Toby Bellegarde
8 La Rochelle Ramble, Port Kennedy, WA 6172
Offers From $850,000
4 2 2
Open Saturday 6 June 10:00 am๐๏ธ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-05)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Port Kennedy โ Binjareb (Noongar) Country
Originally part of the Rockingham district's rural fringe, the area was formally developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a master-planned residential and recreational hub. It was designed to integrate coastal living with a significant regional park and golf course infrastructure.
Today, it is a quintessential outer-metropolitan family suburb characterized by large blocks, proximity to the beach, and a mix of young families and defense personnel.
Overall Score
7.2
A solid performer for families and investors seeking coastal proximity at a lower entry point than northern Perth.
Name Origin
Named after Sir Arthur Edward Kennedy, the Governor of Western Australia from 1855 to 1862.
Established
Gazetted 1990
Golf Heritage
Home to 'The Links', a world-class ocean-side golf course.
Defense Link
Significant population of personnel from nearby HMAS Stirling.
Conservation
Contains the Port Kennedy Scientific Park, a high-value conservation area.
๐ Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0โ10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
8.5
Strong upward pressure due to Perth's prolonged low-inventory cycle and interstate migration.
Amenity
7.0
Excellent recreational facilities including the beach and golf course, though retail is centralized.
Schools
6.5
Adequate local primary options, but high school students often travel to neighboring suburbs.
Transport
5.0
Highly car-dependent; bus links to Warnbro Station are available but commute times to Perth CBD are significant.
Risk Profile
6.0
Moderate risks associated with coastal erosion and specific pockets of social housing concentration.
Liveability
7.5
High for outdoor-oriented families who value space and ocean access over nightlife.
Demographics
6.5
Dominated by young families and middle-income earners with a strong defense force presence.
Rental Demand
8.8
Extremely tight vacancy rates reflecting the broader Western Australian housing shortage.
Growth Potential
7.2
Positive, driven by spillover from more expensive coastal suburbs like Secret Harbour.
Affordability
7.8
Remains one of the more accessible coastal suburbs in the greater Perth region.
Crime & Safety
5.5
Perception is impacted by higher reported rates of opportunistic theft and antisocial behavior in specific sectors.
Walkability
4.2
Low; most daily errands require a vehicle due to the suburb's expansive layout.
โก Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$715,000
Significant growth since 2023
Annual Growth
14.2%
Outperforming national average
Vacancy Rate
0.6%
Critical undersupply of rentals
Beach Distance
0-3km
Direct coastal access
Family Ratio
78%
High concentration of households
CBD Commute
55 mins
Via Kwinana Fwy or Train
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Key Advantages
- Affordable coastal lifestyle compared to Perth's northern beaches.
- Generous block sizes often exceeding 600sqm, suitable for workshops or pools.
- Strong community feel with active local sporting clubs.
- Proximity to major employment hubs in Rockingham and Kwinana.
- Excellent recreational assets including The Links golf course and boat ramps.
โ ๏ธ Key Watch-Outs
- Distance from Perth CBD makes daily commuting taxing.
- Pockets of the suburb experience higher rates of petty crime.
- Limited public secondary school options within the immediate suburb boundary.
- Proximity to industrial areas in the east can impact resale in those specific streets.
- Exposure to coastal winds and salt spray requires higher property maintenance.
๐๏ธ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
๐๏ธ Character
Coastal Family
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
๐ Property Types
Predominantly detached single-storey brick and tile houses.
Dominant dwelling stock.
๐ฐ Price Range
$620k – $950k
Typical entry to ceiling.
๐ก Why It Matters
Port Kennedy represents the 'entry-level coastal' dream for many West Australians. It offers a buffer against extreme price volatility due to its dual appeal to owner-occupiers and the defense rental market.
๐ฐ Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
๐ House Median
$715,000
$650k – $980k
๐ข Unit Median
$465,000
$420k – $510k
๐ Price Trend
+14.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
๐ Weekly Rents
Houses $650pw, Units $520pw
Current asking rents
๐ 5-Year Price History
๐๏ธ Property Type Split
The rapid price escalation reflects the exhaustion of affordable stock in the Perth metropolitan area, pushing buyers further south.
๐ฏ Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
12% below Perth metro median
Price comparison
๐ Income Ratio
6.8x average household income
Median price รท median income
๐ณ Gross Yield
4.9% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While prices have risen, Port Kennedy remains accessible for dual-income families compared to the inner-ring suburbs.
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
12 days
Avg time on market
๐ Rent Growth p.a.
+15%
Annual rental increase
Demand LevelVery High
๐ค Tenant Profile
Defense families, young couples, and tradespeople working in the Kwinana strip.
๐ผ Investor Outlook
Extremely strong cash flow potential with minimal vacancy risk. Capital growth is now moderating but rental yields remain attractive.
