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Scarborough suburb profile

Scarborough is a vibrant coastal suburb located 14km northwest of Perth's CBD, renowned for its stunning beaches and lively atmosphere. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a mix of outdoor activities, including surfing, swimming, and beachside dining. The suburb features a bustling esplanade with cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it a hub for social gatherings and entertainment. Scarborough's recent redevelopment has enhanced its appeal, providing modern amenities and improved public spaces. Its coastal lifestyle, combined with proximity to the city, makes Scarborough a sought-after location for residents and visitors alike.

Scarborough property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,149,500Past 3 months

Property growth+12.0%Past 12 months

Scarborough’s property market has shown robust growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 13.1% and unit values rising by 10.4%. The median house price has reached $1.58 million, while units have averaged $890,000, indicating strong demand across both property types.

Sales activity has been vibrant, with 43 houses and 56 units sold in the past 12 months. Properties are moving quickly, with houses spending a median of just 12 days on the market and units even less at 10 days, reflecting a competitive market environment.

The rental market in Scarborough has also seen significant changes, with house rents increasing by 11.8% and unit rents by 5.9% over the last year, highlighting a strong demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.41M$886K
Change in value
Past 12 months
13.2%10.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
4649
Median days on market
Past 12 months
1212
Average rent
Past 12 months
$950$730
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.8%6.1%

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 lively atmosphere. With a population of 17,605, it offers a blend of urban convenience and coastal charm, making it a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike. The median age of 36 suggests a balanced mix of young families and established residents who enjoy the suburb's relaxed yet dynamic lifestyle.

The suburb's housing market is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being rented, accounting for 40.3% of the housing stock. This high rental rate reflects Scarborough's appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, including young professionals and those new to the area. Meanwhile, 24.1% of properties are owned outright, and 35.6% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable community with a mix of long-term residents and new homeowners.

Family life in Scarborough is well-represented, with couple families with children making up 36% of the households, while those without children account for 46.8%. The presence of one-parent families at 15.2% and other family types at 1.9% adds to the suburb's diverse demographic profile. The median total household income of $2,107 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, supported by the suburb's proximity to employment hubs and recreational facilities. Scarborough's blend of beachside living, community spirit, and accessibility makes it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Scarborough infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Scarborough continues to benefit from the revitalised Scarborough Beach foreshore, with the world-class beachfront promenade, dining venues, playgrounds and the geo-thermally heated Scarborough Beach Pool cementing the area as a major lifestyle and tourism hub, which supports both short-stay and long-term residential demand.[8] Ongoing activation of the beachfront through markets and events, combined with strong buyer demand and rising median prices for both houses and units, is reinforcing Scarborough’s appeal to investors and owner-occupiers seeking a walkable, amenity-rich coastal suburb.[4][8]

Improved recreational options at Abbett Park, offering multiple sporting facilities, and easy bus connections from Scarborough to the Perth CBD along key corridors enhance everyday convenience and liveability for residents.[3][8] There are no recently announced major new transport lines or school redevelopments specific to Scarborough, but the established beachfront infrastructure and continuing private residential redevelopment around the foreshore are likely to underpin property values and support further medium-density infill over the coming years.[4][8]

Scarborough rental market trends

The rental market in Scarborough has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 11.8% over the past year to $950 per week, while unit rents have risen 5.9% to $720 per week. With its appealing coastal lifestyle and ongoing development, Scarborough continues to attract both renters and investors seeking strong returns in a vibrant beachside suburb.

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 4.0% lower than Doubleview’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Scarborough have grown 5.3% higher than in Wembley Downs.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Scarborough have grown 14.0% higher than in Karrinyup.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Scarborough are selling 40.0% faster than in City Beach.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Scarborough are selling 29.4% faster than in Wembley Downs.
  • Investment considerations: In Scarborough, the rental yield for house is 24.0% higher than the Perth average, while the rental yield for units is 10.1% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Scarborough have grown 28.5% higher than the average rate of growth across Perth.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Scarborough have grown 18.2% 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 blend of beachside living and urban convenience. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere, it's a place where the ocean meets a lively community spirit. The suburb is perfect for those who love the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for surfing, swimming, and enjoying the sun. Families will find Scarborough particularly appealing due to its welcoming environment and the abundance of recreational spaces, making it a great place for children to grow up.

    The suburb boasts a charming esplanade lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, creating a social hub that attracts both locals and visitors. This lively vibe is complemented by the suburb's modern amenities and public spaces, which have been enhanced by recent redevelopment efforts. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the community's friendly nature adds to the overall sense of security. Scarborough's proximity to Perth's CBD ensures that residents have easy access to city amenities while enjoying the relaxed coastal lifestyle.

    However, living in Scarborough does come with some trade-offs. The popularity of the area means that property prices can be on the higher side, and the bustling atmosphere might not suit those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Additionally, while the suburb is well-connected by bus to the CBD, there are no major new transport lines or school redevelopments currently announced. Despite these considerations, Scarborough remains a sought-after location for families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its unique blend of coastal charm and urban convenience.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Scarborough?

    Living in Scarborough can be quite pricey, especially when considering the current property market. The median house price is around $1,575,000, which is significantly high compared to many other suburbs in Perth. If you're thinking of renting, the average rent for houses is about $950 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $720 per week. These figures suggest that housing in Scarborough is on the expensive side.

    When we compare this to the average household income in Greater Perth, which is approximately $2,100 per week or around $110,000 per year, the cost of living in Scarborough becomes clearer. The median total household income in Scarborough is slightly higher at $2,107 per week, but the difference is not substantial enough to offset the high property prices and rents. This means that a significant portion of income would likely be dedicated to housing costs, making it a less affordable option for those earning an average wage in Perth.

    Overall, while Scarborough offers beautiful beaches and a vibrant lifestyle, it's important to consider the financial implications of living in this suburb. The high property prices and rental rates indicate that living in Scarborough could be challenging for individuals or families on a standard income.

    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 definitely a suburb worth considering for investment. Over the past 12 months, the median house value in Scarborough has increased by an impressive 13.1%, while unit values have also seen a healthy rise of 10.4%. This upward trend in property values indicates strong demand and a thriving market, making it an attractive option for potential investors.

    In addition to property value growth, rental returns in Scarborough have also been on the rise. House rents have increased by 11.8%, and unit rents have gone up by 5.9% over the past year. This suggests a robust rental market, which is great news for investors looking for steady rental income. The combination of rising property values and increasing rental returns makes Scarborough a compelling choice for those seeking a solid investment opportunity.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Scarborough

Currently, there are 156 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 156 agents sold 27.9% 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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