The Rental Affordability Snapshot is an annual report that measures the extent to which low-income households across Western Australia can find an affordable and appropriate home in the private rental market.
At the time of this report 3,314 private rentals were available in Western Australia, a decrease of 209 properties from 2025.
These 2026 Snapshot findings are based on the number of properties listed for rent on 14-15 March 2026 across the following five regions spanning Western Australia.
Rental affordability in WA has hit an all-time low.
Rental costs are rising faster than wages and vacancy rates in Perth sit at 0.6%, making WA one of the tightest rental markets in the country. A shortage of affordable housing is driving many Western Australians into financial distress and homelessness.
High rent costs are becoming a bigger problem for WA’s economy. Without action, the rental affordability crisis is likely to have lasting impacts affecting future generations.
Everyone deserves access to affordable and appropriate homes.
While recent commitments from State and Federal Government are welcome, such as the WA Rent Relief Program and moves to end no‑grounds evictions, they are not enough to meet the scale of the challenge.
Anglicare WA is calling for a coordinated response focused on more homes that are available, affordable and appropriate.
For a full picture of the WA rental landscape and Anglicare WA's proposed housing policy for the future, download the Rental Affordability Snapshot below.
A property is considered affordable if it requires less than 30% of a household’s income to rent. Paying more than 30% of your income is considered housing stress, while paying more than 50% is considered severe housing stress.
A property is considered appropriate if it has an adequate number of bedrooms.
JobSeeker is an income support payment the Australian government provides to people aged 22 to 66 who are unemployed, looking for work, or sick or injured and unable to continue their usual work or study. It acts as an important social safety net to prevent poverty while people search for employment, attend training, or recover from illness.
Median rent is the estimated middle value when all rent prices in a specific area are listed from lowest to highest. This value is used because it represents a more accurate rental cost than using calculations for the average, which can be skewed by unusually high or low prices.
We acknowledge Aboriginal Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands that our services are based on and pay our respects to Elders of these lands both past and present. Anglicare WA delivers services across many Countries in WA, from Balanggarra Country in the North to Minang Noongar Country in the South. In particular, we wish to acknowledge the Custodians of the lands where our offices operate. We would like to thank the Noongar, Miriuwung Gajerrong, Tjurabalan, Yawuru, Nyikina, Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyiyaparli, Martu, and Wangkatja peoples for their wisdom and generosity.
