WA units more expensive to rent

Suburbs in Western Australia have featured heavily in the national top five rental growth areas with the average weekly rent for a unit in Nedlands jumping $130.

In its weekly update, RP Data said the average weekly rent in Perth has climbed $40 to $360 for houses while there has been a $30 weekly increase for units to $310.

Nedlands, Bassendean, East Fremantle and Kalgoorlie-Boulder were among the top five rental growth areas for units, with Darwin the only other interstate location.

The average rent in Bassendean has climbed $100 per week for a unit while rents in East Fremantle and Kalgoorlie-Boulder have risen $70 to $255.

For houses, Port Hedland was the only WA location in the top five, with the average weekly rent jumping $350 to $1,150.

Nationally, the average rent for houses increased by $41 per week while for units it rose $35 per week.

"Rental vacancy rates throughout the country remain tight and although the Government is offering up attractive incentives for first home buyers currently, many are still not in a financial position to purchase," RP senior research analyst Cameron Kusher said.

The rental vacancy rate in Perth is currently at 2.4 per cent.