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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.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.7%26.4%
Sold
Past 3 months
102
Median days on market
Past 12 months
138
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

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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.

Common questions about Shoalwater

  • Is Shoalwater a nice place to live?

    Shoalwater is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and relaxed lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. With its charming beaches and natural beauty, Shoalwater provides a peaceful environment that is perfect for families and retirees alike. The suburb's proximity to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park means residents can enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking, along with the unique opportunity to observe local wildlife, including penguins and seals. This vibrant coastal vibe is complemented by a strong sense of community, making it an inviting place for those seeking a tranquil seaside retreat.

    Families will find Shoalwater particularly appealing due to its mix of residential properties, ranging from charming beachside homes to modern developments. The suburb is well-equipped with essential amenities, including local shops, schools, and parks, ensuring convenience and accessibility for day-to-day living. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly atmosphere. While Shoalwater may not offer the bustling nightlife of a city, its peaceful surroundings and recreational opportunities provide a fulfilling lifestyle for those who appreciate the great outdoors.

    However, living in Shoalwater does come with some trade-offs. The lack of large-scale infrastructure projects means that any significant changes in the suburb's landscape are more likely to be influenced by broader regional planning decisions. Additionally, while the suburb offers a tranquil lifestyle, those seeking a more urban experience may find the pace a bit slow. Despite these considerations, Shoalwater remains a desirable location for those who value coastal living and a strong community spirit. Its unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities make it a charming place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Shoalwater?

    Shoalwater, nestled along the coast, offers a unique living experience, but when it comes to living expenses, it's important to consider a few factors. The current median house and unit prices are not available, which makes it challenging to assess the property purchase costs directly. However, rental costs provide some insight into the area's affordability. Renting a house in Shoalwater averages around $620 per week, while units are more affordable at approximately $450 per week.

    The median total household income in Shoalwater is about $1,225 per week, which translates to around $63,700 annually. This is slightly above the estimated household income of $1,000 per week noted in the suburb profile. When comparing these figures to the broader Western Australia wage data, Shoalwater's household income aligns closely with the state average, suggesting a moderate level of affordability for the region.

    Overall, while Shoalwater's rental prices are relatively high compared to the household income, the cost of living might be manageable for those who prioritize the coastal lifestyle and can accommodate the rental expenses within their budget. If you're thinking of living in Shoalwater, it's essential to weigh these costs against the benefits of residing in this picturesque suburb.

    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 Shoalwater a good place to invest?

    Shoalwater is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot, especially for those interested in units. Over the past year, the median unit value in Shoalwater has surged by an impressive 26.4%, indicating strong demand and a rapidly appreciating market. This growth outpaces the increase in house values, which have risen by 7.7%. Such a significant rise in unit values suggests that investors are increasingly eyeing this suburb, possibly due to its affordability compared to houses and its appeal to a diverse range of renters.

    While rental growth for houses has been modest at 3.3%, the unchanged rent for units might offer an opportunity for investors to enter the market before rental prices catch up with the rising property values. Shoalwater's coastal charm and lifestyle appeal make it attractive to both renters and buyers, which could support continued demand and price growth. Overall, Shoalwater presents a compelling case for investment, particularly in the unit market, where rapid value appreciation suggests strong future potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Shoalwater

There are 59 real estate agents in Shoalwater, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 34.0% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Shoalwater typically range from 2.15% to 3.25%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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