Infrastructure shapes cities. New train lines, roads, hospitals, and schools don’t just improve liveability. They drive property values. For Perth property buyers, understanding infrastructure projects means identifying tomorrow’s growth suburbs today.
This analysis examines current and planned Perth infrastructure projects and their implications for property values.
The Infrastructure-Property Connection
We see a consistent pattern in the Perth market. Smart investors don’t just look at where the houses are nice. They look at where the cranes are.
Before looking at specific suburbs, you need to understand the mechanics of value growth.
Accessibility Premium
Properties with better transport access command higher prices. Our data suggests a new train station typically adds 5-15% to nearby property values. This “accessibility premium” often kicks in twice: once upon announcement and again upon completion.
Employment Access
Infrastructure that improves commute times expands employment options. When a suburb suddenly falls within a 30-minute commute of the CBD or a major hub, buyer demand surges.
Service Access
Hospitals, schools, and shopping centres create local employment. They also create a “convenience premium” for residents who want amenities on their doorstep.
Perception Shift
Infrastructure investment signals government confidence in an area. We often see this shift buyer perception from “remote” to “connected” almost overnight.
Metronet: Perth’s Rail Revolution
The state government’s signature transport project is reshaping Perth’s connectivity. We view this as the single biggest driver of suburban change in the metropolitan area right now.
Morley-Ellenbrook Line
Status: Operational (Opened late 2024) Impact: Immediate connectivity for the northeast corridor
Stations
- Morley
- Noranda
- Malaga
- Whiteman Park
- Ellenbrook
Property Impact
Ellenbrook The rail line has fundamentally changed this suburb. The 21km journey to the CBD now takes roughly 30 minutes. We have seen rental demand tighten significantly here as city workers seek affordability with genuine access. The “isolation discount” is disappearing.
Bennett Springs/Malaga This area is evolving into a major employment hub. The Malaga station precinct is attracting new commercial interest. Our team monitors this area for mixed-use development opportunities that weren’t viable three years ago.
Noranda This established suburb has gained a massive connectivity boost. Prices here have reacted to the improved access to the CBD and the airport. It remains a strong hold for long-term growth.
Thornlie-Cockburn Link
Status: Construction nearing completion Target Opening: 2026 Cost: Revised forecasts exceed $1 billion
Stations
- Thornlie (Upgraded)
- Nicholson Road
- Ranford Road
- Cockburn Central (Interchange)
Property Impact
Canning Vale This is the suburb we are watching most closely on this line. The Ranford Road station sits right in the heart of a massive residential catchment. Access to Optus Stadium and the CBD will be seamless. We expect family buyer demand to peak as the station opening draws closer.
Thornlie Thornlie is becoming a pivotal cross-connector. It will link the Armadale line directly to the Mandurah line. Investors should look for properties within 800m of the upgraded station to capture the highest rental yields.
Murdoch Connection Residents in these southern suburbs will gain direct rail access to the Murdoch health and education precinct. This creates a new rental market for hospital staff and students who previously had to drive.
Airport Line
Status: Operational Impact: Establishing long-term value
Benefiting Suburbs
Redcliffe The development around the station is intensifying. High-density zoning changes are slowly transforming the streetscape. We see this as a long-term play where land value will appreciate faster than the structures on it.
High Wycombe This suburb offers a distinct value proposition. It is affordable yet sits one stop away from the airport. Logistics workers and FIFO employees drive consistent rental demand here.
Yanchep Rail Extension
Status: Operational (Opened mid-2024) Impact: Northern corridor activation
Property Impact
Yanchep The 49-minute trip to Perth is a game-changer for commuters. We are seeing a demographic shift as younger families move in for the lifestyle and affordable coastal land. The station precinct is slowly attracting the necessary retail amenities to support this growth.
Alkimos This remains a master-planned focused area. The station anchors the future city centre. We advise clients to look at the “Central” precinct for better long-term walkability scores.
Eglinton Often overlooked, Eglinton sits between Alkimos and Yanchep. It benefits from the new infrastructure without the premium price tag of the established Yanchep beachfront.
Road Network Improvements
Rail isn’t everything. Road projects affect different suburbs. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for most Perth families.
Mitchell Freeway Extension
Status: Complete to Romeo Road Future: Extension to Yanchep
Property Impact
- Butler & Clarkson: The “Smart Freeway” technology has smoothed out peak hour flows.
- Alkimos: Direct freeway access has reduced travel friction significantly.
- Northern Growth: We see this road access as essential for maintaining property values in outer suburbs as density increases.
Tonkin Highway Extension and Gap
Status: Ongoing upgrades and extension planning Impact: Southern and Eastern corridor flow
Benefiting Suburbs
- Byford: The extension of Tonkin Highway is critical for this high-growth area. It creates a bypass for heavy haulage, making local roads safer and quieter.
- Mundijong: This area is transitioning from rural to residential. The highway extension is the catalyst that makes development viable.
