Image sourced from Cotality
You’ve probably heard of Bunbury, but have you really heard of Bunbury? Two hours south of Perth, Bunbury is often dismissed as a pit stop on the way to the cheese and cabernet of Margaret River. But those who spend a little time here find something else entirely. A town on the rise, with soul, swagger, and a knockout coastline.
It’s a destination. A lifestyle. A fabulous contradiction of wild nature and growing ambition. Where real estate gives you actual space, but your morning coffee is world-class and single origin. And if you’re even halfway thinking about moving somewhere that doesn’t require sacrificing lifestyle for affordability, or vice versa, this coastal sleeper should be at the top of your list.
It’s where WA’s southwest really begins to stretch its legs and does so in spectacular fashion. The Indian Ocean crashes against curved bays, mangroves tangle in the estuary, and dolphins nonchalantly glide around Koombana Bay like they own the place (because they do).
Walk a little further along and you hit the Bunbury Foreshore redevelopment—$12 million worth of landscaped paths, picnic zones, and art installations.
Behind the shoreline, the mangroves of Leschenault Inlet hum with dragonflies and the occasional fisherman muttering about tides. Black swans cruise past reeds, pelicans perch on mooring poles, and at dusk the whole scene glows gold.
City streets, small-town stories
Wander through town and you’ll see historic sandstone façades sitting cheek-by-jowl with sleek modern builds, boutique wine bars next to second-hand bookstores. Victoria Street is the beating heart: tree-lined, walkable, and dotted with cafes, galleries and the occasional absurdly good croissant.
Pop into Hello Duck for breakfast, where locals nurse flat whites while repeating the surf report. Nearby Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) is set inside a pink convent and gives off Wes Anderson energy. And hosts rotating exhibitions from both regional and national artists.
Drive twenty minutes inland and you’re in Ferguson Valley, a patchwork of rolling vineyards, art studios, and wildflowers that spill onto the roadside. St Aidan Wines has a tasting room that overlooks the vines, and in spring the wild orchids start to bloom around Crooked Brook Forest like nature’s own confetti toss.
On a Saturday, you might find yourself at the Bunbury Farmers Market deciding between locally made gnocchi or smoked brisket. It’s not a market; it’s a full-body sensory experience.
First-home buyers: What $700K can still get you
While Perth continues its steady price climb, Bunbury’s housing market remains, frankly, a bit of a steal. You can nab a four-bedroom weatherboard with a backyard worthy of a trampoline and veggie patch for under $600K. In East Bunbury, family homes back onto the inlet. In South Bunbury, you’re a three-minute drive to the surf and still have space for a camper trailer and a lemon tree.
First-home buyers, upgraders, investors—they’re already cottoning on. And as infrastructure projects ramp up and the city shakes off its old skin, prices are expected to rise. But right now? You’re looking at lifestyle for the cost of a Melbourne apartment deposit.
As of April 2025, the median house price in Bunbury sits at $700,000. That's less than half the price tag in Perth's coastal suburbs like Cottesloe ($1.5 million), and a fraction of what you'd pay for an ocean-view home in Sydney, where some medians top $3 million.
But what makes Bunbury work?
Coastal life, city comforts
Bunbury offers the best of both worlds: quality healthcare through the South West Health Campus, education options like ECU South West, solid public transport, and everyday essentials. All wrapped up in a laid-back coastal vibe.
Strong signs of growth
In the past year, Bunbury homes have grown in value by 9.3%, outpacing the WA average of 6.2%. With local infrastructure booming and population growth in the pipeline, experts say there's more upside.
Investment in the region
Projects like the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, one of the largest infrastructure builds in regional WA, are set to improve connectivity, cut congestion, and open the door to further development—a clear sign that the region is growing.
Room to move
Whether you're looking for a one-bed apartment near the water or a full-block family home five minutes from the beach, Bunbury still has options. In suburbs like South Bunbury, Withers and Dalyellup, you'll find three-bedroom homes under $755,000.
How Aussie can help first-home buyers
Whatever stage you're at, from just browsing to ready to buy, Aussie has the tools and support to help you move with confidence:
Still saving a deposit? Use our Borrowing Power Calculator to check out 5% deposit options or get help from a family guarantor.
Looking to maximise value? Search for homes under WA's $430,000 stamp duty threshold for first-home buyers.
Want to think long term? Use the Aussie app to track your equity and get real-time insights—perfect for planning your next move, whether it's refinancing or investing.
Upgraders: Room to grow, room to breathe
Need more space for a growing family, a home office, or just your ensuite at last?
Bunbury has what Perth's outer suburbs are quickly running out of: generous block sizes, solid infrastructure, and family-friendly value.
Finding blocks over 600 sq m in Bunbury is still possible, especially in family-focused areas like Dalyellup, East Bunbury, and South Bunbury.
Newer estates often range from 580 sq m to 800 sq m, while older suburbs offer large, established lots with room for a trampoline, veggie patch, and weekend project shed.
