Paul Armstrong
Unit 17/49 Lion Street, Centennial Park, WA 6330
Offers Above $539,000
2 1 1
Open Saturday 18 July 12:00 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Centennial Park — Menang Noongar Country
Centennial Park was historically the agricultural and recreational fringe of the Albany townsite. It evolved significantly in the mid-20th century as the primary sporting hub for the Great Southern region, anchored by the development of the Centennial Oval and surrounding showgrounds.
Today, it is a mixed-use precinct dominated by high-quality regional sporting infrastructure, retail showrooms, and a small residential pocket of character and mid-century homes.
Overall Score
7.2
A solid central performer with high amenity but limited residential stock.
Aboriginal Name
Kinjarling— "Place of rain"
Name Origin
Named after the Centennial Oval, which serves as the central landmark of the suburb.
Established
Gazetted 1979
Sporting Hub
Home to the $27m Centennial Park Sporting Precinct.
Leisure
Contains the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.
Retail
Houses the city's major bulky goods and showroom strip.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6.5
Steady demand driven by Albany's regional growth and low vacancy rates.
Amenity
9.0
Exceptional access to gyms, pools, tracks, and major retail outlets.
Schools
8.0
Excellent proximity to Albany Primary and Albany Senior High School.
Transport
7.5
Highly accessible via North Road and Lockyer Avenue; walkable to the CBD.
Risk Profile
4.0
Moderate risk due to mixed-use zoning and potential for commercial noise.
Liveability
8.0
High for active families and those wanting everything on their doorstep.
Demographics
6.0
Diverse mix of long-term residents, retirees, and young renters.
Rental Demand
7.5
Consistently high due to proximity to employment and services.
Growth Potential
6.5
Moderate; limited by the small volume of residential land available.
Affordability
7.0
Competitive compared to coastal Albany suburbs like Middleton Beach.
Crime & Safety
6.5
Generally safe, though commercial areas can see higher activity after hours.
Walkability
8.5
One of Albany's most walkable pockets for daily needs and recreation.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$585,000
Estimated March 2026
1yr Growth
5.5%
Steady regional appreciation
Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Extremely tight rental market
Top School
Albany SHS
Highly regarded local catchment
Lifestyle
Active
Direct access to regional tracks
Zoning
R25/R30
Pockets of medium density
✅ Key Advantages
- Unbeatable proximity to Albany's premier sporting and aquatic facilities.
- Walking distance to the Albany CBD and major supermarkets.
- Strong catchment for high-performing public and private schools.
- Flat terrain makes it ideal for walking and cycling compared to hilly neighbors.
- High rental yield potential due to central location and low supply.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Noise from North Road and Lockyer Avenue traffic can be significant.
- Limited residential stock means fewer opportunities to buy into the suburb.
- Commercial/Industrial interface can impact residential street appeal.
- Some low-lying areas may have localized drainage issues during heavy rain.
- Potential for future commercial rezoning of residential fringes.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Recreational Hub
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Mix of 1950s character cottages, 1980s brick homes, and modern units.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$420,000 – $750,000
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Centennial Park serves as the 'engine room' of Albany's lifestyle, where residential life meets the city's primary commercial and sporting infrastructure. For buyers, it offers a central alternative to the hills of Mount Clarence or the suburbs of Yakamia.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$585,000
$520k – $720k
🏢 Unit Median
$410,000
$350k – $480k
📈 Price Trend
+5.5% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $550pw, Units $420pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
Prices have stabilized after the post-2020 regional boom but remain supported by a chronic lack of new housing supply in central Albany.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
42% below Perth metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
6.8x average regional income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
4.9% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Centennial Park remains affordable for families compared to coastal Albany, though rising interest rates have pressured the entry-level market.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.2%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Healthcare workers, teachers, and young families seeking proximity to town.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong. Low vacancy rates and high demand for central living ensure minimal downtime. Capital growth is steady rather than explosive.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.5%
1-Year Growth
+18.5%
3-Year Growth
+33.0%
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing upgrades to the Centennial Park sporting precinct.
