Why Albany, Bunbury, Busselton and Geraldton Are Leading WA’s Next Property Boom

Western Australia’s regional towns have always offered something Perth can’t. More space, a slower pace and a sense of community that’s hard to replicate in the suburbs. And right now, four of these towns are offering something more: a genuine opportunity to build in a growing market.

Albany, Bunbury, Busselton and Geraldton aren’t just great places to live. They’re smart places to build.

Albany

The Great Southern’s largest city has consistently ranked among WA’s top-performing regional markets, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different. REIWA forecasts annual median house price growth of 20 per cent or higher in Albany this year, driven by strong, sustained buyer demand.

Albany’s appeal is easy to understand. It’s a place where you can wake up to ocean views at Middleton Beach, take a short drive to world-class surf at Emu Point, and watch humpback whales pass through the bay from May to October. It’s also a genuinely liveable city, with good schools, strong community connections and a growing range of local amenities.

The Cook Government’s Seven Cities strategy has named Albany as one of the state’s seven key regional centres, with $60 million committed to a new 32-bed modular ward at the Albany Health Campus. Improved health infrastructure supports population growth, and population growth supports property values.

For homebuyers, land in Albany remains accessible, with the median land price currently at $257,500. That’s a very different story from current Perth prices. For homebuyers, land in Albany remains accessible, with the median land price currently at $257,500. While this figure is likely to increase given current market conditions, it’s still a very different story from current Perth prices. 

Bunbury

WA’s third most populous city after Perth and Mandurah, Bunbury has long served as the economic and service hub of the South West. Known as the City of Three Waters, it sits at the intersection of the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet, giving it a coastal character that sets it apart from most regional cities of its size.

REIWA forecasts 15 to 20 per cent median house price growth in Bunbury for 2026, and the investment picture underpinning that forecast is significant. The Seven Cities strategy has committed $89.1 million to upgrades at Casuarina Boat Harbour and $38.4 million for studies at the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area, with improved Australind train services between Perth and Bunbury also on the way.

Bunbury offers a strong local economy, multiple shopping precincts and a vibrant food and hospitality scene along its famous cappuccino strip. For families, there’s a well-established network of schools and a regional campus of Edith Cowan University. It’s a city that functions well and continues to grow.

Busselton

Busselton has a quality-of-life argument that’s hard to counter. Sheltered on the shores of Geographe Bay, with crystal-clear water, an iconic 1.8km jetty and a thriving town centre along Queen Street, it draws people in and tends to keep them.

What sets Busselton apart from many coastal towns is its infrastructure. Direct interstate flights to Busselton-Margaret River Airport have changed the equation for those considering a move, making the coastal lifestyle more accessible than ever. With Dunsborough and the Margaret River region close by, Busselton also benefits from being the gateway to one of WA’s most sought-after lifestyle corridors.

REIWA forecasts 20 per cent or higher growth for Busselton in 2026, continuing a trend of strong performance driven by coastal demand and constrained supply.

Geraldton

Geraldton is the Mid West’s economic centre and, by some measures, the state’s most compelling regional growth story at present. In the September 2025 quarter, Geraldton’s median house price rose by 4.8 per cent to $550,000, making it the state’s top performer for annual growth for the third consecutive quarter.

REIWA forecasts 20 per cent or higher growth for Geraldton in 2026 as well, supported by infrastructure investment that is generating strong employment in the region. Despite that growth trajectory, Geraldton still offers genuine affordability compared with Perth’s $890,000 median.

REIWA forecasts 20 per cent or higher growth for Geraldton in 2026, underpinned by the Mid West’s booming resource sector. As the region’s primary service and economic hub, Geraldton supports a significant FIFO workforce, and the demand that generates for housing, services and community infrastructure is consistent and growing.  

As a Seven Cities centre, sustained government investment is already underway. Despite that growth trajectory, Geraldton remains more affordable than Perth’s $890,000 median. 

What makes a town builder-friendly?

Understanding why a town is a good place to live is one thing. Understanding why it’s a good place to build is another.

The four towns covered here tick the key boxes. Land supply is active and accessible across all four regions, with new estate developments offering genuine choice for buyers who want to build rather than compete for established stock. Infrastructure is either already in place or actively funded, supporting timelines and tradespeople working in the area. Each town has an established builder ecosystem, with local trades, local knowledge and local relationships that make the process smoother.

WA Country Builders has had offices and teams across all four regions for decades. We know the land and the trades. That’s not a small thing when you’re building somewhere new.

Ready to build in regional WA?

Whether it’s Albany’s Great Southern lifestyle, Bunbury’s city-meets-coast energy, Busselton’s coastal community, or Geraldton’s growth momentum that speaks to you, we’d love to help you find the right home in the right location.

Browse our home designs or get in touch with your local WA Country Builders team.