Compare that to Perth's urban infill zones, where lots like Wellard and Baldivis are now averaging under 375 sq m. If space is non-negotiable, Bunbury offers more.
Bunbury is also family-ready and future-focused, capturing upgraders' attention for various reasons:
New schools and education zones: Dalyellup already has schools like Tuart Forest Primary and Dalyellup College. As the population grows, more educational facilities are being built.
Major health investment: Bunbury Hospital is getting a $200 million redevelopment to expand maternity, aged care, cancer and emergency services. That means less pressure on Perth hospitals and more local support for growing families.
Easier commuting, faster travel: The $1.25 billion Bunbury Outer Ring Road is on track to cut congestion and improve access between Bunbury, Busselton and Perth. Completion is set for 2026, and it's WA's biggest South West road project yet.
How Aussie can help upgraders
Thinking about upgrading but unsure if now's the right time? Aussie has the tools and support to help you plan it out:
Track equity with the Aussie App and see what's possible based on your current home value.
Use our Borrowing Power Calculator to explore what a bigger loan could look like.
Book a free Home Loan Health Check with an Aussie Broker and talk through your options.
Investors: Your next high-return move starts here
Let's talk returns because Bunbury's property market is ticking many boxes for savvy investors in 2025.
Rental competition is fierce in the South West, and Bunbury's right at the heart of it.
As of May 2025, the median house rent is $630 per week, with gross rental yields around 4.9% for houses and over 6% for units.
Vacancy rates are tight, too. Just 0.7% in April 2025 across the Bunbury region, meaning shorter vacancy gaps and more consistent cash flow.
In suburbs like Carey Park and Glen Iris, you'll also find house prices under $500,000:
Carey Park median: $450,000
Glen Iris median: $470,000
The numbers can work at these levels, whether you're buying your first investment or diversifying away from metro markets. Add a smart reno, granny flat, or dual-income layout, and the upside grows.
Bunbury's not just a lifestyle town; it's a regional city with growth locked in. Here's what backs it up:
Diverse economy: With trade through Bunbury Port, a growing education and health sector, and strong tourism, the local economy isn't tied to just one industry.
Massive infrastructure pipeline: The $1.25 billion Outer Ring Road and $200 million hospital redevelopment are reshaping the region, bringing new jobs and long-term population growth.
Liveability renters love: Coastal living, green space, schools, a local arts scene, and campuses for both TAFE and ECU. It's the kind of location that attracts and keeps long-term tenants.
How Aussie can help investors
Aussie Brokers work with investors daily to make your money go further, especially if you're considering unlocking equity from another property to fund your next one.
Here's how we can help:
Understand how much equity you can release.
Compare your current loan with competitive options.
See if you can upgrade your loan features or rates.
Renovators and refinancers: Make your equity work harder
Bought in Bunbury a few years ago? Chances are, you're sitting on solid equity. From 2019 to 2024, house prices in the region rose more than 38%, with the median jumping from $480,000 to $665,000.
That growth isn't just something to feel good about; it's something you can use. Whether you're upgrading your home, cutting your repayments, or gearing up to invest again, your equity could be the key to unlocking your next move.
Renovate with a plan.
Done right, a renovation can boost both your lifestyle and your property's rental appeal.
Kitchens, bathrooms, or creating a dual-income layout with a granny flat or studio can go a long way, especially in high-demand suburbs like East Bunbury, South Bunbury and Carey Park, where vacancy rates are under 1%.
Refinance to save or simplify.
A refinance could make a real difference if you're looking to cut monthly costs, consolidate debt, or tap into loan features like an offset account. As of May 2025, the average variable owner-occupier rate is around 5.9%, but sharper rates, closer to 5.0%, are available for refinancers with good equity.
Even a 0.5% drop on a $600,000 loan could save you around $180* a month, which is over $2,000 a year that stays in your pocket.
Use your equity to buy again.
Looking to invest in a second property? Bunbury's price point makes it doable without overextending. Compare the medians:
Bunbury: $700,000
Perth metro: $735,276
Sydney metro: $1.1 million
With equity from your current home, you could secure a second property, often with a lower deposit and lower overall debt than you'd face in a capital city.
How Aussie can help renovators and refinancers
The biggest mistake renovators make is spending more than the street or suburb can support.
For example, a $80K kitchen upgrade might look great, but if similar homes in the area top out at $500K, you may not get the expected return.
That's where an Aussie Broker comes in. They don't just help you access funds, they help you make smarter choices. They can:
Sense-check your reno plans.
Structure your refinance to keep cash flow on track.
Final thoughts: Bunbury is a smart move forward
Bunbury offers a great deal, whether you're stepping onto the property ladder, upsizing for more space, unlocking equity, or growing your investment portfolio.
It's one of the few markets in 2025 offering the rare mix of affordability, rental strength, growth potential, and lifestyle.
The best part? You don't have to figure it out on your own.
Aussie's tools make it easy to check your numbers, and our Brokers are here to help you turn opportunity into action.
Ready to see what's possible?
Talk to an Aussie broker today and turn your Bunbury property goals into reality.