๐ Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+14.2%
1-Year Growth
+48%
3-Year Growth
+72%
5-Year Growth
๐ Growth Drivers
- Ongoing population growth in the City of Rockingham.
- Expansion of the Kwinana industrial and hydrogen hubs.
- Lifestyle shift towards coastal 'work-from-home' friendly areas.
- Relative affordability compared to Secret Harbour and Golden Bay.
โ Headwinds
- Rising interest rates impacting the borrowing capacity of the local demographic.
- Potential for increased land release in further-out southern corridors.
- High insurance premiums in coastal/bushfire prone zones.
๐ฎ 5-Year Outlook
Steady growth expected to continue, though at a more sustainable pace of 4-6% per annum as the market finds its new ceiling.
๐ก๏ธ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
5
Safety Score
Average
๐ Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
8% above metro average for opportunistic crime
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Burglary: Medium Property Damage: Medium Personal Safety: Low
๐ What to Check Locally
Review the WA Police crime map for specific street-level data; avoid properties directly adjacent to large unlit parklands or pedestrian laneways.
โ ๏ธ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
๐ Summary
Primary risks involve environmental factors and localized social dynamics.
๐ Flood Risk
Low risk for most residential areas; check specific coastal inundation maps for beachfront properties.
๐ฅ Bushfire Risk
High risk for properties bordering the Port Kennedy Scientific Park and Lark Hill.
๐ฆ Insurance Impact
Expect higher premiums for properties within 500m of the shoreline or in designated bushfire prone areas.
๐บ๏ธ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
๐ Typical Zoning
R20 Low Density Residential
๐ฒ Overlays
Bushfire Prone Area, Coastal Hazard Risk Management.
๐๏ธ Development Hotspots
Limited infill; most activity is in the renovation of 1990s stock.
Strict coastal planning policies may limit future extensions or second-storey additions on the western fringe.
๐ณ Liveability
Day-to-day experience โ transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
๐ Transport
Car-reliant; bus services connect to the Mandurah train line at Warnbro.
๐๏ธ Amenity & Retail
Good local shopping at Port Kennedy Central and proximity to Warnbro Centre.
๐ฒ Parks & Recreation
Excellent; includes the Scientific Park, multiple local ovals, and the beach.
๐ซ Schools
Primary schools are well-regarded; secondary schooling usually requires travel to Warnbro or Secret Harbour.
๐ฅ Healthcare
Served by Rockingham General Hospital (approx. 10-15 mins drive).
๐ฅ Demographics
Who lives here โ income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A hardworking, family-centric population with a high proportion of technicians and trades workers.
๐ต Median Income
$88,400 pa
๐ Ownership
68% owner-occupied (including with mortgage), 30% renting
๐ Age Profile
Median age 36
๐ Education
High proportion of vocational (TAFE) qualifications.
๐ Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy rate in many pockets supports long-term price stability and neighborhood pride.
๐๏ธ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
๐ Overview
Focus is on infrastructure upgrades and coastal management rather than high-density residential.
๐ Positive Impacts
- Upgrades to the Port Kennedy boat ramp and foreshore facilities.
- Expansion of the Rockingham industrial zone providing local jobs.
- Proposed improvements to the Kwinana Freeway interchanges.
๐ Negative Impacts
- Ongoing coastal erosion mitigation costs.
- Construction noise from nearby estate completions in Golden Bay.
๐บ๏ธ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
๐Secret Harbour
Position South
Price More expensive
Lifestyle More 'surf-culture' and higher-end master planning.
Best for Upsizers and beach enthusiasts.
๐Warnbro
Position North
Price Slightly cheaper to comparable
Lifestyle Older established homes, closer to the train station.
Best for First home buyers and commuters.
๐Golden Bay
Position South-East
Price Comparable
Lifestyle Newer estates, smaller blocks, more modern feel.
Best for Young families seeking new builds.
๐Baldivis
Position East
Price Comparable
Lifestyle Inland, massive retail hub, very high density.
Best for Families not prioritizing the beach.
๐ Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile โ useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Butler
WA
7.0/10
Northern equivalent offering coastal access and family-sized blocks at a similar price point.
Currimundi
QLD
7.4/10
Offers a similar 'older coastal' vibe with a mix of renovation potential and lifestyle amenities.
Aldinga Beach
SA
7.1/10
Outer-metro coastal suburb with a strong family demographic and similar distance to a major city.
Ocean Grove
VIC
7.8/10
Though more expensive, it shares the 'coastal-recreational' DNA and strong family appeal.
๐ฌ Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
๐ Overall Community Sentiment
Residents generally love the outdoor lifestyle and the ability to own a large home near the water, though there are consistent mentions of needing better security in certain streets.
