๐๏ธ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-05)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Burswood โ Whadjuk Noongar Country
Originally a low-lying island and marshland, the area served as a vital crossing point for Noongar people before colonial settlement. In the 20th century, it transitioned from industrial use and a landfill site into a major tourism hub following the construction of the Burswood Island Resort in the 1980s. The 21st century has seen it transform into a high-density residential and sporting precinct.
An upscale, urban professional enclave dominated by luxury apartment towers, the Crown Perth entertainment complex, and the iconic Optus Stadium.
Overall Score
7.8
A high-performing urban precinct with exceptional amenities, slightly offset by high entry costs and specific environmental risks.
Aboriginal Name
Matagarupโ "The place where the river is shallow enough to cross"
Name Origin
Named after Burswood Island, which was granted to Henry Camfield in 1829; he named it after his family estate in Kent, England.
Established
Gazetted 1991
Sporting Hub
Home to the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium, voted World's Most Beautiful Stadium in 2019.
Entertainment
Contains WA's only casino, Crown Perth, attracting over 7 million visitors annually.
Connectivity
The Matagarup Bridge provides a direct pedestrian link to East Perth.
Racing Heritage
Belmont Park Racecourse is a major metropolitan horse racing venue located on the peninsula.
๐ Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0โ10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
8.5
Perth's tight housing market and the prestige of the Peninsula keep demand consistently high.
Amenity
9.5
World-class entertainment, dining, and parklands are all within walking distance.
Schools
5.5
Limited options within the suburb itself; residents typically rely on Lathlain or Victoria Park catchments.
Transport
9.0
Excellent rail links via Burswood Station and superior pedestrian/cycle connectivity to the CBD.
Risk Profile
6.0
River proximity introduces flood risks, and high-density living carries strata and cladding considerations.
Liveability
8.2
Offers a 'resort-style' lifestyle that is unique in the Perth metropolitan area.
Demographics
7.8
High concentration of high-income professionals and 'lock-and-leave' downsizers.
Rental Demand
9.2
Extremely low vacancy rates driven by proximity to the CBD and major employment hubs like Crown.
Growth Potential
8.0
Ongoing redevelopment of the Belmont Park precinct provides a long-term capital growth tailwind.
Affordability
4.5
High price-per-square-meter for apartments and significant strata fees reduce overall affordability.
Crime & Safety
6.2
High foot traffic near the casino and stadium can lead to localized opportunistic crime and noise.
Walkability
8.8
Highly walkable within the Peninsula and across the bridge to East Perth, though some areas are isolated by major roads.
โก Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Property Type
82% Apartments
Dominated by high-rise luxury units
12mo Growth
+14.2%
Outperforming many inner-city peers
CBD Access
5 mins
Via train or Matagarup Bridge
Flood Risk
Moderate
Proximity to Swan River requires due diligence
Median Unit
$845,000
Reflects premium Peninsula stock
Vacancy Rate
0.6%
Critically undersupplied rental market
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Key Advantages
- Unrivaled access to world-class entertainment, dining, and sporting events.
- Exceptional public transport and pedestrian connectivity to Perth CBD.
- High-quality modern building stock with 'resort-style' facilities (pools, gyms, concierges).
- Stunning views of the Swan River and Perth city skyline.
- Strong rental yields and high demand from corporate tenants.
- Significant future capital investment planned for the Belmont Park precinct.
โ ๏ธ Key Watch-Outs
- Very high strata levies in Peninsula towers can exceed $10,000 per annum.
- Significant event-day congestion and noise from Optus Stadium and Crown.
- Limited local shopping (supermarkets) within the immediate Peninsula area.
- Exposure to Swan River flood levels and rising sea level planning overlays.
- Lack of traditional backyard space makes it less suitable for large families.
๐๏ธ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
๐๏ธ Character
Urban Luxury
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
๐ Property Types
Predominantly high-end apartments and luxury townhouses, with a small pocket of older residential to the south.
Dominant dwelling stock.
๐ฐ Price Range
$550k (older units) – $4.5m+ (penthouses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
๐ก Why It Matters
Burswood represents Perth's most successful transition to high-density riverside living. It appeals to a specific demographic that prioritizes lifestyle and proximity over land size, making it a unique asset class in the WA market.
๐ฐ Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
๐ House Median
$1,320,000
$1.1m – $1.8m (limited stock)
๐ข Unit Median
$845,000
$480k – $3.5m
๐ Price Trend
+14.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
๐ Weekly Rents
Houses $850pw, Units $720pw
Current asking rents
๐ 5-Year Price History
๐๏ธ Property Type Split
The unit median is heavily skewed by premium stock on the Peninsula. Older units south of the highway offer a significantly lower entry point but lack the same capital growth drivers.
๐ฏ Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
Units are 35% above metro median
Price comparison
๐ Income Ratio
8.4x average household income
Median price รท median income
๐ณ Gross Yield
5.2% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Burswood is a premium market. While units are more 'affordable' than houses in absolute terms, the price per square meter is among the highest in Perth.
