Toodyay on buyer’s wishlist

Rashelle Predovnik
TOODYAY is experiencing a housing boom like never before, with property prices soaring in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Known for its stunning views, spacious blocks, and incredible value for money, this once-hidden gem is now firmly on the radar – and just over an hour’s drive from the Perth CBD.

In the past two years, the area has seen an explosive housing market growth rate of 55.88 per cent making it one of the region’s hottest spots for homebuyers.

The median house price surged from $255,000 in 2020 to $530,000 in 2025, with some hitting the $800,000 bracket as more buyers flock to this sought-after destination.

Former real estate business owner Tony Maddox first came to Toodyay in 1990 when it was a quiet little farming town.

He said the town got noticeably more popular in the 90’s, when people started to
understand Toodyay’s proximity to the city.

But the property price growth was gradual. Mr Maddox said prices had jumped massively from 2020 to today.

“It’s crazy and it’s surpassed my expectations,” he said.

“Toodyay’s had far greater growth than most of the outlying areas.”

“Today, a three-bedroom, one bathroom sells for $600,000, a nice four-bedroom, two
bathroom sits in the mid to high 700s and I saw one listed for $850,000.”

Significantly, Toodyay still offers better value for money than the city says Elders Real Estate agent Sharon Johnson.

She said a lot of city dwellers buy in Toodyay.

“You’re getting a much more beautiful home out here in Toodyay for $700,000 than
you would in Perth.”

Ms Johnson said Covid-19 had a big impact on Toodyay and its residents.

She said it made people work remotely and part-time from home and employers found out that people working from home does work.

“So, people have more options, they can move further out of the city and enjoy life.

“We’re seeing a lot of people move out to Toodyay and then work part-time from home
and commute the other days.”

Ms Johnson said buyers also liked the fact that if another lockdown happened Toodyay’s bigger blocks would make people feel like they still had room to move.

Mechanical Engineer Joshua van Helsdingen agrees.

The 31-year-old bought in Toodyay in 2023 with his wife and said rising rents, coupled
with his developing interest in being more sustainable made them want to buy a house.

“One consideration was not moving too far out of the metro area to lose ties with family and friends,” he said.

“I thought, I’m not sure where the world is going, there’s a lot of things to be concerned about and maybe I should invest in my own self-sufficiency.”

Mr van Helsdingen also knew the metro property market was red hot.

“The prices were just insane,” he said.

“I didn’t want to be in a financial situation where I’m forced to work a job I don’t like
to pay off a big mortgage for a long time.”

Mr van Helsdingen works a few days from home and also travels to his work in the city,
so the ability to catch the AvonLink to Perth was an appeal.

“The infrastructure in Toodyay is amazing – we love swimming – we love the pool – got
the school there and recreational facilities,” he said.

“Toodyay represented value for money for me and that was my number one criterion.”

A lack of housing options has motivated the Shire of Toodyay to act.

Last month, council moved to change the zoning of land it owns to unlock 4.3ha of
land for housing.

A portion of Lot 9508 Burt Parkway, Nunile will be reclassified from public open
space reserve to a residential zone with a density coding of R20 and R35.

The zoning change will pave the way for a new residential development, including
aged, social, and affordable housing.

A density code of R20 has been applied to most of the site, which will be fully serviced
with water, sewerage and electricity.

It’s located near the Toodyay Sports and Recreation Complex and the Avon River,
within walking distance to the town centre and high school.

The smaller R35 zones are intended for grouped dwellings, including workforce
accommodation with a maximum of 19 units.

The shire’s move is a much-needed response to the demand for more housing
but the road to development is not without its challenges.

Mr Maddox notes the rising costs developers are facing.

“Five years ago, they ran for the hills, saying it was too hard and today the costs
have trebled,” he said.

Despite these obstacles, there is still growing interest in Toodyay’s property
market, particularly for houses on smaller blocks of land, now under construction.

According to the latest reports on the Toodyay real estate market, the region has
an impressive annual compound growth rate of 26.8 per cent for houses.

Toodyay is predicted to continue its property market expansion well into 2025 and beyond, cementing its status as one of the region’s most dynamic and in-demand
destinations.