Scarborough WA Property Guide: Suburb Profile, Prices & Lifestyle

Quick Answer

Scarborough is one of Perth's most sought-after beachside suburbs, sitting about 14 kilometres north of the CBD along the Indian Ocean coast. Median house prices are around $1.2 million and units around $580,000, with strong buyer demand keeping properties on the market for just two to three weeks. If you want a coastal lifestyle close to Perth's city centre, Scarborough is worth serious consideration.

Scarborough at a Glance

Scarborough sits in Perth's northern coastal strip, bordered by Doubleview to the east, Innaloo to the south, and City Beach to the south-west. The suburb's biggest drawcard is its namesake beach, which underwent a major $100 million foreshore redevelopment in 2018.

The revitalised Scarborough Esplanade is now home to restaurants, bars, cafes, and recreational spaces that attract both residents and visitors year-round. Properties range from older brick cottages on generous blocks to newer apartments and townhouses closer to the beach.

Median House Price

Scarborough's median house price sits around $1.2 million as of early 2026. This reflects several years of strong capital growth driven by Perth's broader property surge and heightened demand for coastal living.

Houses here typically sit on blocks of 500 to 700 square metres, offering solid land value within easy reach of the CBD. Properties on streets west of West Coast Highway, closest to the beach, often command a premium above the suburb median.

Median Unit Price

The median unit price in Scarborough is approximately $575,000. Units make up a significant share of Scarborough's housing stock, particularly along the foreshore precinct and main arterials like Scarborough Beach Road.

One and two-bedroom apartments are popular with investors and first-time buyers alike. Well-positioned units near the Esplanade attract strong rental interest from young professionals and students.

Rental Yield

Rental yields in Scarborough average around 4.5% for houses and 5.5% for units, making this suburb appealing to investors. Perth's tight rental market has kept vacancy rates low and pushed rents higher over the past two years.

A two-bedroom unit typically rents for $550 to $700 per week. A three or four-bedroom house can fetch $800 to $1,100 per week, depending on condition and proximity to the beach.

Days on Market

Properties in Scarborough are selling in an average of 15 to 20 days, reflecting strong buyer competition. Well-presented homes near the foreshore often attract multiple offers within the first open home weekend.

This tight turnaround means buyers need to be well-prepared before entering the market. Finance pre-approval and a building inspector on call are non-negotiable.

Lifestyle in Scarborough

Life in Scarborough centres on the beach. Residents enjoy one of Perth's best surf breaks, a world-class outdoor pool and water park, and a foreshore lined with dining options ranging from casual beachside cafes to sit-down restaurants.

Beyond the beach, Scarborough Road and Brighton Road offer local shops, bakeries, and everyday conveniences. Karrinyup Shopping Centre is a 10-minute drive east and provides major retail including department stores, a supermarket and specialty retail.

Getting around is straightforward. Multiple bus routes run to the Perth CBD, and the suburb connects easily via West Coast Highway and the Mitchell Freeway.

Schools in Scarborough

Families in Scarborough are zoned for Scarborough Primary School, which has a strong community reputation. For secondary schooling, most students attend Churchlands Senior High School, one of Perth's top public high schools located about five kilometres south.

Private schooling options nearby include Our Lady of Good Counsel School and St Mary's Anglican Girls' School in Karrinyup. Several well-regarded private co-ed schools in Claremont and Nedlands are also within reasonable driving distance.

Who Scarborough Suits

Young professionals and couples are drawn to the beach lifestyle and proximity to the CBD. The foreshore precinct, active social scene, and good public transport make it easy to live well here.

Families seeking a coastal upbringing for their children find Scarborough a natural fit. The surf lifesaving clubs, beach parks, and tight community atmosphere add to the appeal.

Investors are attracted by solid yields, strong tenant demand, and a track record of capital growth. Units near the Esplanade are particularly popular for their rental potential.

Downsizers moving from larger suburban homes find Scarborough's apartment market offers a genuine lifestyle upgrade.

Recent Sales Trends

Scarborough has been one of Perth's stronger-performing coastal suburbs over the past three years. Both houses and units have seen significant price appreciation, supported by population growth, limited stock, and heightened interstate migration to Western Australia.

Sales activity has remained elevated into 2026, though some cooling from the 2024 peak is evident. The suburb still records low stock levels and consistent buyer competition. Buyers who hesitated in 2024 are finding the market has moved further against them.

Checklist: Buying in Scarborough

• Check which side of West Coast Highway the property is on (western side is generally more valuable)
• Review strata reports carefully if buying a unit, including sinking fund balances and pending levies
• Check stormwater and flood maps for lower-lying properties near the beach
• Inspect older properties for concrete cancer, which is common in beachside suburbs
• Confirm school catchment zones if you have school-age children
• Verify parking and storage availability for units, particularly in older complexes
• Consider proximity to the Esplanade if noise from the entertainment precinct is a concern
• Factor strata fees into your yield calculations when assessing investment properties

Key Takeaways

• Scarborough is approximately 14 kilometres north of Perth CBD with direct access to one of the city's best beaches
• Median house prices are around $1.2 million; units around $575,000
• Rental yields are strong, particularly for units, making this a popular choice for investors
• Low days on market means buyers need pre-approval and a clear brief before searching
• The 2018 foreshore redevelopment significantly lifted the suburb's amenity, profile, and long-term desirability

FAQ

Is Scarborough a good suburb to buy in Perth?

Scarborough consistently ranks among Perth's more desirable coastal suburbs. Its combination of beach access, lifestyle amenity, proximity to the CBD, and strong rental market makes it attractive to owner-occupiers and investors alike. The entry price is higher than many Perth suburbs, but the fundamentals are sound.

How far is Scarborough from Perth CBD?

Scarborough is approximately 14 kilometres north of the Perth CBD. By car, the trip takes around 20 minutes in off-peak traffic. Bus services run regularly along West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road, with journey times of around 35 to 45 minutes into the city.

Are there good schools near Scarborough?

Yes. Scarborough Primary School serves local families well, and Churchlands Senior High School is one of Perth's highest-ranked public secondary schools. Several private primary and secondary options are accessible within a short drive.

What is the rental market like in Scarborough?

The rental market in Scarborough is tight. Low vacancy rates and rising rents have pushed yields higher for both houses and units. Units near the Esplanade are particularly sought-after by renters, often letting within days of listing.

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