Photo from: METRONET
Perth is growing fast and it’s all thanks to METRONET, it’s getting easier to live where you love. With new and extended rail lines connecting more suburbs to the city and key hubs, buyers now have more choice than ever when it comes to finding affordable land with great lifestyle appeal.
What is METRONET?
METRONET is the WA Government’s long-term public transport plan to expand Perth’s rail network and connect more people to jobs, education, and lifestyle hubs.
It includes several major projects:
- Yanchep Rail Extension (opened 2024)
- Forrestfield-Airport Link (Airport Line opened 2022)
- Thornlie-Cockburn Link (due to open 2025)
- Morley-Ellenbrook Line (under construction)
- Station upgrades across the network
Reference: WA Government METRONET
The goal? To make Perth a more connected, liveable city and to support growth in outer suburbs by providing faster, more reliable transport options.
How It’s Creating New Building Hotspots
1. More Affordable Suburbs Are Now Connected
Areas like Yanchep, Alkimos, Butler, Eglinton, and Two Rocks were once considered a long commute from the city. Now, thanks to the Yanchep Rail Extension, buyers can enjoy coastal living with a 45-minute train trip to the CBD.
This is making these northern corridor suburbs increasingly attractive for first homebuyers, families, and lifestyle-focused builders with land still far more affordable than inner Perth.
Reference: ABC News – Yanchep Rail Extension impact
2. Established Suburbs Are Seeing Renewed Demand
Older areas along the new and upgraded lines are also benefiting.
Suburbs like Forrestfield, High Wycombe, Bayswater, Beckenham and Cannington are experiencing renewed interest from buyers thanks to improved rail access and major station upgrades.
This is pushing demand for both house-and-land packages and custom homes, especially as buyers seek to balance affordability with convenience.
3. More Viable for Investors
Investors are also targeting suburbs along the METRONET lines for good reason:
- Proximity to public transport drives rental demand
- Areas with new stations often experience strong capital growth post-completion
- New rail access is factored into future planning and zoning, supporting ongoing development
Suburbs like Ellenbrook, Southern River, and the Thornlie-Cockburn corridor are becoming key targets for investors wanting long-term potential and tenant appeal.
What This Means If You’re Building
In short, METRONET is helping buyers access more lifestyle and investment options across Perth.
Where once you had to choose between affordability and access, these rail extensions mean you can have both.
At Emily Rose Homes, we help our clients stay ahead of the trends. We track where demand is growing and where homes are best placed to deliver value, so you can secure land and build with confidence in areas that offer long-term appeal.
