Regional WA · Busselton
Dunsborough is a picturesque coastal town on the shores of Geographe Bay, acting as a gateway to the Margaret River wine region. It blends a relaxed, holiday atmosphere with sophisticated amenities, attracting both tourists and permanent residents. Its character is defined by pristine beaches, a strong sense of community, and an active outdoor lifestyle centred around water sports, hiking, and cycling.
Market snapshot
Price register · May 2026
Median house
$1.20M - $1.60M
Mid-band $1.4Mspread 29%
Browse agencies across Australia to find the perfect team for your property journey.
Create your free profile and connect with motivated buyers actively searching for expert guidance in your area.
Create Your Free ProfileLast reviewed 14 May 2026
Median unit
$875,000 - $1.15M
Mid-band $1.01Mspread 27%
Days on market
~11-25 days
Median listing-to-sold window. Shorter = tighter buyer field.
Auction clearance
Private-treaty market
Share of auctions sold. Brisbane skews private-treaty.
Rental yield
2.5% to 3.5%
Gross yield on house stock. Premium suburbs compress.
5-year house-price growth
+90% to +110%
cumulative since 2021Who buys here
Families seeking a lifestyle change · Retirees and downsizers · Holiday home buyers
5-year trend
Modelled trajectory anchored on aggregated 5-year median figures. Indicative; not month-by-month observed data.
Market analysis
The Dunsborough property market has experienced a meteoric rise, cementing its status as one of Western Australia's most desirable lifestyle locations. The median house price has surged to $1.40M, reflecting a significant 16.7% increase in the past year alone. This trajectory is part of a longer-term trend, with values doubling over the last five years. The market is characterised by extremely tight supply and high demand, a dynamic that consistently places upward pressure on prices. Properties are sold rapidly, typically within 18 days, indicating a competitive environment where buyers must act decisively.
The demand is fuelled by a mix of demographics, including affluent families relocating from Perth, retirees, and holiday home investors, all drawn by the idyllic coastal lifestyle and proximity to the Margaret River wine region. This 'lifestyle flight' phenomenon, accelerated in recent years, continues to be a primary driver of the market. Supply remains constrained due to geographical limitations and controlled land release, with very low stock on market and minimal new building approvals. This scarcity ensures that existing properties hold their value and are likely to see continued capital appreciation.
While the rental market is tight with low vacancy rates of under 1%, the rental yield for houses sits at a modest 3.0%, typical for a high-capital-growth, high-value market. The unit market, with a median of $1.02M, has shown more volatility with a recent annual decrease, suggesting buyer preference is strongly skewed towards detached homes. For investors, the thesis in Dunsborough is unequivocally focused on long-term capital growth rather than immediate cash flow. The town's robust tourism economy, high socio-economic profile, and unparalleled natural amenity provide a strong foundation for sustained market performance.
With house prices doubling in five years and properties selling in under three weeks, Dunsborough is a premier market driven by relentless lifestyle demand and scarce supply.
Why a buyers agent
In a market as fast-moving and competitive as Dunsborough, a buyer's agent is an indispensable asset. Properties frequently sell in off-market transactions or within days of listing, making it incredibly difficult for unrepresented buyers to even get a viewing, let alone secure a purchase. Local agents have the established networks to provide access to these off-market opportunities and pre-market listings. Furthermore, pricing in Dunsborough is nuanced. The value of a property can vary dramatically based on its proximity to the beach, specific street, and ocean views. An experienced buyer's agent possesses the granular knowledge to accurately appraise a property, ensuring you don't overpay in a high-stakes negotiation. They understand the difference between a prime 'Old Dunsborough' location and a property in a newer estate, and can navigate the complexities of the City of Busselton's planning regulations, which can impact future development or renovation potential. Without this local expertise, buyers risk missing out on the best properties or making a costly misstep.
With its stunning north-facing beaches on Geographe Bay, Dunsborough offers a premium lifestyle centred around pristine, calm waters, and access to the famous surf and wineries of the greater Margaret River region.
The property market has a proven track record of exceptional long-term capital growth, with house prices doubling over the past five years. This is underpinned by strong fundamentals of high demand and constrained supply.
The town boasts a sophisticated and lively centre with boutique shopping, acclaimed restaurants, and trendy cafes. It provides all the amenities of a larger town while retaining a relaxed, holiday atmosphere.
With excellent primary schools, numerous parks, and safe swimming beaches, Dunsborough is an ideal location for families seeking a sea change and a strong community environment.
Compare
| Metric | This suburbDunsborough | NearbyBusselton |
|---|---|---|
| Median house | $1.20M - $1.60M | $825,000 - $1.15M |
| Median unit | $875,000 - $1.15M | $725,000 - $975,000 |
| Auction clearance | — | — |
| Days on market | ~11-25 days | ~7-17 days |
| Year-on-year growth | +12% to +22% | +17% to +27% |
| 5-year growth | +90% to +110% | +95% to +115% |
| Rental yield | 2.5% to 3.5% | 3.3% to 4.3% |
| Postcode | 6281 | 6280 |
Snapshot date varies by suburb; see individual suburb pages for figures.
The place
Dunsborough is a vibrant coastal town nestled on the tranquil, north-facing shores of Geographe Bay in Western Australia's South West. Its stunning natural environment is the main attraction, with world-renowned beaches like Meelup, Eagle Bay, and Castle Rock offering crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and family picnics. The town is surrounded by the Meelup Regional Park and is a gateway to the rugged coastline and surf breaks of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
For families, the suburb is well-served by quality primary schools including the public Dunsborough Primary School, Our Lady of the Cape Primary School (Catholic), and Cornerstone Christian College. While there are no secondary schools within Dunsborough itself, nearby Busselton offers several options, such as Cape Naturaliste College, a short bus ride away.
Daily life and shopping are centred around the bustling town centre along Dunn Bay Road and the nearby Dunsborough Centrepoint and Dunsborough Marketplace shopping precincts. These hubs host major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, alongside a curated selection of boutique clothing stores, homewares shops, and surf outlets. The dining scene is sophisticated and varied, ranging from casual cafes like La Lah and Artezen to acclaimed restaurants such as Yarri and Blue Manna, and popular pubs like Occy's Dunsborough. Transport is primarily car-based, but TransBusselton provides bus services to Busselton, and South West Coach Lines offers connections to Perth.
Frequently asked
Keep exploring
The 5-year trajectory is a modelled curve anchored on the documented cumulative growth rate. Editorial review: 14 May 2026. Updated quarterly.
We're actively recruiting in Dunsborough.
Be the first verified buyers agent in Dunsborough
Claim a verified profile and reach buyers searching this market.
