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South Lake suburb profile

South Lake is a suburban area located approximately 23km south of Perth's CBD, offering a peaceful residential environment with convenient access to urban amenities. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the suburb features a mix of established homes and newer developments. South Lake is home to several parks and recreational facilities, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The suburb is well-served by public transport, with easy access to the Kwinana Freeway, making commuting straightforward. With its community-oriented vibe and proximity to shopping centres and schools, South Lake is a desirable location for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

South Lake property market performance

South Lake’s property market has shown significant growth in the house sector over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 15.7%, bringing the median house price to $954,500. The unit market remains inactive, with no change in median value and no recorded sales, indicating a lack of demand or availability in this segment.

Sales activity for houses has been moderate, with 18 houses sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling quickly, with a median of just 13 days on the market, while units, despite limited activity, have a median of 41 days, suggesting slower movement in this sector.

The rental market for houses in South Lake has seen a modest increase, with average rent rising by 4.6% over the last 12 months to $685. The unit rental market remains inactive, reflecting the broader trends seen in sales and value changes.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$955KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
15.7%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
1814
Median days on market
Past 12 months
1341
Average rent
Past 12 months
$685N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.6%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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South Lake demographics

South Lake, located in the southern suburbs of Perth, offers a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. With a population of 5,831 and a median age of 36, the suburb is home to a mix of young families and established residents. The area is known for its parks and recreational facilities, making it an attractive place for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a suburban lifestyle.

The suburb's housing market is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 25% of properties owned outright and 48.5% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable community with many long-term residents. Renting is less common, with only 26.5% of properties being rented, indicating a preference for home ownership among the residents.

Family dynamics in South Lake are diverse, with 43.3% of households being couple families with children, and 35% being couple families without children. One-parent families make up 19.2% of the community, highlighting the suburb's inclusivity and support for various family structures. The median total household income of $1,742 per week suggests a comfortable standard of living, making South Lake an appealing choice for families seeking a balanced lifestyle with access to amenities and community services.

South Lake infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

South Lake continues to benefit from its proximity to the Cockburn Central activity centre, where ongoing commercial, retail and residential projects are strengthening local employment, shopping and entertainment options, supporting buyer demand in the suburb.[3] Upgrades and extensions to nearby community and sporting facilities around the Cockburn area, including council-backed open space improvements, are gradually enhancing lifestyle appeal and reinforcing South Lake’s position as an affordable alternative to neighbouring growth hubs.[6]

Access to Cockburn Central train station and established bus links along Berrigan Drive and North Lake Road provide strong connectivity to the CBD and key employment nodes, which remains a key driver of both owner-occupier and tenant interest.[3] Local schools such as Lakeland Senior High School and South Lake Primary School continue to anchor family demand, while ongoing infill and renovation activity in both the older and newer pockets of South Lake is steadily modernising the housing stock and may support values over the medium term.[3][6]

South Lake rental market trends

The rental market in South Lake has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.6% over the past year to $685 per week. However, there has been no change in unit rents, which remain at $0, indicating a potential lack of available units or data. South Lake continues to offer opportunities for investors focusing on the housing market.

Suburbs near South Lake

Some popular suburbs near South Lake include:

How does South Lake compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: South Lake’s median house price is 161.5% higher than Cockburn Central’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in South Lake have grown 0.7% higher than in Yangebup.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in South Lake are selling 35.0% faster than in Jandakot.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Cockburn Central are selling 73.2% faster than in South Lake.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in South Lake have grown 18.8% lower than the average rate of growth across Perth.

Common questions about South Lake

  • Is South Lake a nice place to live?

    South Lake is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of tranquility and convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled just south of Perth, it provides a peaceful residential environment that is perfect for families and individuals alike. The suburb is renowned for its community-oriented vibe, where neighbors often know each other, fostering a strong sense of belonging. With a variety of parks and recreational facilities, South Lake is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed suburban lifestyle.

    The suburb's proximity to essential amenities is a significant drawcard. Residents have easy access to shopping centers, schools, and public transport, including the Cockburn Central train station, which ensures seamless connectivity to Perth's CBD and other key areas. This accessibility makes daily commuting straightforward, enhancing the overall livability of the area. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a family-friendly location.

    For families, South Lake offers a supportive environment with local schools like Lakeland Senior High School and South Lake Primary School anchoring educational needs. The suburb's housing market is characterized by a mix of established homes and newer developments, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. However, one trade-off to consider is that while South Lake offers a peaceful lifestyle, it may not have the vibrant nightlife or cultural attractions found in more urban areas. Nonetheless, the suburb's affordability and ongoing development projects continue to enhance its appeal, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with a strong community feel.

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  • Is it expensive to live in South Lake?

    Living in South Lake can be quite a financial commitment, especially when comparing housing costs to the average income in Western Australia. The median house price in South Lake is currently around $954,500, which is substantial when you consider the average wage in Western Australia is approximately $95,000 per year. This means that buying a home in South Lake would require a significant portion of one's income, making it a pricey endeavor for many.

    For those considering renting, the average rent for houses in South Lake is about $685 per week. This rental cost is relatively high, especially when juxtaposed with the median total household income in the suburb, which is $1,742 per week. This suggests that a considerable share of household income would be allocated to rent, potentially straining the budget for other living expenses.

    Overall, while South Lake offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with proximity to Perth, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you are thinking of living in South Lake, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this 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 South Lake a good place to invest?

    South Lake is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot, particularly for those interested in the housing market. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced a significant 15.7% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and a healthy growth trajectory. This kind of capital appreciation is appealing for investors looking to benefit from rising property values.

    While the unit market in South Lake has remained stable with no change in median values, the housing sector's performance suggests a robust market environment. Rental yields for houses have also seen a 4.6% increase, which is a positive indicator for those seeking rental income. This growth in rental returns can be attributed to the suburb's appeal to families and professionals looking for affordable living options within reach of Perth's amenities.

    Overall, South Lake presents a compelling case for investment, especially in the housing market. Its recent growth in property values and rental income potential make it an attractive option for investors aiming for both capital growth and steady rental returns. While the unit market may not currently offer the same level of growth, the suburb's overall performance suggests a stable and promising investment environment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in South Lake

Choosing the right real estate agent in South Lake can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 41 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 56.8% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 2.15% to 3.25%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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