The number of people buying holiday homes in small coastal towns is down, with people looking to relocate permanently now dominating the local market in popular holiday spots a short drive north of Perth.

Local officials said that since the pandemic, coastal towns within a two-hour drive of the city, including Seabird, Lancelin and Ledge Point, have been attracting an influx of permanent residents.

The median sale price of homes in Ledge Point has increased by 39.9% over the past year, while Guilderton (33.7%), Lancelin (27.3%) and Seabird (15.7%) have also experienced strong growth.

Ray White Lancelin’s agent Caroline Daniel said there had been a dramatic shift in culture following the pandemic as people sought to escape the rat race.

“When I came here over a decade ago, nothing was happening, these areas were dead,” she said.

“The crayfish fishing industry that maintained the economy of these towns had ceased, families had moved on and the towns catered primarily to vacationers drawn to the beautiful Indian Ocean and WA’s famous sand dunes.

“Now with road and rail infrastructure, suburbs like Lancelin, Ledge Point and Seabird, which are still part of the metropolitan area, are all moving closer to the city, and getting to and from is almost a breeze – and practical, in relation to travel. to the south. »

Daniel said she has seen many young people, workers arriving by plane, people able to work from home and families buying properties.

“Big businesses are investing in the area and soon there will be more amenities and job opportunities that will cater to these growing suburbs,” she said.