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Scarborough suburb profile

Scarborough is a vibrant coastal suburb located in Perth, Western Australia, renowned for its stunning beaches and lively atmosphere. Situated just 14km northwest of Perth's CBD, it offers a perfect blend of seaside living and urban convenience. Scarborough Beach is a major attraction, drawing locals and tourists alike with its pristine sands, surf-friendly waves, and bustling beachfront precinct. The suburb features a mix of modern apartments and traditional homes, catering to a diverse community. With its array of cafes, restaurants, and recreational facilities, Scarborough is a sought-after destination for those seeking a relaxed yet dynamic coastal lifestyle.

Scarborough property market performance

Current median dwelling price$845,000Past 3 months

Property growth+17.5%Past 12 months

Scarborough’s property market has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months, with house values soaring by 31.7% and unit values increasing by 19.5%. The median house price has reached $1.25 million, while units have averaged $765,000, indicating strong demand across both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, with 64 houses and 93 units sold in the past 12 months. Properties are moving quickly, with houses spending a median of just 10 days on the market and units 12 days, reflecting a competitive market environment.

The rental market in Scarborough has also seen notable increases, with average rents for houses rising by 13.1% and units by 13.0% over the last 12 months, highlighting strong rental demand in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.06M$625K
Change in value
Past 12 months
19.6%15.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
10835
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2536
Average rent
Past 12 months
$793$650
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.1%12.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Scarborough demographics

Scarborough, located along the stunning coastline of Western Australia, is a vibrant suburb known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle. With a population of 17,605, Scarborough attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, young professionals, and retirees. The median age of 36 suggests a balanced demographic, with many residents enjoying the suburb's blend of coastal charm and urban convenience.

The suburb's housing market is varied, with a significant portion of properties being rented, accounting for 40.3% of the total. This high rental rate is indicative of Scarborough's appeal to those seeking flexibility, such as young professionals and transient residents. Meanwhile, 24.1% of properties are owned outright, and 35.6% are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a stable community with a mix of long-term homeowners and new buyers entering the market.

Family dynamics in Scarborough are diverse, with couple families without children making up 46.8% of the family households, while couple families with children account for 36.0%. One-parent families represent 15.2% of the community, highlighting the suburb's inclusivity and family-friendly environment. Scarborough's combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community makes it a desirable place to live for a wide range of Australians.

Scarborough infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Scarborough is undergoing significant redevelopment that is enhancing its appeal as a coastal suburb. The $100 million Scarborough Beach redevelopment project has transformed the foreshore, adding new facilities like the Scarborough Beach Pool, skate park, and improved public spaces. This has boosted the area's recreational offerings and is likely attracting more visitors and potential residents.

Infrastructure improvements include upgrades to Scarborough Beach Road to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian access. The suburb benefits from good public transport links, with high-frequency bus routes connecting to Perth CBD and nearby train stations. Scarborough's desirable beachside location, coupled with ongoing development of amenities and infrastructure, continues to drive demand in the local property market.

Scarborough rental market trends

The rental market in Scarborough is experiencing robust growth, with house rents increasing by 13.1% over the past year to $950 per week, and unit rents rising by 13.0% to $700 per week. This coastal suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, thanks to its appealing lifestyle, beachside amenities, and strong rental demand.

Suburbs near Scarborough

Some popular suburbs near Scarborough include:

How does Scarborough compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Scarborough’s median house price is 22.4% higher than Innaloo’s.
  • Median unit prices: Scarborough’s median unit price is 4.2% higher than Innaloo’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Scarborough have grown 6.7% higher than in Innaloo.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Scarborough have grown 0.4% higher than in Tuart Hill.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Innaloo are selling 28.0% faster than in Scarborough.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Innaloo are selling 22.2% faster than in Scarborough.
  • Investment considerations: In Scarborough, the rental yield for house is 10.3% higher than the Perth average, while the rental yield for units is 12.3% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Scarborough have grown 11.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Perth.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Scarborough have grown 24.0% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Perth.

Common questions about Scarborough

  • Is Scarborough a nice place to live?

    Scarborough is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a fantastic lifestyle for those who appreciate the beauty of seaside living combined with urban amenities. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere, Scarborough is a place where the sun, sand, and surf are part of everyday life. The suburb's lively vibe is complemented by a strong sense of community, making it a welcoming place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. With a variety of cafes, restaurants, and recreational facilities, there's always something to do, whether it's enjoying a meal with a view or taking part in outdoor activities.

    For families, Scarborough provides a supportive environment with access to good schools and plenty of green spaces for children to play. The suburb's safety is generally reassuring, although, like any popular area, it's wise to stay mindful of your surroundings, especially during peak tourist seasons. The ongoing redevelopment projects have further enhanced the suburb's appeal, offering improved facilities and infrastructure that benefit residents and visitors alike.

    While Scarborough's coastal charm and vibrant lifestyle are major drawcards, living here does come with some trade-offs. The popularity of the area means that property prices can be on the higher side, and the influx of tourists during peak seasons can lead to crowded beaches and busy streets. However, the suburb's excellent public transport links make commuting to Perth's CBD convenient, providing a balance between beachside tranquility and city accessibility. Overall, Scarborough is a wonderful place to call home for those who value a dynamic coastal lifestyle with a strong community spirit.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Scarborough?

    Living in Scarborough can be quite costly, especially when considering its desirable beachside location and vibrant lifestyle. The median house price in Scarborough is currently around $1,292,500, while units are priced at approximately $735,000. These figures indicate a significant investment for those looking to purchase property in the area.

    Renting in Scarborough is also on the higher side, with the average rent for houses being $900 per week and units at $700 per week. When you compare the average annual wage in Scarborough, which is about $94,000, with the median total household income in the area being $2,107 per week, it's clear that a substantial portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing costs.

    Overall, while Scarborough offers an appealing coastal lifestyle with its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you are thinking of living in Scarborough, it's essential to consider these financial commitments to ensure they align with your budget and lifestyle preferences.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Scarborough a good place to invest?

    Scarborough is showing promising signs as a great place to invest, with impressive growth in both house and unit values over the past year. The suburb has seen a remarkable 34.1% increase in median house values and a 22.4% rise in unit values, indicating strong demand and a vibrant property market. This growth suggests that Scarborough is becoming increasingly popular, likely due to its appealing coastal lifestyle and proximity to Perth's city center.

    In addition to property value growth, rental returns in Scarborough have also been on the rise. House rents have increased by 7.9%, while unit rents have surged by 16.7% over the last 12 months. This trend highlights the suburb's attractiveness to renters, making it an appealing option for investors seeking reliable rental income. The combination of rising property values and rental yields suggests that Scarborough offers a balanced investment opportunity with potential for both capital growth and steady rental returns.

    Overall, Scarborough's strong market performance and lifestyle appeal make it a compelling choice for investors. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant community, and ongoing demand, the suburb is well-positioned for continued growth. Whether you're looking for capital appreciation or rental income, Scarborough presents a solid investment opportunity in the current market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Scarborough

Currently, there are 168 real estate agents working in Scarborough—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 168 agents sold 28.1% of all properties in Scarborough over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Scarborough typically charge a commission of 1.5% to 2.79%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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