HOPE Housing is accelerating its national expansion, with Perth identified as the Fund’s next priority.
Following HOPE’s successful Greater Sydney pilot, where the Fund raised approximately $20 million to co-invest in 26 properties, supporting 39 essential workers into homeownership, HOPE is now preparing to make its first investment in Perth as it pursues its strategic growth trajectory across Australia
Why Perth is HOPE’s next priority market
Perth has been identified as HOPE’s next priority market because the need is clear, demand from essential workers is strong and the shared equity model is well suited to the affordability gap emerging across the city.
Perth house values increased by 23.6% over the 12 months to June 2026, according to the Cotality Home Value Index1, with ANZ forecasting a further 12.3% increase to Perth dwelling across 20262. These figures point to an affordability gap that is likely to continue widening as property prices rise faster than many essential workers can increase their savings or borrowing capacity.
Research highlights the scale of the challenge
Research commissioned by HOPE surveyed a weighted sample of 1,000 Perth residents in May 20263. The findings show that housing affordability is affecting not only the financial position of essential workers who rent, but also their major life decisions and confidence in ever owning a home.
More than 60% of renting essential workers are experiencing housing stress, spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Additionally, more than 75% have delayed a major life decision because of housing affordability, compared with 55% of the general population.
Among mid-career essential workers who rent, 75% are concerned they may never own a home.
The Perth market also reflects a broader national challenge, workers with stable employment and the capacity to service a mortgage, but many cannot bridge the gap between what they can borrow and the cost of a suitable home close to work, while earning above the income thresholds for government housing programs.
The challenge was highlighted by journalist Kim Macdonald in The West Australian in June, as part of a broader examination of housing affordability and emerging homeownership models4. HOPE’s inclusion in the coverage reflects growing interest in practical alternatives to the traditional pathway into homeownership.
HOPE as the solution
HOPE is designed to address this gap by using private investor capital to co-invest alongside eligible essential workers. HOPE contributes up to 50% of the purchase price, with the homebuyer funding the remainder through their deposit and a standard home loan. The homebuyer lives in the property as an owner occupier and is responsible for the purchase costs, maintenance and ongoing expenses.
For investors, the Fund provides exposure to residential property capital growth without the transaction costs, land tax and ongoing management responsibilities associated with directly owning an investment property. Investors participate proportionally in capital growth when homeowners buy out HOPE’s interest or when the property is sold.
The Fund targets a 10% per annum net return and delivered a social return on investment of 14.6% for the year ending December 2025. Perth therefore represents both an opportunity to support essential workers into homeownership and an important next step in expanding the Fund into markets where we believe the need and investment case are strong.
From opportunity to action
HOPE is now laying the groundwork for its first Perth investment, engaging with potential investors, government, unions, valuers and other local partners to ensure the model can be delivered effectively in Western Australia.
The focus is firmly on execution: securing the capital, local capability and market relationships needed to support the first homebuyer and establish a platform for further investment.
HOPE CEO Phil White said Perth was a natural next step for the Fund.
“Perth presents a compelling opportunity for HOPE. The need is evident, the model is proven and there is strong interest in practical solutions that can help essential workers buy a home,” Phil said.
“Our priority now is to make the first investment and build from there. With the right investment support, Perth can become an important part of HOPE’s national growth and help demonstrate how private capital can contribute to a more accessible pathway into homeownership.”
1 Cotality, Home Value Index: June 2026 results, 1 July 2026. Perth house values increased by 23.6% over the 12 months to 30 June 2026; Perth dwelling values increased by 23.9%. Cotality Home Value Index.
2 ANZ Research, “Housing price growth to slow with higher rates”, 13 April 2026. ANZ forecast Perth housing price growth of 12.3% across 2026. ANZ BlueNotes.
3 Compass Polling, research commissioned by HOPE Housing Fund Management Ltd, May 2026. The research was conducted using a weighted sample of 1,004 Greater Perth residents recruited through online panels. Polling was undertaken from 4 to 15 May 2026.
4 Kim Macdonald, “The little-known measures helping West Australians buy and rent amid the chronic housing crisis”, The West Australian, 3 June 2026. The West Australian.