๐ฅ Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
๐ Vacancy Rate
0.6%
Lower = tighter market
โฑ๏ธ Days to Lease
15 days
Avg time on market
๐ Rent Growth p.a.
+16%
Annual rental increase
Demand LevelVery High
๐ค Tenant Profile
Young professionals, FIFO workers seeking proximity to the airport, and corporate relocations.
๐ผ Investor Outlook
Extremely strong. The combination of low vacancy and high yields makes it a top-tier investment location, provided strata costs are factored into the net return.
๐ Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+14.2%
1-Year Growth
+32% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+48% cumulative
5-Year Growth
๐ Growth Drivers
- Belmont Park redevelopment creating a new residential/retail hub.
- Continued demand for 'lock-and-leave' lifestyles among downsizers.
- Perth's overall market undersupply and strong economic conditions.
- Ongoing upgrades to the Crown Perth and Optus Stadium precinct.
- Limited future land release on the riverfront.
โ Headwinds
- Interest rate sensitivity for high-leverage apartment buyers.
- Rising insurance premiums for riverfront and high-rise properties.
- Potential for oversupply if all Belmont Park stages are released simultaneously.
๐ฎ 5-Year Outlook
Strong growth expected as the Belmont Park precinct matures, effectively doubling the suburb's residential footprint and improving local retail amenity.
๐ก๏ธ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6
Safety Score
Average
๐ Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
12% above metro average crime rate (skewed by entertainment precinct)
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Theft: Medium Anti-social behavior: Medium Burglary: Low
๐ What to Check Locally
Check specific building security features. Towers on the Peninsula generally have excellent secure access, while street-level parking in older areas is more vulnerable.
โ ๏ธ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
๐ Summary
Environmental and financial risks dominate the due diligence profile for Burswood.
๐ Flood Risk
Parts of the suburb are within the 1-in-100-year Swan River flood zone. Check the Town of Victoria Park flood maps.
๐ฅ Bushfire Risk
Negligible risk.
๐ฆ Insurance Impact
Premiums may be elevated for ground-floor apartments in flood zones or buildings with historical cladding concerns.
๐บ๏ธ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
๐ Typical Zoning
Special Development Zone / High Density Residential
๐ฒ Overlays
Burswood Peninsula District Framework, Swan River Trust Development Control Area.
๐๏ธ Development Hotspots
Belmont Park Racecourse redevelopment (thousands of new dwellings planned).
The suburb is governed by specific precinct plans that prioritize high-density growth and tourism, meaning residents should expect ongoing construction activity for the next decade.
๐ณ Liveability
Day-to-day experience โ transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
๐ Transport
Excellent: Dedicated train station, multiple bus routes, and high-quality cycle paths.
๐๏ธ Amenity & Retail
Exceptional: World-class dining, casino, stadium, and outdoor movies.
๐ฒ Parks & Recreation
Very Good: Burswood Park offers sprawling riverfront lawns and heritage trails.
๐ซ Schools
Fair: Catchment schools are highly rated (Lathlain PS) but located in adjacent suburbs.
๐ฅ Healthcare
Good: Proximity to Royal Perth Hospital and Victoria Park medical suites.
๐ฅ Demographics
Who lives here โ income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A cosmopolitan mix of affluent professionals and retirees with a high percentage of overseas-born residents.
๐ต Median Income
$115,000 pa
๐ Ownership
38% owner-occupied, 58% renting
๐ Age Profile
Median age 36
๐ Education
High: 42% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
๐ Age Distribution
The high rental population and professional demographic support strong rental growth but can lead to lower community cohesion compared to traditional suburbs.
๐๏ธ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
๐ Overview
The multi-billion dollar Belmont Park redevelopment is the primary driver of change.
๐ Positive Impacts
- New retail and supermarket options for residents.
- Increased property values through precinct gentrification.
- Improved public open spaces and riverfront access.
๐ Negative Impacts
- Long-term construction noise and dust.
- Increased traffic congestion on Victoria Park Drive.
๐บ๏ธ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
๐Victoria Park
Position South
Price Cheaper for units, similar for houses
Lifestyle Main street cafe culture vs. Burswood's resort style
Best for Families and foodies
๐East Perth
Position West (Across River)
Price Similar
Lifestyle More established urban feel, closer to CBD core
Best for City professionals
๐Lathlain
Position East
Price More expensive for land
Lifestyle Traditional suburban family feel
Best for Families wanting backyards
๐Rivervale
Position North-East
Price More affordable
Lifestyle Transitioning from industrial to residential
Best for First home buyers and investors
๐ Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile โ useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
South Perth
WA
8.5/10
Riverside luxury with high-density apartment living and premium views.
Rhodes
NSW
7.5/10
High-density peninsula living focused on transport and modern amenities.
Docklands
VIC
7.0/10
Entertainment-led precinct with stadium proximity and apartment dominance.
Newstead
QLD
8.2/10
Riverside professional hub with high-end dining and modern units.
