Balga: Suburb Report

Balga, a suburb located 13 kilometres north of downtown Perth, Western Australia, is known for its large green spaces. In fact, 11 percent of its land area is covered by parks. Measuring 6 square kilometers, Balga is a family-friendly community that combines city life with outdoor recreation. Residents also love the restaurants, shops and schools.

There are 10,706 people living in Balga, according to the 2011 Census. The median age of residents who live in the suburb is 31, lower than Perth’s average of 36, and the median household weekly income is $1,147. Balga’s population between the ages of 25 and 34 is 26.1 percent, while only 15.1 percent is aged 50 or over. The majority of households in the community — 31.7 percent — are made up of couples without children. Couples with children account for 28.1 percent of the local population, while 22.1 percent of residents live alone.

Nearly half of all properties in Balga — 49.8 percent — are houses. Other property types include duplexes, villas or townhouses, which make up 47.8 percent, while 2.4 percent are flats, units or apartments. There are 4,646 occupied properties in total, and the average household is made up of three people. Rentals account for 46.9 percent of homes in Balga, while 16.5 percent of homes are fully owned.

Balga is a great place to bring up a child. There are many schools in the area, including Balga Primary School, Balga Senior School, Gladys Newton School, Warriapendi Primary School and Balga TAFE Campus. No trains serve the community, but residents catch buses from Mirrabooka Square.

Balga Housing Market Trends: Sales

Demand for properties in Balga fluctuates throughout the year. As of September 25, 2017, the median house price in Balga was $300,000 — significantly cheaper than other Perth suburbs. The median price for a two-bedroom home was $275,000, and it was $350,00 for a three-bedroom home.

Market growth rates in Balga have changed over the last few years. Currently, the growth rate is -2.7 percent, which is higher than this time last year (-9.0 percent). This suggests the property market in Balga is stronger now than it was 12 months ago. Growth rates in this community were 0.3 percent and -1.2 percent five and 10 years ago, respectively.

Sales volumes have also changed. Currently, the sales volume in Balga is $355,000, down from $390,000 in 2016. However, the entire Perth metro region has experienced a similar trajectory. At the moment, the sales volume in Perth as a whole is $520,000 — down from $535,000 in 2016.

On average, properties in Balga stay on the market for 68 days, much less than neighboring suburbs such as Balcatta and Hamersley. This suggests there is a higher demand for homes in Balga than other local communities.

Balga Housing Market Trends: Rentals

As of September 26, 2017, the average rental price in Balga was $300 per week — lower than many other Perth suburbs. Two-bedroom homes rent for, on average, $270 per week, while four-bedroom homes cost $350 per week.

If you want to move to Balga or sell your property in this suburb, contact a real estate agent who provides you with the best customer service. Call Professionals The Wright Team at 08-9349-4655 and get expert advice and a free property valuation. This Perth real estate agency covers suburbs such as Westminster, Girrawheen, Koondoola and Mirrabooka.