Cottesloe, Perth Prestige Coast & TOD Growth Corridor

It depends on your goal. Houses (~$3.0m–$3.1m) are for buyers chasing long-term coastal land and lifestyle, accepting short-term value correction and low yields. Units (~$1.38m–$1.625m) are for buyers who want TOD-aligned growth and stronger income. If a $3m purchase would leave you “asset rich, cashflow poor”, a well-located 2-bed unit near the station is often the smarter play.

It’s scarcity plus policy. There’s very limited existing medium-density stock in a world-class coastal suburb, and the State has now signalled that more height and density will be delivered around the station. Buyers and investors are pricing in that future utility—especially for 2-bed units which have recorded ~+46.0% annual growth in some datasets.

Strong growth doesn’t automatically mean “bubble”. Cottesloe’s values are anchored by non-replicable fundamentals: global-standard beach, rail access, proximity to elite schools, and an ultra-affluent, 71% owner-occupier base. The current house price correction is more about repricing unrealistic vendor expectations, while the unit surge reflects genuine undersupply and TOD-driven demand. The key is buying the right asset at the right part of the cycle.

For houses, expect roughly 1.61%–2.4% gross yield at current prices and rents (~$1,165–$1,285/week on ~$3m+ assets). For units, up to ~4.7% is realistic, with typical rents of ~$750–$797/week and higher for 3-bed formats. Strong recent rental growth (~15% p.a. in parts of the unit market) provides some buffer against further capital gains.

On a median house around $3.05m, WA general rates imply stamp duty of roughly $147,590 (plus settlement and other costs). On a unit around $1.5m, duty is closer to ~$68,540. We can model your full cost position—including duty, LMI (if applicable), rates, waste charges and pre-purchase inspections—before you start making offers.

The TOD program shifts key planning decisions for the 800m station radius from council to the State Government. That means less sovereign risk from local politics and clearer parameters for height and density. The approval of a 17-storey / 15-storey twin-tower project on Station Street shows the State is prepared to use that power even when local opposition is strong.

Very. Accurately priced houses are clearing in ~19–26 days, while quality units often sell within 5–12 days. Many serious buyers focus narrowly on Cottesloe and are ready to act quickly when the right property appears. Turning up without pre-approval simply means watching better-prepared buyers secure the asset you wanted.

Coastal suburbs come with typical marine-environment considerations: sea breeze, salt exposure, and long-term planning around coastal processes. Cottesloe mitigates many day-to-day safety concerns via its eco shark barrier, patrolled beach and robust foreshore infrastructure. Due diligence should include building condition (salt wear), local planning overlays and any coastal policy relevant to your specific site.