๐ฌ Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
๐ Overall Community Sentiment
Residents love the convenience and 'holiday feel' of the Peninsula, though some complain about the lack of a local supermarket and the noise during major stadium events.
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Lifestyle
Living here is like being on a permanent vacation; I can walk to dinner at Nobu and then catch a game at the stadium without ever touching my car.
Convenience Entertainment
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Security
The security in the towers is excellent, which was my main priority. I just wish there was a Coles or Woolworths closer than Victoria Park.
Safety Amenities
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Rental Yield
I've never had a week of vacancy in three years. The demand from FIFO workers and corporate types is relentless.
Yield Demand
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Event Noise
The stadium crowds can be a nightmare on Friday nights. If you don't like noise and traffic, the Peninsula isn't for you.
Noise Traffic
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Value
I bought an older unit south of the highway. It doesn't have the pool, but I'm still 5 minutes from the city for a fraction of the price.
Affordability Location
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Connectivity
The Matagarup Bridge is a game changer. I cycle to my office in the CBD in under 10 minutes.
Transport Health
๐ก Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
๐งโ๐ผ Buyer Strategy
- Scrutinize strata minutes for any mention of cladding issues or upcoming special levies.
- Check the specific apartment's orientation; west-facing units can suffer from extreme afternoon heat and glare off the river.
- Verify if the property includes a storage cage, as apartment storage is notoriously limited in this suburb.
- Investigate the flood level history for ground-floor or basement-level assets.
- Review the Belmont Park masterplan to ensure your 'permanent' view won't be built out by a future tower.
โ Questions to Ask the Agent
- What are the exact quarterly strata levies, and is there a healthy sinking fund?
- Has the building been audited for combustible cladding, and what was the result?
- Are there any planned developments that will obstruct the current views from this unit?
- What is the ratio of owner-occupiers to tenants in this specific building?
- How does the building manage traffic and security during major events at Optus Stadium?
- Is this property located within the 1-in-100-year flood zone?
- What is the average electricity cost for this unit, considering the glass facade?
๐ท๏ธ Seller Strategy
- Highlight 'lifestyle' features like proximity to Crown and the Stadium in all marketing materials.
- Ensure all resort-style amenities (pool, gym) are professionally photographed.
- Provide a clear breakdown of strata levies to serious buyers early to build trust.
- Target the 'lock-and-leave' market, emphasizing security and low maintenance.
- Consider timing your sale to coincide with major stadium events or peak spring market activity.
๐ฃ Positioning Tips
Position the property as a premium lifestyle asset rather than just a home. Focus on the 'Burswood Peninsula' brand, which carries more prestige than the 6100 postcode alone.
๐ผ Investment Case
High-yield, low-vacancy play targeting the premium end of the rental market.
โ ๏ธ Investment Risks
High strata costs can eat into net yields; potential for future supply to dampen capital growth.
๐ Action Plan
- Target 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units with at least one secure car bay.
- Prioritize buildings with a high percentage of owner-occupiers.
- Factor in a 20% buffer for strata levy increases in your cash flow modeling.
- Focus on properties within 500m of the train station.
๐ Renter Tips
- Be ready to apply immediately; properties often lease after the first viewing.
- Check if the rent includes water or gas, as some towers have centralized systems.
- Ask about the building's move-in policy, as some require booking the lift weeks in advance.
๐๏ธ What Renters Love Here
Unbeatable access to entertainment and work; high-quality modern interiors.
โ ๏ธ Renter Watch-Outs
Strict building bylaws regarding pets and balcony usage; high noise levels on event days.
๐ข Landlord Strategy
- Offer long-term leases (12-24 months) to attract stable corporate tenants.
- Include a professional cleaning service in the lease to maintain high-end finishes.
- Ensure the air conditioning is serviced annually, as this is a non-negotiable for tenants here.
๐ Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarms and RCDs meet current WA legislative standards, particularly in older 6100 stock.
๐ค Agent Insights
- The market is currently split between luxury Peninsula buyers and value-seeking investors in the south.
- Views of the city skyline command a 15-20% price premium.
- Buyers are increasingly wary of high strata fees; have the budget ready.
๐ฏ Marketing Angles
The '5-Minute Lifestyle'—everything you need for work and play within a 5-minute radius.
๐ค Target Buyer Profile
Professional couples (DINKs), affluent downsizers, and high-income FIFO workers.
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Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
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Review the Strata Plan and the last 3 years of AGM minutes.โ
Check the WA Government Flood Map for the specific lot.โ
Verify the presence of a 'Notice of Intention' for any nearby developments.โ
Inspect the basement parking for signs of water ingress or salt damp.โ
Confirm the ownership of car bays and storage units on the title.โ
Test the acoustic insulation by visiting during a peak traffic or event period.โ
Check for any restrictive covenants regarding short-stay (Airbnb) rentals.โ
Review the building's insurance policy for coverage of common areas.โ
Verify the energy rating (NatHERS) of the unit.โ
Assess the condition of common facilities (pool, gym, lifts) for upcoming maintenance needs.๐ Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
โ ๏ธ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-05. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before making any property investment decisions.
