Blair Scott
21B Nesbitt Road, Spencer Park, WA 6330
Offers above $800,000
3 2 2
Open Saturday 29 August 11:30 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Spencer Park — Menang Noongar Country
Originally developed as a residential extension of Albany's core during the post-war boom, Spencer Park was designed to provide housing for the growing workforce. It transitioned from semi-rural land to a structured suburb with a significant focus on public health infrastructure and family housing in the 1960s and 70s.
The suburb is now defined by its proximity to the Albany Health Campus and a mix of renovated post-war cottages and original brick-and-tile family homes.
Overall Score
7
A solid performer for families and investors due to essential infrastructure and relative value.
Aboriginal Name
Kinjarling— "Place of rain"
Name Origin
Named after Sir Richard Spencer, the Government Resident who settled in Albany in 1833.
Established
Gazetted 1962
Healthcare Hub
Home to the $170m Albany Health Campus
Education
Host to one of the region's largest primary schools
Green Space
Bordered by the Mount Clarence bushland reserve
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6
Steady growth driven by regional migration and local healthcare worker demand.
Amenity
8
Excellent access to the regional hospital, local shopping, and essential services.
Schools
7
Spencer Park Primary is well-regarded; secondary options are within a short commute.
Transport
5
Car-dependent like most of Albany, though bus routes serve the hospital and CBD.
Risk Profile
6
Moderate risk associated with older building materials and socio-economic diversity.
Liveability
7
High for families and medical professionals seeking short commutes.
Demographics
6
A mix of long-term retirees, young families, and a high proportion of medical staff.
Rental Demand
9
Extremely high due to the constant influx of contract medical staff and local workers.
Growth Potential
7
Strong, as buyers are priced out of premium coastal suburbs like Middleton Beach.
Affordability
8
One of Albany's more accessible suburbs for first-home buyers.
Crime & Safety
6
Generally safe, though opportunistic crime is noted in higher-density pockets.
Walkability
6
Reasonable walkability to local shops and the hospital, but hilly in parts.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House Price
$565,000
Estimated March 2026
Annual Growth
5.5%
Steady regional appreciation
Vacancy Rate
0.7%
Critically undersupplied
Gross Yield
5.2%
Attractive for investors
Family Ratio
68%
Dominant household type
Major Employer
Albany Hospital
Within walking distance
✅ Key Advantages
- Immediate proximity to Albany Health Campus provides a stable tenant base.
- Large traditional blocks (700sqm+) offer future subdivision or extension potential.
- Central location only 5 minutes from the Albany CBD and 5 minutes to Middleton Beach.
- Established local shopping centre including a supermarket and pharmacy.
- Generally more affordable than neighbouring Mira Mar and Mount Clarence.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Presence of older housing stock containing asbestos and lead paint.
- Significant pockets of Department of Communities (Social Housing) properties.
- Traffic congestion around the hospital and school zones during peak hours.
- Eastern fringes may be subject to bushfire overlay requirements.
- Limited nightlife or high-end dining within the suburb boundaries.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Healthcare Hub
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly 1960s-1980s brick and tile bungalows with increasing modern infill.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$480k – $780k
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Spencer Park serves as the functional heart of Albany's medical district. For buyers, it represents a 'middle-ring' opportunity where utility and location outweigh prestige, making it resilient during economic downturns.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$565,000
$490k – $750k
🏢 Unit Median
$395,000
$340k – $450k
📈 Price Trend
+5.5% over the last 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $520 - $600pw, Units $380 - $450pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
Prices have stabilized following the post-pandemic surge but remain on an upward trajectory due to the chronic lack of new supply in the Albany region.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
38% below Perth Metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
6.2x annual household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
5.2% gross
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Spencer Park remains highly accessible for dual-income families, though the rapid rise in rents has impacted local affordability for single-income households.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.7%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.5%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Healthcare professionals, teachers, and young families working in the CBD.
💼 Investor Outlook
Extremely strong. The proximity to the hospital ensures a constant stream of high-quality professional tenants, minimizing vacancy risk.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.5%
1-Year Growth
+18.2%
3-Year Growth
+46.8%
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing expansion of medical services at Albany Health Campus.
- Limited land release in central Albany forcing buyers into established suburbs.
- Gentrification as younger buyers renovate older 1960s stock.
- Strong regional economy supported by agriculture and tourism.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising construction costs making renovations more expensive.
- Potential for interest rate sensitivity in the mid-market price bracket.
- Limited stock turnover as residents 'age in place'.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady capital growth outperforming the state average, driven by the suburb's 'essential' status and the lack of competing new developments.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6
Safety Score
Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% below Perth metro crime rates
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Opportunistic Theft: Medium
Property Damage: Medium
Violent Crime: Low
📋 What to Check Locally
Review the specific street's proximity to high-density social housing clusters and check for security features like sensor lighting and fencing.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
The primary risks are related to the age of the housing stock and localized socio-economic factors rather than environmental hazards.
🌊 Flood Risk
Negligible risk; the suburb is elevated and well-drained.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Moderate risk on the eastern boundary near Mount Clarence; check BAL ratings for new builds.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply; no significant regional loading identified.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
R20 (Single Residential) with pockets of R30
🔲 Overlays
Bushfire Prone Area (eastern fringe), Heritage (limited)
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Infill development occurring on larger corner blocks near the shopping centre.
Zoning allows for moderate density increases, making larger blocks attractive for long-term land banking or duplex potential.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Primarily car-based; local bus services connect to the Albany CBD.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
High; features a dedicated shopping village and is close to major retail hubs.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Excellent access to Eyre Park and the Mount Clarence trail network.
