Buying A Unit Vs House in Perth, The 2026 Guide

In 2026, Perth offers genuine choice between units and houses across most price points - a luxury many Australian capitals can't match. Whether you're considering a modern apartment in West Perth - East Perth or a family home in Baldivis , the decision affects everything from your deposit requirements to your monthly costs.

With the First Home Guarantee Perth metro cap now at $850,000 and WA's stamp duty exemption applying to purchases up to $500,000, both property types offer genuine advantages depending on your situation. The off-the-plan stamp duty concession (extended to 30 June 2026) can save apartment buyers thousands, while established houses in growth corridors often qualify for the full stamp duty exemption.

Launch Finance helps Perth buyers compare their unit and house options across our wide panel of lenders, completely free of charge.

Here's what you need to know about the costs, lifestyle differences, and loan considerations before making your choice.

Why does property type affect your borrowing?

Your choice between a unit and house directly affects your borrowing capacity, deposit requirements, and ongoing costs. Lenders assess apartments and houses differently due to valuation, maintenance, and resale considerations.

Units typically require lower deposits due to their lower entry prices, but lenders often apply stricter loan-to-value ratios for apartments in buildings with high investor ratios. Houses generally receive more flexible lending terms but require larger deposits due to higher purchase prices.

The exact impact depends on the specific property, building quality, and which lender assesses your application - which is what we work through with you in a free consultation.

Government schemes available in Perth

• First Home Guarantee : 5% deposit, no LMI, up to $850,000 in Perth. Available for both units and houses.
• WA First Home Owner Grant:$10,000 for new builds only, including off-the-plan apartments under $750,000.
• WA stamp duty exemption: no transfer duty on properties up to $500,000, with concessions to $700,000 in Perth metro.
• Off-the-plan stamp duty concession: 100% exemption to $750,000 for pre-construction contracts, 75% for under-construction (expires 30 June 2026).
• Family Home Guarantee: 2% deposit for single parents, no first home buyer requirement, $850,000 Perth cap.

• Launch Finance Like to know which property type suits your budget and goals? Before you get too far into your research, it helps to know your numbers. A free chat with a Perth mortgage broker gives you a clear picture of what you can afford and which schemes apply - no commitment, no pressure. 5-star review Local experts No obligations Book a free chat today →

How does the approval process differ between units and houses?

Step 1: Talk to us

Get in touch and we'll assess your borrowing position for both property types and explain which government schemes apply to your situation.

Step 2: Property type assessment

We identify which lenders offer the most competitive terms for your preferred property type and location, as policies vary significantly between apartment and house lending.

Step 3: Pre-approval application

We submit your application to the lender that gives you the strongest borrowing capacity and rate for your chosen property type.

Step 4: Property search

With pre-approval in place, you can search confidently within your confirmed budget, knowing exactly what you qualify for.

Step 5: Property valuation

We coordinate the formal valuation once you find a property, ensuring the process runs smoothly through to unconditional approval.

Step 6: Settlement preparation

We work with your solicitor to finalise the loan documents and ensure settlement occurs on schedule.

What are the common mistakes buyers make when choosing property type?

The biggest mistake Perth buyers make is choosing property type based on monthly repayments alone, without considering the total cost of ownership. A unit might have lower loan repayments but higher strata fees, while a house might have higher mortgage payments but lower ongoing costs.

Many buyers also assume apartments are always cheaper to buy than houses. In inner Perth suburbs like Subiaco or South Perth, quality apartments can cost more than houses in outer suburbs like Ellenbrook or Alkimos.

Unit vs house: comparing the key differences

• Entry price: Perth units typically range from $400,000-$800,000, while houses start from $550,000 in outer suburbs up to $3.5M+ in premium areas like Cottesloe.
• Ongoing costs: units include strata fees ($1,500-$8,000+ annually) but lower maintenance; houses have no strata fees but full maintenance responsibility.
• Rental yield: units in inner suburbs often achieve higher yields (5-7%) compared to houses (3-5%) due to lower purchase prices and strong rental demand.
• Growth potential: houses historically outperform units for capital growth, but location matters more than property type for long-term returns.
• First home buyer advantages: units often qualify for multiple stamp duty concessions and are more likely to fall under the $850,000 First Home Guarantee cap.
• Lending flexibility: houses receive more competitive rates and higher LVR options; some lenders restrict apartment lending based on building height or investor ratios.

• Launch Finance Ready to find out which property type gives you the strongest start? We compare loans from a wide panel of lenders across Perth. Free service, no cost to you. 5-star review Local experts No obligations Book a free chat today →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to get a loan for a unit than a house?

Not necessarily - it depends on the building and lender. Some lenders have restrictions on high-rise apartments or buildings with high investor ratios, while others treat units and houses equally. The key is finding the right lender for your chosen property type.

Do I need a bigger deposit for an apartment?

Usually no - apartments typically require lower deposits due to their lower purchase prices. However, some lenders limit apartment LVRs to 90% compared to 95% for houses, so deposit requirements can vary by lender choice.

Which property type is better for first home buyers?

Both have advantages. Units offer lower entry prices and often qualify for multiple stamp duty concessions, while houses provide more space and typically stronger long-term growth. Your choice depends on your budget, lifestyle needs, and long-term goals.

Are strata fees worth paying?

It depends on what's included. Strata fees typically cover building insurance, maintenance, gardening, and common area upkeep. For busy professionals or investors, this can be cost-effective compared to maintaining a house independently.

Which property type grows faster in value?

Houses historically outperform units for capital growth, but location matters more than property type. A well-located apartment in South Perth may outperform a house in a less desirable suburb over the long term.

Should I use a mortgage broker or go to my bank for either property type?

A mortgage broker, every time. Different lenders have varying policies for apartments versus houses, and broker comparison ensures you find the lender that treats your chosen property type most favourably. The rate and LVR differences can be significant.

Can I use the First Home Guarantee for both units and houses?

Yes - the First Home Guarantee applies to both property types up to $850,000 in Perth metro. This makes quality units in suburbs like Maylands or Victoria Park highly accessible for first home buyers.

Your Next Steps

Your property choice deserves more than a standard approach. The difference between lenders can affect your borrowing capacity, rate, and which schemes you qualify for - all factors that vary significantly depending on whether you choose a unit or house.

Ready to find out which property type and lender combination gives you the strongest position? Contact the Launch Finance team for a free consultation or call 08 9367 4222. We'll compare your options across our wide panel of lenders and identify the best fit for your budget, goals, and preferred property type.

Launch Finance Pty Ltd · ABN 17 163 528 701 · Launch Finance Pty Ltd is a Corporate Credit Representative (CCR No. 454041) of BLSSA Pty Ltd ABN 69 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence No. 391237) · General information only — this article does not constitute financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.