Originally a site for timber milling and agriculture, Como evolved into a popular riverside holiday destination for Perth residents in the early 20th century. The post-war era saw rapid residential expansion, followed by significant transformation with the opening of the Kwinana Freeway and Canning Bridge Station.
A sophisticated mix of luxury riverfront estates, mid-century villas, and high-rise apartments, catering to a diverse demographic of professionals and families.
- Exceptional public transport connectivity via Canning Bridge Station.
- Proximity to the Swan River foreshore and recreational paths.
- High-quality educational institutions within walking distance.
- Vibrant local dining and boutique shopping on Preston Street.
- Strong historical capital growth and resilient rental demand.
- Diverse housing stock catering to various life stages.
- Heavy traffic congestion on Canning Highway and Kwinana Freeway on-ramps.
- Noise pollution for properties bordering major arterial roads.
- Aircraft noise under certain flight paths (check specific street data).
- Oversupply risk in the high-density apartment sector near the bridge.
- Strict heritage and character controls in specific precincts.
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
Dominant dwelling stock.
Typical entry to ceiling.
Como offers a strategic 'middle-ground' between the ultra-prestige of South Perth and the more suburban feel of Manning, making it a versatile choice for both lifestyle and investment.
$1.15m – $3.8m
$450k – $1.4m
12-month movement
Current asking rents
The high percentage of units is concentrated in the west, while the east maintains a traditional suburban profile, creating two distinct sub-markets.
Price comparison
Median price รท median income
Estimated rental yield
While detached housing is increasingly out of reach for first home buyers, the apartment market remains relatively accessible compared to eastern states equivalents.
Lower = tighter market
Avg time on market
Annual rental increase
Young professionals, Curtin University staff, and healthcare workers from nearby hospitals.
Strong. Low vacancy and high tenant competition provide excellent security, though capital growth varies significantly between houses and high-density units.
- Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan driving infrastructure investment.
- Proximity to major employment hubs (CBD and Curtin University).
- Limited supply of green-title land in the inner-south.
- Ongoing gentrification of older villa complexes.
- Interest rate sensitivity in the mid-to-high price bracket.
- Potential for apartment oversupply to cap unit price growth.
- Traffic congestion impacting local desirability.
Steady growth expected for detached dwellings; units will likely see modest growth but high rental yields as the Canning Bridge precinct matures.
vs last 12 months
Relative comparison
Focus on properties with secure parking and integrated security, particularly near the Canning Bridge transit hub where foot traffic is highest.
Environmental risks are low, but urban planning and infrastructure capacity are the primary long-term concerns.
Low risk for most; minor storm surge risk for absolute riverfront properties.
Negligible risk.
Standard premiums apply; no significant 'red-flag' zones for insurers identified.
Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan (CBACP), Heritage Protection Area (Precinct 13).
Kintail Road and the immediate vicinity of Canning Bridge Station.
Zoning is highly variable; a single street can host both single-storey heritage homes and 15-storey towers.
Excellent; dual-mode transit (train/bus) and rapid freeway access.
High; walking distance to river, cafes, and boutique retail.
Abundant; includes Neil McDougall Park and the Swan River foreshore.
Superior; access to top-tier public and private options.
Good; close to South Perth Hospital and Bentley Health Service.
A highly educated, professional population with a notable mix of established families and young urbanites.
The high rental population supports the investment case for units, while the professional income levels sustain high property values for houses.
The Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan remains the dominant driver of change in the suburb.
- Increased local employment opportunities.
- Improved public realm and pedestrian infrastructure.
- New high-end retail and dining options.
- Increased localized traffic congestion.
- Loss of privacy for some established low-rise residents.
- Prolonged construction noise in the western precinct.
Residents value the suburb for its 'best of both worlds' feel—quiet residential streets just minutes from the CBD and river.
We love being able to walk the kids to the river in the evening and still be at our desks in the city within 15 minutes.
The apartment lifestyle near the bridge is great for work, but finding a park for visitors is a nightmare.
The new developments are bringing great cafes, but I worry about the loss of our older trees and garden space.
- Prioritize properties on the 'river side' of Canning Highway for better long-term capital growth.
- Check the school catchment boundaries carefully; they can change and significantly impact value.
- Look for older villa units (groups of 3-8) which often have higher land-to-asset ratios than new towers.
- Visit the property during peak hour to assess the true impact of traffic noise.
- Investigate the specific height limits for neighboring lots under the Activity Centre Plan.
- Is this property within the primary catchment for Como Secondary College?
- What are the specific zoning height limits for the immediate neighbors?
- Are there any planned infrastructure works for the nearby freeway on-ramps?
- For apartments: What is the current balance of the strata sinking fund?
- Has the property been assessed for aircraft noise insulation?
- What is the percentage of owner-occupiers in this specific complex or street?
- Are there any heritage restrictions that limit external renovations?
- Highlight proximity to Penrhos and Como Secondary to attract family buyers.
- Professional photography showcasing the river lifestyle is essential for premium pricing.
- Address any noise concerns upfront with high-quality glazing or landscaping solutions.
- Target young professionals by emphasizing the 'lock-and-leave' transit benefits.
- Ensure all structural additions are council-approved, as buyers in this bracket are diligent.
Position the property as a 'lifestyle sanctuary' that doesn't compromise on urban efficiency. Emphasize the prestige of the 6152 postcode.
High-yield apartment play or long-term land banking with older houses.
High strata fees in newer complexes and potential for localized oversupply.
- Target 2-bedroom apartments in boutique blocks of less than 20.
- Ensure the property is within 800m of Canning Bridge Station.
- Focus on properties with at least two secure parking bays.
- Monitor the rental market for Curtin University staff cycles.
- Apply early; the vacancy rate is extremely low.
- Consider properties slightly further east for better value and more space.
- Check if water usage is included in older apartment complexes.
Unbeatable commute times and high-quality local amenities.
Limited street parking for guests and potential for construction noise.
- Regularly review rents to keep pace with the high demand in the 6152 area.
- Consider pet-friendly policies to stand out in a competitive market.
- Maintain gardens to a high standard to attract long-term professional tenants.
Ensure all smoke alarms and RCDs meet current WA rental safety standards, particularly in older 1970s stock.
- Stock levels remain tight for detached homes, leading to off-market transactions.
- Buyers are increasingly wary of high strata levies in buildings with extensive 'lifestyle' amenities.
The '10-minute suburb'—10 mins to the CBD, 10 mins to the river, 10 mins to elite schools.
Young professional couples, families with school-aged children, and affluent downsizers.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Data is based on 2026 projections and historical trends. Buyers should conduct their own independent research.