🏫 Schools
Strong; Spencer Park Primary is a focal point for the community.
🏥 Healthcare
Exceptional; the suburb is the primary medical precinct for the Great Southern region.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A diverse community transitioning from an older retiree base to a younger, professional demographic.
💵 Median Income
$74,500 pa
🏠 Ownership
64% owner-occupied, 34% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 39
🎓 Education
High proportion of vocational and health-related qualifications.
📊 Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy rate and professional tenant base provide market stability.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Recent and planned upgrades are focused on healthcare infrastructure and local road safety.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Continued investment in Albany Health Campus facilities.
- Upgrades to local parklands and playground equipment.
- Improved pedestrian links to the CBD.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased traffic volume on Hardie Road.
- Construction noise from hospital expansions.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Mira Mar
Position
West
Price
15% more expensive
Lifestyle
Elevated views, more prestige.
Best for
Professional families.
📍Yakamia
Position
North
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
Newer homes, less character.
Best for
First home buyers.
📍Middleton Beach
Position
East
Price
60% more expensive
Lifestyle
Coastal lifestyle, tourism focus.
Best for
High-net-worth buyers.
📍Lockyer
Position
South-West
Price
10% cheaper
Lifestyle
Higher social housing concentration.
Best for
Budget-conscious investors.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
South Bunbury
WA
7/10
Proximity to a major regional hospital and a mix of older housing stock.
East Tamworth
NSW
8/10
Established regional suburb with high demand from medical and education professionals.
Riverside
TAS
7/10
Family-centric regional suburb with solid schools and central access.
Mount Gambier
SA
7/10
Affordable regional entry point with strong rental yields and essential services.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the suburb for its convenience and family-friendly atmosphere, though some note the need for continued revitalization of older streets.
★★★★★
Work-life balance
I walk to the hospital for my shifts in 5 minutes. It's safe, quiet, and my kids love the local primary school.
Convenience
Safety
★★★★☆
Renovation potential
Bought a 1970s brick house here. It needed work, but the block is huge and the value is definitely growing.
Value
Maintenance
★★★★☆
Amenity access
The shopping centre has everything I need. I do wish the buses ran a bit more frequently on weekends.
Amenities
Transport
★★★★★
Rental returns
Never had a week of vacancy in four years. The demand from hospital staff is relentless.
Yield
Demand
★★★☆☆
Lifestyle
It's a bit quiet at night, but being so close to the beach and town makes up for it.
Location
Nightlife
★★★★☆
Community feel
Great parks nearby for the kids, though some of the older rentals on my street could use a tidy up.
Parks
Streetscape
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties on the western side of the suburb for better proximity to the CBD and higher resale value.
- Budget for a comprehensive building inspection to check for asbestos in eaves and wet areas.
- Look for R30 zoned corner blocks with subdivision potential (STCA).
- Check the street for the ratio of owner-occupiers versus rentals.
- Negotiate harder on properties with original 1960s wiring or plumbing.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- What is the current percentage of social housing on this specific street?
- Has the property been tested for asbestos or lead paint?
- Are there any planned expansions for the hospital that will impact traffic on this road?
- What is the current rental appraisal based on recent hospital staff placements?
- Is the property located within a designated bushfire prone area?
- Have there been any recent zoning changes or proposed developments nearby?
- What is the age and condition of the roof and electrical wiring?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight proximity to the hospital in all marketing materials to attract medical professionals.
- Ensure gardens are tidy; street appeal is a major factor for family buyers in this price bracket.
- Consider a pre-sale building report to address any maintenance issues before they become negotiation hurdles.
- Showcase any energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels or insulation.
- Target the 'first home buyer' demographic with clear, transparent pricing.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'low-risk, high-utility' asset. Emphasize the lifestyle convenience for workers and the long-term land value of the established block.
💼 Investment Case
High-yield strategy targeting medical staff.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Higher maintenance costs on older stock and potential for localized social issues.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-bedroom brick homes within 1km of the hospital.
- Install modern security features to appeal to professional tenants.
- Verify the property's history regarding social housing management.
- Maintain a healthy maintenance sinking fund.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Be ready with references; competition for quality houses is fierce.
- Check for heating and cooling, as Albany winters can be damp.
- Look for properties with secure parking.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Short commute to major employers and schools.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Older homes can be expensive to heat in winter.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Consider offering longer leases (12-24 months) to attract stable medical staff.
- Regularly update wet areas to maintain premium rent levels.
- Ensure compliance with WA's latest rental safety standards.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarms and RCDs are tested annually as per WA legislation.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is currently driven by local upgraders and interstate investors.
- Stock levels remain 20% below the 5-year average.
- Properties priced under $600k are selling within 14 days.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Hospital Precinct Advantage' and 'Subdivision Potential'.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Medical professionals, first home buyers, and yield-focused investors.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Verify property zoning on the City of Albany planning portal.
✓
Order a comprehensive building and pest inspection.
✓
Check the BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating if near the eastern boundary.
✓
Review the title for any restrictive covenants or easements.
✓
Assess the condition of the fencing and boundary lines.
✓
Investigate the proximity to the nearest social housing clusters.
✓
Test all plumbing and electrical systems for age-related wear.
✓
Check for signs of rising damp or poor drainage.
✓
Confirm the availability of NBN and mobile coverage strength.
✓
Review the local school catchment boundaries.
✓
Analyze recent comparable sales within a 500m radius.
✓
Evaluate the potential for future noise from hospital helicopter flight paths.
📚 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 2026-03-31 and includes projections. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any property purchase.
