Perth property market: Domain top 10 search terms used by house hunters shows pools still top of the wish list

Prospective Perth homebuyers are on the hunt for properties with pools as the real estate spring sales season kicks off with a strong demand for lifestyle features. Features like views, waterfront and hilltop locations also dominate a newly released list of the most searched items when it comes to hopeful buyers. But it’s not all a case of fun over function, with practical features like granny flats, dual entry, storage, garage and sheds also among the most searched items. The list, compiled by searches made on real estate website Domain, reflects that lifestyle is front of mind for Perth buyers according to the company’s chief of research and economics Nicola Powell “‘Pool’ retains the top spot, while ‘view’ and “waterfront’ rank in the top four, underlining the enduring pull of outdoor living and coastal amenities. “The standout change from 2024 is ‘granny flat’ rising to second place, signalling strong demand for homes that support extended families or generate rental income. “Meanwhile, ‘shed’ and ‘garage’ also sit in the top 10, reflecting Perth’s appetite for space, storage, and versatility.” But Whitefox real estate agent Jeremy Shirazee said pools were among the most polarising of features on the market. “Either people really, really want them, or they really, really don’t,” he said. He said the popularity of the feature was in line with a trend for buyers to max out their budget to buy a property, rather than leaving some in the kitty for make-overs. Mr Shirazee said finances were largely behind the buyer trend for granny flats, claiming people often want the option of using it to create an extra income stream in the future, even if they had no immediate plans to do so. Dual key homes, where a single property contains two separate homes with separate entry doors, the were also valued because they could accommodate multiple generations in one property, he said. The Domain report said four out of five Perth buyers search for houses over all other types of property, but strong house price growth has reshaped search behaviour. Buyers are also increasingly looking at townhouses as a budget-friendly alternative. A popular budget for both houses and units was $850,000. Units at $600,000 remain the entry point, keeping the overall median for searches across the board at $800,000, which remains one of the lowest prices of any capital. TOP 10 SEARCHES IN 2025 TOP 10 SEARCHES IN 2024