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St James suburb profile

St James is a vibrant suburb located approximately 7km southeast of Perth's CBD, offering a blend of residential charm and urban convenience. Known for its diverse community and proximity to Curtin University, it attracts students, young professionals, and families. The suburb features a mix of character homes and modern developments, with easy access to public transport and major roads. St James is close to shopping precincts, parks, and recreational facilities, providing residents with a balanced lifestyle. Its strategic location and community-focused atmosphere make it a desirable place to live for those seeking connectivity and comfort.

St James property market performance

Current median dwelling price$775,000Past 3 months

Property growth+11.4%Past 12 months

St James has experienced notable changes in its property market over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 6.2%, with the current median house price at $955,000. Although unit values have surged by 16.5%, the median unit price remains at $0, indicating limited sales data. Over the last three months, 13 houses and 2 units were sold, with houses spending a median of 14 days on the market and units just 6 days, suggesting strong demand for units despite limited availability.

The rental market in St James has also seen significant shifts. Average rent for houses has increased by 4.3% to $730, while units have seen a more substantial rise of 13.3%, reaching $680. This indicates a growing demand for rental properties, particularly units, in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$955KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
6.2%16.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
132
Median days on market
Past 12 months
146
Average rent
Past 12 months
$730$680
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.3%13.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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St James demographics

St James, located in the vibrant city of Perth, is a suburb that offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. With a population of 4,894, it is a relatively small community that enjoys a close-knit atmosphere. The median age of 32 suggests a youthful demographic, likely attracted by the suburb's proximity to educational institutions and employment opportunities in the city.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being rented, accounting for 47.6% of the total. This high rental rate indicates a demand for flexible living arrangements, appealing to students, young professionals, and transient workers. Meanwhile, 34% of properties are owned with a mortgage, and 18.3% are owned outright, reflecting a stable base of long-term residents and families.

Family dynamics in St James are varied, with couple families with children making up 39.6% of the population, while couple families without children account for 41.9%. This balance highlights the suburb's appeal to both young families and couples. One-parent families constitute 15% of the community, adding to the suburb's diverse family structure. St James offers a welcoming environment for a wide range of residents, making it a desirable location for those seeking a harmonious blend of city life and suburban comfort.

St James infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

St James benefits from its proximity to Curtin University and the Albany Highway activity corridor, which continue to underpin strong rental demand from students and young professionals as well as support for local retail and hospitality businesses.[3] Ongoing infill development and townhouse projects in nearby Bentley and the broader Victoria Park corridor are gradually increasing housing density, which may place upward pressure on land values while offering more modern dwelling options for buyers and investors.[3][4]

The suburb’s access to the CBD, airport and major employment hubs via existing road links and public transport remains a key drawcard, and broader transport and planning initiatives led by the Town of Victoria Park and City of Canning are focused on improving walkability and local amenity rather than large greenfield expansion.[3][4] At present there are no widely publicised major new infrastructure or school projects specific to St James itself, so near-term property performance is likely to be driven more by its central location, university adjacency and incremental infill development than by headline new construction.

St James rental market trends

The rental market in St James has shown varied growth, with house rents increasing by 4.3% over the past year to $730 per week, while unit rents have surged 13.3% to $680 per week. This suburb's appeal is bolstered by its proximity to amenities and transport, making it an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking growth potential.

Suburbs near St James

Some popular suburbs near St James include:

How does St James compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: St James’s median house price is 4.9% higher than Bentley’s.
  • Median unit prices: St James’s median unit price is 9.2% higher than Bentley’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in St James have grown 3.5% higher than in Waterford.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Bentley have risen 2.9% more than in St James over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in St James are selling 50.0% faster than in Waterford.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in St James are selling 57.1% faster than in Bentley.
  • Investment considerations: In St James, the rental yield for house is 3.9% lower than the Perth average, while the rental yield for units is 3.5% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in St James have grown 17.8% lower than the average rate of growth across Perth.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in St James have grown 2.8% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Perth.

Common questions about St James

  • Is St James a nice place to live?

    St James is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Its vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a diverse community, making it an appealing choice for families, students, and young professionals alike. The suburb is known for its welcoming environment and strong sense of community, which is enhanced by its proximity to Curtin University and the bustling Albany Highway activity corridor. This strategic location ensures residents have easy access to a variety of amenities, including shopping precincts, cafes, and recreational facilities, providing a balanced lifestyle.

    Families will find St James particularly attractive due to its community-focused atmosphere and the availability of character homes and modern developments. The suburb's connectivity to Perth's CBD, major employment hubs, and the airport via existing road links and public transport is a significant advantage, offering convenience for daily commutes. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a family-friendly location.

    While St James offers many benefits, there are some trade-offs to consider. The ongoing infill development and townhouse projects in nearby areas are gradually increasing housing density, which may lead to upward pressure on land values. Additionally, while the suburb enjoys a central location and university adjacency, there are currently no major new infrastructure or school projects specific to St James itself. However, the suburb's charm and connectivity continue to make it a desirable place to live for those seeking a blend of city life and suburban comfort.

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  • Is it expensive to live in St James?

    Living in St James, an inner suburb of Perth, can be quite costly, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price in St James is currently $955,000, which is significant when you consider the average full-time wage in Perth is around $90,000 per year. This means buying a house could take up a large chunk of your income, making home ownership in St James a substantial financial commitment.

    For those considering renting, the average rent for houses in St James is about $730 per week, while units average around $680 per week. With the median total household income in the area being $1,827 weekly, a considerable portion would go towards rent, leaving less for other living expenses. This suggests that living in St James might be challenging for individuals or families on an average income, especially when compared to other suburbs in Perth.

    Overall, while St James offers the convenience of inner-city living with its proximity to Perth, the cost of housing and rent is relatively high. If you are thinking of living in St James, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the costs associated with 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 St James a good place to invest?

    St James is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced a notable increase in property values, with median house values rising by 6.2% and unit values surging by an impressive 16.5%. This upward trend indicates a strong demand for properties in the area, making it an attractive option for investors looking for capital growth.

    In addition to property value increases, St James has also seen a healthy rise in rental returns. House rents have grown by 4.3%, while unit rents have jumped by 13.3%. This suggests a robust rental market, which is appealing for investors seeking steady rental income. The combination of rising property values and rental yields makes St James a compelling choice for those looking to invest in real estate.

    Overall, St James offers a balanced mix of growth potential and rental income opportunities. Its recent performance in both property values and rental returns highlights its appeal as a suburb with strong investment prospects. Whether you're interested in houses or units, St James presents a solid opportunity for investors aiming to capitalize on the current market trends.

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Choose the right real estate agents in St James

Choosing the right real estate agent in St James 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 46.6% 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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