- Proximity to the Albany Health Campus (major employer).
- Limited land release in central Albany driving infill demand.
- The '15-minute city' appeal of the location.
⛔ Headwinds
- Higher insurance premiums for older timber-frame character homes.
- Competition from newer land estates in suburbs like Oyster Harbour.
- Economic sensitivity to regional agricultural and tourism cycles.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady growth of 4-6% per annum as Albany continues to attract sea-changers and remote workers looking for regional hubs with full amenities.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6.5
Safety Score
Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% below Perth metro crime rates
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium
Traffic Incidents: Medium
Personal Safety: Low
📋 What to Check Locally
Standard security measures are recommended. Higher foot traffic near the sporting precinct and retail strips can lead to opportunistic theft.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
The primary risks are related to the suburb's mixed-use nature and its low-lying topography near the parklands.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low-lying areas near the Centennial Oval can experience drainage issues during extreme weather events; check City of Albany flood maps.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Low risk compared to surrounding hilly suburbs; largely cleared and urbanized.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Older character homes may require electrical and plumbing upgrades to secure competitive premiums.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
R25 (Medium Density)
🔲 Overlays
Heritage Protection (select streets), Mixed Use (North Road interface).
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Infill subdivision of larger lots (approx 800sqm+) into two-unit sites.
Zoning allows for some density, making it attractive for small-scale developers or those looking to add a granny flat.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Excellent road links; well-serviced by local TransAlbany bus routes.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Highest in Albany for recreation; walking distance to ALAC and major retail.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Centennial Park itself offers vast green space, ovals, and playgrounds.
🏫 Schools
Within the catchment for top-tier local schools.
🏥 Healthcare
5-minute drive to Albany Health Campus.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A balanced demographic with a slight lean towards older residents, though increasingly popular with young professionals.
💵 Median Income
$68,500 pa
🏠 Ownership
58% owner-occupied, 42% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 41
🎓 Education
High percentage of vocational and technical qualifications.
📊 Age Distribution
The high rental percentage reflects the suburb's popularity with transient professionals and young families starting out.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Recent focus has been on the completion of the Sporting Precinct and the Albany Ring Road, which diverts heavy haulage away from the suburb.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Reduced heavy truck traffic on North Road.
- World-class recreational facilities increasing local property value.
- Improved pedestrian connectivity to the CBD.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Construction noise from ongoing retail showroom developments.
- Increased weekend traffic during major sporting events.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Albany (CBD)
Position
South
Price
More expensive
Lifestyle
Historic and hilly vs flat and recreational.
Best for
Urban enthusiasts and heritage lovers.
📍Lockyer
Position
West
Price
More affordable
Lifestyle
Traditional residential vs mixed-use/commercial.
Best for
First home buyers on a budget.
📍Yakamia
Position
North
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
Purely residential/family oriented.
Best for
Families seeking quiet cul-de-sacs.
📍Mount Clarence
Position
East
Price
Significantly more expensive
Lifestyle
Views and prestige vs convenience.
Best for
High-end buyers and retirees.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
South Bunbury
WA
7.5/10
Central location with a mix of character homes and high amenity.
East Geraldton
WA
6.8/10
Proximity to regional CBD and sporting facilities.
Warrnambool
VIC
7.4/10
Regional coastal hub with strong central sporting precincts.
Busselton
WA
7.8/10
Flat, walkable central areas with high tourism/leisure focus.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the 'walk-to-everything' lifestyle and the high-quality sporting facilities, though some note the suburb can feel 'busy' compared to Albany's quieter outskirts.
★★★★★
Convenience
I love being able to walk the kids to the pool and then grab groceries on the way back without ever needing the car.
Walkability
Family Friendly
★★★★☆
Value
We bought an older house here and the block size is great for the price, though the traffic on North Road is louder than we expected.
