gains tax is where expats need to be especially careful. Since 2020, the Main Residence Exemption rules have changed significantly. If you sell a Perth property while classified as a tax non-resident — which is likely if you’re living in Singapore — you could lose the CGT exemption entirely, even for the years the property was your primary residence. Always speak with an expat tax specialist before selling while living abroad.
Finding Growth: The Best Investment Suburbs in Perth
Perth isn’t a single market — different corridors deliver quite different results. When investing from Singapore, focus on suburbs with strong rental demand and proximity to infrastructure and employment hubs.
Rockingham and Baldivis in the southern corridor have seen strong rental yield growth, driven by young families and workers tied to the Kwinana industrial zone. In Perth’s northeast, Ellenbrook and Brabham are benefiting from the near-complete Metronet rail extension, which is improving connectivity and supporting long-term capital growth. Closer to the city, Cannington and Victoria Park remain popular for their proximity to Curtin University and the CBD. And coastal suburbs like Scarborough and Hillarys continue to attract lifestyle-motivated tenants who want the beach within reach
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