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Lifestyle
Best place to raise kids if they love the water; we spend every weekend at the beach or the park.
Family friendly Outdoor life
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Safety
Love my house and the price was right, but I did invest in a good security system after a few car break-ins on our street.
Affordability Crime
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Convenience
Perfect location for work at the base and the rental market here is so strong I'll keep it as an investment when I'm posted elsewhere.
Work proximity Investment potential
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Recreation
The golf course is world-class and the morning walks along the dunes are unbeatable.
Leisure Nature
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Space
Hard to find blocks this big elsewhere for this price; I have plenty of room for my boat and the shed.
Block size Value
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Transport
The drive to the city is becoming a nightmare with the traffic; I wish the train station was closer.
Commute time Traffic
๐ก Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
๐งโ๐ผ Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties west of Read Street for better long-term capital growth and lifestyle.
- Check for 'coastal corrosion' on roof valleys, gutters, and air conditioning units.
- Look for homes with side access; these are highly prized in this market for boat/caravan storage.
- Verify if the property is in a designated bushfire prone area as this affects renovation costs.
- Negotiate harder on properties with original 1990s interiors that require significant CAPEX.
โ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property located within a designated bushfire prone area?
- Has the home been treated for termites recently, and is there a current certificate?
- What is the age of the hot water system and air conditioning units?
- Are there any known issues with the garden bore or reticulation system?
- What are the typical electricity costs for a home of this size in this street?
- Has the property ever had issues with coastal inundation or storm surge?
- What is the percentage of owner-occupiers in this specific street?
๐ท๏ธ Seller Strategy
- Highlight energy-efficient upgrades like solar, which are highly valued by local families.
- Ensure garden bore is operational; lush lawns are a major selling point in this sandy soil.
- Stage outdoor entertaining areas to emphasize the coastal lifestyle.
- Address any minor security concerns (e.g., install sensor lights) before listing.
- Target the defense relocation window (typically late in the year).
๐ฃ Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'lifestyle sanctuary' that balances work-from-home capability with immediate beach and golf access.
๐ผ Investment Case
High-yield, low-vacancy play with a reliable tenant base from the defense and industrial sectors.
โ ๏ธ Investment Risks
Higher maintenance costs due to salt air and potential for localized social issues impacting specific streets.
๐ Action Plan
- Target 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes on 600sqm+ blocks.
- Ensure the property has secure fencing and a double garage.
- Budget for higher-than-average exterior paint and metal maintenance.
- Screen tenants rigorously for long-term stability.
๐ Renter Tips
- Have your application ready before the viewing; properties move in days.
- Look for homes with solar panels to offset high cooling costs in summer.
- Check mobile reception inside the house as some pockets have dead zones.
๐๏ธ What Renters Love Here
Large homes, proximity to the beach, and plenty of space for pets.
โ ๏ธ Renter Watch-Outs
High demand means competitive pricing; some older rentals may have poor insulation.
๐ข Landlord Strategy
- Consider long-term leases for defense personnel for guaranteed rental income.
- Regularly service air conditioning units before the summer peak.
- Maintain the garden bore to protect the property's curb appeal.
๐ Compliance & Management
Ensure all RCDs and smoke alarms are compliant with WA legislation; check pool fencing if applicable.
๐ค Agent Insights
- The market is currently driven by interstate investors and local first-home buyers.
- Stock levels remain 30% below the 5-year average.
- Properties with 'move-in ready' renovations are achieving significant premiums.
๐ฏ Marketing Angles
Focus on 'The Coastal Dream for Under $800k' and 'The Ultimate Family Backyard'.
๐ค Target Buyer Profile
Young families, defense personnel, and East Coast investors.
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Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
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Check the City of Rockingham's IntraMaps for zoning and overlays.โ
Order a professional building and pest inspection focusing on salt damp and termites.โ
Verify the property's inclusion in the Bushfire Prone Areas map.โ
Review the WA Police crime statistics for the specific street and surrounding blocks.โ
Check for any planned infrastructure projects on the Main Roads WA website.โ
Confirm the school catchment zones via the Department of Education's 'Find a School' tool.โ
Inspect the condition of all external metalwork (fences, gutters, sheds).โ
Test the operation of the garden bore and reticulation.โ
Verify all building approvals for patios, sheds, or extensions with the Council.โ
Assess the distance and noise levels from the eastern industrial zone.โ
Check NBN availability and connection type (FTTP vs FTTN).โ
Review the Title for any restrictive covenants or easements.๐ Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
๐ rockingham.wa.gov.au ๐ abs.gov.au ๐ wa.gov.au ๐ mainroads.wa.gov.au ๐ police.wa.gov.au
โ ๏ธ Important Disclaimer
This report is a general market analysis and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Data is based on projections and available information as of March 2026. Buyers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice before purchasing.
