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.
- 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.
- 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.
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
Dominant dwelling stock.
Typical entry to ceiling.
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.
$1.1m – $1.8m (limited stock)
$480k – $3.5m
12-month movement
Current asking rents
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.
Price comparison
Median price ÷ median income
Estimated rental yield
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.
Lower = tighter market
Avg time on market
Annual rental increase
Young professionals, FIFO workers seeking proximity to the airport, and corporate relocations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Strong growth expected as the Belmont Park precinct matures, effectively doubling the suburb's residential footprint and improving local retail amenity.
vs last 12 months
Relative comparison
Check specific building security features. Towers on the Peninsula generally have excellent secure access, while street-level parking in older areas is more vulnerable.
Environmental and financial risks dominate the due diligence profile for Burswood.
Parts of the suburb are within the 1-in-100-year Swan River flood zone. Check the Town of Victoria Park flood maps.
Negligible risk.
Premiums may be elevated for ground-floor apartments in flood zones or buildings with historical cladding concerns.
Burswood Peninsula District Framework, Swan River Trust Development Control Area.
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.
Excellent: Dedicated train station, multiple bus routes, and high-quality cycle paths.
Exceptional: World-class dining, casino, stadium, and outdoor movies.
Very Good: Burswood Park offers sprawling riverfront lawns and heritage trails.
Fair: Catchment schools are highly rated (Lathlain PS) but located in adjacent suburbs.
Good: Proximity to Royal Perth Hospital and Victoria Park medical suites.
A cosmopolitan mix of affluent professionals and retirees with a high percentage of overseas-born residents.
The high rental population and professional demographic support strong rental growth but can lead to lower community cohesion compared to traditional suburbs.
The multi-billion dollar Belmont Park redevelopment is the primary driver of change.
- New retail and supermarket options for residents.
- Increased property values through precinct gentrification.
- Improved public open spaces and riverfront access.
- Long-term construction noise and dust.
- Increased traffic congestion on Victoria Park Drive.
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.
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.
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.
I've never had a week of vacancy in three years. The demand from FIFO workers and corporate types is relentless.
The stadium crowds can be a nightmare on Friday nights. If you don't like noise and traffic, the Peninsula isn't for you.
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.
The Matagarup Bridge is a game changer. I cycle to my office in the CBD in under 10 minutes.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
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.
High-yield, low-vacancy play targeting the premium end of the rental market.
High strata costs can eat into net yields; potential for future supply to dampen capital growth.
- 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.
- 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.
Unbeatable access to entertainment and work; high-quality modern interiors.
Strict building bylaws regarding pets and balcony usage; high noise levels on event days.
- 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.
Ensure all smoke alarms and RCDs meet current WA legislative standards, particularly in older 6100 stock.
- 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.
The '5-Minute Lifestyle'—everything you need for work and play within a 5-minute radius.
Professional couples (DINKs), affluent downsizers, and high-income FIFO workers.
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.
