The Girrawheen home that attracted 45 offers and 110 buyers to its first home open
A property in Girrawheen, located in Perth’s northern suburbs, drew significant attention from potential buyers, receiving a remarkable 45 offers after its first home open. This surge in interest underscores the intense competition faced by first-time homebuyers in the current market. According to property agent Jennifer Noye of Edison, she has never witnessed such fierce rivalry for a single residence, noting that homes in the affordable price range usually attract around ten offers.
The exceptional demand can be attributed to several factors, including Perth’s record low listings, challenges related to affordability, and the Federal Government’s 5 per cent deposit scheme. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, situated on a 688 square meter block that is suitable for subdivision, was listed for offers starting at $690,000. Ultimately, it sold for $850,000 to a first-home buyer utilizing the government’s deposit scheme.
In total, 110 potential buyers attended the home’s first open inspection, many accompanied by others, highlighting the competitive atmosphere. Interest came from a mixture of first-time buyers and investors, including individuals from Western Australia and the eastern states, with some even willing to make offers without viewing the property in person. The allure of the substantial block size, combined with its zoning for subdivision, made this property particularly attractive.
According to the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA), the median sale price in Girrawheen has increased by 17.7 per cent from October 2024 to October 2025, outpacing the overall Greater Perth growth of 12.8 per cent during the same period. The current median sales price for Girrawheen is $685,000, which remains below the Perth median of $820,000.
REIWA president Suzanne Brown emphasized that numerous agents have reported homes priced in the affordable range drawing over 100 groups to inspections within an hour. She described the current market as extremely challenging, particularly for first-time buyers and families searching in the $1 million to $1.5 million range. “If a property is in the first home buyer price range or priced below the Perth median, agents report properties are simply flying out the door,” she stated.
Brown advised homebuyers, especially those purchasing for the first time, to remain realistic about the market conditions. She encouraged them to be flexible regarding target properties and neighborhoods while adhering to their budgets. With median selling days nearing record lows of around nine days, she highlighted the importance of acting promptly and obtaining pre-approved finances to present competitive offers.
Agents are witnessing the anxiety of homebuyers who miss out on multiple properties, pushing them to make offers that exceed their preferred budgets. “REIWA agents know first-hand the pain house hunters are experiencing. This is not a market members want,” Brown noted.
The lack of available listings is a critical factor contributing to the competitive nature of the market. Current inventory levels are 44.3 per cent lower than they were a year ago. Brown pointed out that the scarcity of homes discourages existing homeowners from listing their properties due to fears of not finding suitable new homes.
As demand continues to surge, the real estate landscape in Perth remains dynamic and challenging, particularly for first-time buyers navigating an increasingly competitive market.
