The cheapest waterside suburbs to buy an apartment

Living adjacent to the river or ocean is considered to be a luxury that is out of reach for many West Australians looking to own a home. However, opting for an apartment may be your doorway to living in one of Perth's glorious waterside suburbs.

We have pulled Perth's 10 cheapest waterside suburbs based on the lowest median sale price for apartments*. To put this into perspective, the Perth region's median sale price for an apartment is $505,000.

1. Joondalup

Joondalup is the thriving urban centre of northern Perth. The city, is in fact named after the large lake that expands parallel to it - Lake Joondalup.

You will find a lot of the apartments in Joondalup are walking distance to the lake and have charming lakeside views. With a median sale price of just $292,500 you can secure yourself a charismatic apartment in a forever developing suburb.

View apartments for sale in Joondalup.

2. Cannington

Bounded by the busy Albany highway retail and industrial precinct on one side, on the other you will find a bit more peace and quiet along the Canning River, with heaps of room for activities! Given the suburb's central location and abundance of things to do, it's relatively popular for people looking to buy something more affordable - and apartments are no exception.

The median sale price for an apartment in Cannington is just $339,000 and you get the joys of having a river nearby and all the shops and amenities you need.

View apartments for sale in Cannington.

3. Rivervale

With a name like Rivervale you can be sure this suburb boasts a riverside lifestyle - and that it does! There is a versatile selection of apartments in Rivervale, most with prime Swan River views. Besides that, it's a great family orientated suburb but still appeals to people looking for that inner-city community vibe and centrality.

For an apartment in Rivervale, you are looking at a median sale price of $372,500.

View apartments for sale in Rivervale.

4. Maylands

Maylands is a suburb known for its Swan River access and it's always pumping down at the local boat ramp. Maylands has a mixture of upper class and middle class, meaning you can find the perfect apartment that's within your budget. If you love long walks by the river or having lunch underneath the treetops, then you should look at Maylands for your next apartment.

With its median sale price for apartments coming in at $393,000 you will be able to soak up the shimmering Swan River right from your balcony.

View apartments for sale in Maylands.

5. West Perth

A short stroll in the westerly direction of Perth CBD lies West Perth. Home to the iconic Kings Park, West Perth truly has it all at its doorstep - the Swan River, Kings Park and easy proximity to nightlife, bars and restaurants.

A honing beacon for the successful professional type, you will find a mix of elegant modern apartment complexes and high-rise buildings in this affluent suburb. While you can find some of Perth's most expensive properties here, you might be pleasantly surprised to know that the median sale price for apartments is $421,500.

View apartments for sale in West Perth.

6. Perth

If you're looking for a suburb with investment potential, the suburb of Perth is the ideal location for apartment living.

Its lifestyle appeals across every demographic from the young adult, right through to the downsized retiree, making it a hotspot for investors. With a low median sale price for apartments of $440,000, Perth ticks all the boxes whether you're a first home buyer or wanting to buy an investment apartment.

Don't forget to mention the panoramic views of the Swan River which you may recognise from postcards and tourist ads.

View apartments for sale in Perth.

7. Rockingham

Don't worry, we wouldn't forget Western Australia's beloved beaches! Rockingham takes the spot for Perth's most affordable apartments by the beach.

Rockingham beaches are some of the best in WA; crystal clear flat waters, white sand and they are quite the popular hang-out spot for dolphins. The median price for an apartment in Rockingham is $460,000 which is cheap when you compare it to the lifestyle you get to live.

View apartments for sale in Rockingham.

8. East Perth

Are you a fan of alfresco dining? Laidback East Perth has a popular waterfront, with chic bars and seafood restaurants along the southern section offering sweeping views.

East Perth's lavish lifestyle is desired by working professionals, empty nesters and young adults. Apartments line the foreshore and it's only a stroll away from the café strips. The median sale price for an apartment in East Perth is $520,000.

View apartments for sale in East Perth.

9. North Coogee

North Coogee is a relatively new suburb and it keeps on growing and growing. You will find nothing but new modern apartments here all with beach access and views. Apartments in the area have a median sale price of $555,000 and with that you get some of the best ocean views south of Perth and the laidback lifestyle every ocean lover craves.

View apartments for sale in North Coogee.

10. Mandurah

To round out the top 10 Perth cheapest suburbs for apartments is the coastal suburb of Mandurah. Famous for its ocean canals and foreshores, Mandurah's lifestyle is a mix of inner-city panache and classic suburban culture.

As a result of the 'sea change' phenomenon which transformed the suburb, Mandurah is now a major developed suburb and tourist destination. It's the most expensive suburb on this list for apartments, given most apartments are situated on the canals or beachfront, with a median sale price of $590,000.

View apartments for sale in Mandurah.

So, you don't need to live in Applecross or Cottesloe to enjoy Perth's alluring waterside lifestyle. You can most definitely find something to suit your budget and still reap the perks that come with living close to the beach or river.

Are you interested in buying an apartment? Head to reiwa.com to view apartments for sale in Perth.

^{*data in this article is filtered for 10 or more apartments sold in the 12 months to January 2020.}