How Nearby Amenities Can Boost Your Investment Property’s Rental Appeal

Tenants in Perth pay for convenience. Properties within a short walk or easy drive of daily needs (transport, supermarkets, schools, parks and medical hubs) rent faster, stay occupied longer and justify stronger pricing. The amenity mix within a 5–15 minute catchment often matters more to rental performance than an extra bedroom or a slightly larger block.

As building brokers, Better Way 2 Build focuses on this “convenience premium” at the site-selection stage. We look for suburbs with multiple amenity types, sensible access without noise spillover, and a pipeline of upgrades that can lift demand over time. The points below outline which amenities move the needle in Perth and how to use them to secure higher appeal and more reliable returns.

Tenants Pay Premium for Convenience

Research consistently shows that tenants are willing to pay more for properties with convenient access to essential amenities. This “convenience premium” can translate to:

  • Higher rental yields (typically 5-15% above market average)
  • Shorter vacancy periods
  • Longer tenant retention rates
  • Stronger capital growth potential

Key Amenities That Drive Rental Appeal

Transport Infrastructure

Properties within walking distance of public transport enjoy significantly higher demand. Perth’s expanding transport network makes properties near train stations and major bus routes particularly attractive to commuters who prefer to avoid traffic congestion.

Access to major roadways and highways is equally important for tenants who drive, offering them convenient connectivity to the broader Perth region.

Shopping and Dining Precincts

Proximity to shopping centres, supermarkets, and dining districts ranks consistently high on tenant wishlists. Properties within 1-2km of these amenities typically command premium rents, especially in Perth’s inner and middle-ring suburbs.

The convenience of being able to walk to cafés, restaurants, and shops creates a lifestyle appeal that many tenants prioritise over extra living space.

Educational Institutions

Properties near reputable schools and universities attract a specific and reliable tenant demographic. Families will often pay premium rents to secure homes within desirable school catchment areas, while properties near universities benefit from the consistent student rental market.

In Perth, suburbs with well-regarded public and private schools typically show stronger rental performance and lower vacancy rates.

Parks and Recreational Spaces

Access to green spaces has become increasingly important to tenants, particularly following recent lifestyle shifts. Properties near parks, beaches, or recreational facilities appeal to health-conscious tenants and families seeking outdoor lifestyle options.

Perth’s abundant coastal areas and parklands create excellent opportunities for investors to capitalise on this growing tenant preference.

Medical Facilities

Proximity to hospitals and medical centres provides another layer of convenience that tenants value. This is particularly relevant for properties targeting older demographics or healthcare professionals as potential tenants.

Perth central market

Balancing Proximity with Privacy

While close proximity to amenities is desirable, the right balance is extremely valuable. Properties immediately adjacent to busy commercial areas or transport hubs may suffer from noise or privacy issues. The sweet spot typically lies within a 5-15 minute walk, which is close enough for convenience without the drawbacks of being too close.

Identifying Emerging Amenity Hotspots

Smart investors look beyond current amenities to areas with planned infrastructure or commercial development. Perth’s ongoing urban renewal projects and transport expansions create opportunities to invest ahead of amenity improvements.

Our team at Better Way 2 Build can help identify areas with strong development pipelines that signal future amenity growth and subsequent rental demand increases.

Leveraging Amenities in Your Property Marketing

When marketing your investment property to potential tenants, highlighting nearby amenities can significantly boost its appeal:

  • Include walking times to key amenities in property listings
  • Feature local lifestyle benefits in property descriptions
  • Showcase the convenience factor in property photography

Making Strategic Investment Decisions

Understanding the relationship between amenities and rental appeal should inform your investment strategy from the outset. When building an investment property, consider:

  • Researching council development plans for future amenity improvements
  • Prioritising locations with multiple amenity types within walking distance
  • Balancing the higher purchase costs of amenity-rich locations against potential rental premiums

At Better Way 2 Build, our local expertise extends beyond just construction. We help investors identify locations with the optimal amenity profile to maximise rental appeal and returns. Our comprehensive approach includes analysing current amenities, researching planned developments, and providing insights on tenant preferences in specific Perth submarkets. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you build an investment property in a location that offers the perfect balance of amenities to maximise your rental appeal and returns.

Article by Mike King

With over 30 years of experience in the building industry in Western Australia, I have developed a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully navigate the home building process, from finance to handover. My role as a building broker allows me to address the gaps in the industry by providing clients with tailored options and acting as their advocate, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling experience in achieving their dream home. Through my company, Better Way 2 Build, I am dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life by offering expertise, empathy, and transparency throughout the home building journey.