NorthLink WA
Status: Complete Impact: Northeastern freight and commuter link
Benefits This project effectively shifted heavy traffic away from local roads in the Swan Valley. We have observed that suburbs like Ellenbrook and Aveley now have dual access options (road and rail), making them highly resilient markets.
Health Precincts
Hospital and health infrastructure creates stable employment and demand. Medical professionals are often ideal tenants: reliable income and long-term tenure.
Fiona Stanley Hospital Precinct (Murdoch)
Status: Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct (MHKP) expansion Impact: High-density employment hub
Property Benefits
- Murdoch: The suburb is evolving into a specialized activity centre.
- Leeming & Bull Creek: These suburbs are “blue chip” options for senior medical staff. We see low turnover and high demand for renovated family homes here.
Investment Logic Nurses and junior doctors often do shift work. They prioritize short commutes. Apartments and townhouses within walking distance of the precinct perform exceptionally well.
Joondalup Health Campus
Status: Expansion phases continuing Impact: Northern corridor medical anchor
Property Benefits
- Joondalup: The city centre density is increasing to support hospital staff.
- Currambine: Offers a suburban alternative just minutes away.
Midland Health Campus
Status: Operational with university alignment Impact: Eastern corridor regeneration
Property Benefits
- Midland: The combination of the hospital and the Curtin University campus continues to drive gentrification.
- Woodbridge: This pocket offers heritage character with walking access to the health precinct.
Education Infrastructure
Schools and universities drive family demand. A top-tier school catchment can add 10-20% to a property’s value compared to a neighboring street outside the zone.
ECU City Campus
Status: Opening 2026 Impact: Perth CBD and Northbridge transformation
Property Benefits This is a massive development bringing over 10,000 students and staff into the city center.
- Perth City: Studio and one-bedroom apartment demand will skyrocket.
- Northbridge: The cultural shift will likely boost property values as the area becomes a 24-hour campus district.
- Mount Lawley: May see a slight shift in tenant demographic as the university focus moves central, but remains a premium lifestyle suburb.
New Schools
New primary and secondary schools in Alkimos, Brabham, and Treeby are stabilizing these growth suburbs. Families buy where the schools are built. We always check the “intake area” maps before recommending a family home purchase.
Commercial and Retail Developments
Shopping and employment centres affect surrounding property. They act as “lifestyle anchors.”
Ocean Reef Marina
Status: Construction well underway Impact: Premier coastal destination
Property Benefits
- Ocean Reef: Directly facing the new marina. Expect significant capital growth.
- Mullaloo & Heathridge: These suburbs will benefit from the “halo effect” of having a world-class facility nearby.
- Iluka: Reinforces its status as a premium coastal enclave.
Karrinyup Shopping Centre
Status: Complete and established Impact: Northern suburbs lifestyle hub
Property Benefits The redevelopment has created a genuine town square.
- Karrinyup: Prices here have outperformed regional averages.
- Gwelup: Offers a quieter alternative with direct access.
Infrastructure Investment Timeline
Timing your entry is critical. Here is how we break down the phases for our clients:
| Phase | Market Behavior | Risk Level | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Announcement | Speculative price bumps. | High (Project cancellation) | Maximum capital growth potential. |
| Construction | Prices rise steadily. | Medium (Delays/Noise) | Safe entry before full public awareness. |
| Completion | ”Turn-key” premium added. | Low | Immediate rental yield and utility. |
Optimal Strategy: We generally advise purchasing during the early construction phase. The project is confirmed, funding is allocated, but the “livability” bonus hasn’t yet hit the market.
Suburbs to Watch in 2026
Based on the current infrastructure pipeline, here are our picks.
High Conviction
Projects nearing completion or recently finished.
- Canning Vale: The train station is the missing piece for this family favorite.
- Bennett Springs: Benefiting from the Morley-Ellenbrook line and proximity to the film studio developments.
- Perth CBD: The ECU campus opening is a unique, one-off structural change to the city market.
Medium Conviction
Ongoing multi-stage projects.
- Byford: Tonkin Highway and future rail extension will eventually transform it, but the timeline is longer.
- Two Rocks: Riding the wave of the Yanchep rail extension, but supply is high.
Speculative Potential
Long-term planning.
- Wanneroo: Potential future zoning changes along the eastern transport corridor.
How to Research Infrastructure Impact
You need to verify everything. Don’t rely on sales brochures.
Official Sources
- Main Roads WA: Check the “Projects” tab for confirmed timelines.
- Metronet: Look for “Procurement” status to see if contracts are signed.
- Department of Planning: Search for “Structure Plans” to see future zoning.
Analysis Approach
- Check the Map: Is the property within 800m (walking distance) or right next door (noise risk)?
- Verify Funding: Has the budget been allocated in the State Budget?
- Assess Supply: Is there a flood of new land releases nearby that will dampen price growth?
- Visit the Site: Drive the route during peak hour. See the construction progress with your own eyes.
Want to invest ahead of Perth’s infrastructure growth? Our buyers agents track infrastructure projects and identify properties positioned for improvement-driven growth.
Book a consultation to discuss infrastructure-aligned buying strategies.
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