Affordability
Noise
★★★★☆
Accessibility
It's flat and easy to get around, which is much better for me than the hills in town.
Terrain
Ease of movement
★★★★★
Investment
Never had a vacancy longer than a week; tenants love being near the shops and the leisure centre.
Rental Demand
Low Vacancy
★★★☆☆
Atmosphere
Great for the gym and sports, but it lacks the 'village' feel of Middleton Beach or the CBD.
Amenity
Character
★★★★☆
Growth
The precinct upgrades have really cleaned up the area and brought more people in.
Development
Activity
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties at least two blocks back from North Road to minimize noise.
- Look for character homes with R25/R30 zoning for future subdivision potential.
- Check the elevation of the block; lower sections near the oval can have dampness issues.
- Verify if the property is within the heritage precinct which may restrict renovations.
- Act quickly on well-priced houses; the low volume of stock in this suburb creates high competition.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property located within a designated flood or high-drainage zone?
- Are there any planned commercial developments for the vacant lots nearby?
- Does the current zoning allow for an ancillary dwelling or 'granny flat'?
- What is the school catchment boundary for this specific street?
- Has the property been underpinned or had any structural issues related to soil moisture?
- Are there any heritage restrictions that would prevent adding a second story or extension?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight the 'lifestyle' aspect—proximity to the pool and gym is a major selling point.
- Ensure gardens are well-screened to provide privacy from the commercial interfaces.
- Provide a recent building and pest report to reassure buyers of older character homes.
- Target young families and active retirees in your marketing imagery.
- Consider an 'Offers Invited' strategy to capitalize on the current low-supply market.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as the ultimate 'convenience play' in Albany. Emphasize that you can live a car-free or car-lite lifestyle while being in the heart of the region's best sporting facilities.
💼 Investment Case
High-yield strategy with low vacancy risk.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Limited capital growth compared to premium coastal pockets; maintenance on older stock.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-bedroom houses that appeal to healthcare workers.
- Consider a cosmetic renovation to maximize rental return.
- Monitor the City of Albany's local planning scheme for rezoning opportunities.
- Ensure property management is local to handle high tenant inquiry.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Register for alerts with local Albany agents as properties move fast.
- Highlight your employment stability, especially if working in healthcare or education.
- Check the proximity to bus stops if you don't drive.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Unbeatable access to recreation and retail.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Can be noisy on weekends during football or cricket season.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Maintain the heating systems; Albany winters are cold and tenants prioritize warmth.
- Keep fences in good repair to ensure privacy from commercial neighbors.
- Regularly review rents to stay in line with the fast-moving regional market.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all RCDs and smoke alarms meet current WA tenanted property standards.
🤝 Agent Insights
- Buyers are increasingly looking for walkability as fuel prices rise.
- The 'sporting precinct' is the biggest drawcard for families moving from out of town.
- Stock levels are at historic lows, making off-market opportunities valuable.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The '15-Minute Suburb'—everything you need within a 15-minute walk.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Active families, healthcare professionals, and downsizers from rural properties.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Check the City of Albany's 'Local Planning Scheme No. 1' for zoning details.
✓
Review the 'Centennial Park Sporting Precinct Master Plan' for future works.
✓
Obtain a professional building inspection to check for rising damp in older homes.
✓
Verify the property's proximity to the Albany Ring Road and its impact on local traffic.
✓
Check the 'Landgate' title for any easements or restrictive covenants.
✓
Assess the noise levels during peak hour (8am and 5pm) and on a Saturday morning.
✓
Confirm the availability of NBN technology type (FTTP vs FTTN).
✓
Review the 'Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System' for any registered sites.
✓
Check the 'DFES' bushfire prone area map (though risk is low here).
✓
Inspect the condition of fencing and privacy screening from commercial showrooms.
✓
Verify the water and sewerage connection points with Water Corporation.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of March 31, 2026. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence and consult with professional advisors before making any property purchase.
