Shoalwater suburb profile
Shoalwater is a picturesque coastal suburb located in the City of Rockingham, Western Australia. Known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty, Shoalwater offers a relaxed seaside lifestyle with easy access to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. This area is popular for water-based activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife watching, particularly for its resident penguin and seal populations. The suburb features a mix of residential properties, from charming beachside homes to modern developments, catering to families, retirees, and holidaymakers. Its tranquil environment and proximity to essential amenities make Shoalwater a desirable destination for those seeking a coastal retreat.
Shoalwater property market performance
Property growth+17.1%Past 12 months
Shoalwater’s property market has experienced notable changes over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 7.7%, while unit values have surged by 26.4%, indicating a strong demand for units. Despite this, the current median prices for both houses and units are not available. Over the last three months, sales activity has been limited, with 10 houses and just 2 units sold, yet properties are moving quickly, with houses spending a median of 13 days on the market and units just 8 days.
The rental market in Shoalwater has seen modest growth, with house rents increasing by 3.3% to an average of $620, while unit rents have remained stable at $450, showing no change over the past year.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 7.7% | 26.4% |
Sold Past 3 months | 10 | 2 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 13 | 8 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $620 | $450 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 3.3% | N/A |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Shoalwater demographics
Shoalwater, located in Western Australia, is a picturesque coastal suburb known for its serene beaches and relaxed lifestyle. With a population of 4,368, it offers a tranquil environment that appeals to both families and retirees. The median age of 49 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty that Shoalwater provides. The suburb's proximity to the ocean makes it a popular choice for those who appreciate coastal living and outdoor activities.
The housing landscape in Shoalwater is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright, reflecting a stable and established community. Approximately 36.2% of homes are owned outright, while 29.8% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of long-term residents and newer homeowners. The rental market accounts for 34% of properties, offering options for those seeking flexibility or temporary residence in this idyllic location.
Family dynamics in Shoalwater are varied, with couple families without children making up 46.3% of the population, followed by couple families with children at 35.1%. One-parent families constitute 16.9%, highlighting the suburb's appeal to a range of family structures. The median total household income of $1,225 per week reflects the area's affordability compared to more urbanized regions, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost of living and quality of life.
Shoalwater infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Shoalwater’s coastal location within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, including access to Penguin and Seal Islands, continues to underpin demand from lifestyle buyers and holidaymakers, supporting values for homes close to the foreshore and key tourism nodes.[7] The suburb benefits from established parks, local shops and schools, and good public transport connections into Rockingham, which together enhance walkability and day-to-day convenience for residents.[5] There are no widely publicised large-scale residential, commercial or transport infrastructure projects specific to Shoalwater at present, so short-term market movements are more likely to be driven by broader Rockingham planning decisions and Perth-wide housing trends rather than local construction activity.
Ongoing promotion of Shoalwater as a peaceful seaside suburb with strong recreational appeal, including boating, fishing and wildlife encounters, is likely to sustain buyer interest from families, retirees and investors targeting tourism-adjacent locations.[5][7] Any future enhancements to marine park facilities, coastal amenities or nearby town centre upgrades in Rockingham would be expected to further improve liveability and could place upward pressure on prices for well-located properties in Shoalwater.
Shoalwater rental market trends
The rental market in Shoalwater has shown modest growth, with house rents increasing by 3.3% over the past year to $620 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $450 per week. This stability in unit rents, combined with a slight rise in house rents, suggests a balanced market, making Shoalwater an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking steady returns in a coastal suburb.
Suburbs near Shoalwater
Some popular suburbs near Shoalwater include:
How does Shoalwater compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median unit prices: Shoalwater’s median unit price is 3.8% lower than Rockingham’s.
- House price growth: Property prices in nearby Rockingham have risen 11.2% more than in Shoalwater over the past year.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Shoalwater have grown 10.5% higher than in Rockingham.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Shoalwater are selling 23.5% faster than in Rockingham.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in Shoalwater are selling 52.9% faster than in Rockingham.
- Investment considerations: In Shoalwater, the rental yield for house is 18.4% lower than the Perth average, while the rental yield for units is 31.5% lower.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Shoalwater have grown 21.1% lower than the average rate of growth across Perth.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Shoalwater have grown 23.4% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Perth.

