Over 50 years as your one stop real estate service
Since our inception in the early 1970’s as part of the Summit Homes Group, Summit Realty has built a wealth of experience in local real estate. We handle sales, purchases, rental investments and strata complex management. Our focus is building long term relationships with our clients; from buying a first home to retirement living.
Welcome to Summit Realty
Summit Realty has consistently served the Rockingham area since the early ‘70s – no one knows Rockingham like us! We have grown to fit the property demands of a changing population and offer a wide range of services to help locals with all aspects of their property journey. From land sales, to buying or selling new or established homes, retirement living or managing your rental property or strata complex, we have experienced and specialist teams ready to help you.
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Jul 28, 2026
Warnbro Earns a Spot Among WA's Top 20 Affordable Suburbs - The West Australian
Government policies designed to give first-homebuyers a much-needed upper hand appear to have fallen flat, with new data indicating a bigger drop in entry level buyers than investors. New data from Loan Market, one of Australia’s biggest broking groups, show applications to its brokers from first home buyers in WA from February to June this year dropped 35 per cent, while those from investors fell 24.5 per cent in the same period. Compared to June last year, investor loans with Loan Market were down 13 per cent in WA, and first home buyer loans were down a massive 30.5 per cent. It follows the Federal Government’s tax changes to deter investors from the market, and an expansion of the 5 per cent Home Guarantee designed to help first home buyers get into the market. Loan Market said there was a bigger drop in investors nationally over the same periods, with WA the only State where there was a heftier fall in first home buyers than investors. Loan Market’s Balpreet Bal confirmed there were more investors coming to him for loans than first home buyers. “The rental yield in Perth is still good so that’s contributing to a stronger investment market in WA,” he said. “But first home buyers are really confused about which way the market will go and they are holding back.” Mr Bal said suburbs with over-inflated prices were now seeing price drops, but most suburbs appeared to be holding their value. “In some areas prices are holding,” he said. “Vic Park is holding better than Armadale, for example.” Property analyst Gavin Hegney said both investors and first home buyers were concerned about affordability, and were in “wait and see mode.” “It’s classic stagflation,” he said. Mr Hegney said a significant portion of would-be investors had decided against investment because they could not afford to sustain an investment property without negative gearing benefits. But he believes the anticipated increase in rents — set to eventuate amid the shrinking pool of rental properties — will eventually lure some back in. Meanwhile, a big portion of first home buyers were unable — or unwilling — to buy in a market which had seen prices practically double since the pandemic. Rising rents will make it harder for them to beat the rent trap. Mr Hegney said many entry-level buyers were waiting to see if homes dropped in value over the next few months as investment competition weakened. The three rate hikes had reduced borrowing power at a time when the expanded Home Guarantee fuelled the price of entry-level homes, pushing $750,000 homes to the $850,000 scheme price-threshold within months of the announcement. Research by the Real Estate Institute of WA, exclusively for the The West Australian, shows that while affordability is critically low across WA, there are 37 suburbs in Perth with a house median price below $800,000. The cheapest is Mandurah, in Peel, which has a median sale price of $675,000. In Greater Perth, Medina takes the mantle for the cheapest house median, at $680,000 and Warnbro, in the Rockingham region with a house median of $790,000. REIWA included only suburbs with 28 or more sales in the year to June 2026. Original article written by The West Australian and posted on Perth Now. If you're looking at buying or selling in Warnbro or the surrounding Rockingham region call 9592 8188 or email reception@summitrealty.com.au for a no-obligation chat or FREE appraisal....
Jul 18, 2026
Our Strata Company Doesn't Take Commission on Insurance - And That Matters!
When it comes to managing strata properties, trust and transparency matter — especially when it comes to something as important (and often expensive) as insurance. At Summit Realty, we believe decisions regarding strata insurance should always be made in the best interests of the strata company and its owners. That’s why we do not accept insurance commissions from insurers or insurance brokers when arranging strata insurance policies. While many lot owners assume their strata manager is simply sourcing the best policy available, the reality across the industry can sometimes look very different. Did You Know Your Insurance Premium Could Be Higher If Your Strata Manager Takes Commission? In Western Australia, it is common practice for some strata management companies to receive commissions from insurance brokers or insurers when arranging insurance policies on behalf of strata companies. These commissions are typically paid as a percentage of the insurance premium itself. This raises an important question: If a strata manager earns a higher commission on a higher premium policy… are owners always being presented with the most cost-effective insurance option available? Because commissions are often built into the overall cost of the policy, owners may unknowingly be paying more over time. What Does Western Australian Law Say? Under the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA), strata managers are legally required to disclose any commissions, rebates or benefits they receive in connection with arranging insurance for a strata company. While disclosure is an important legal safeguard, many owners may not realise these commissions exist in the first place or fully understand how they can influence the insurance process. Transparency shouldn’t simply be about legal compliance, it should give owners confidence that decisions are being made purely in their best interests. Why Summit Realty Takes a Different Approach At Summit Realty, we have made a clear decision: We do not accept strata insurance commissions. Why? Because removing financial incentives allows us to assess insurance policies based solely on: The level of coverage required for your scheme The value offered by competing insurers The suitability of the policy for your building and owners The long-term financial interests of the strata property Our role is to advocate for the strata property, not profit from insurance arrangements. By refusing commissions, we eliminate potential conflicts of interest and ensure every insurance recommendation is objective and transparent. Expert Insight From Our Strata Manager, Kim Dawes As our Strata Manager, Kim sees firsthand how insurance arrangements can affect owners over time. “Many owners are unaware that insurance commissions paid to strata managers can be built into the cost of their insurance premium, meaning owners may ultimately pay more over the life of the policy. Where a strata manager receives commissions from certain insurers, there is also the potential for the insurance market to be narrowed, with quotes only being sought from providers that offer commission arrangements. This can reduce competition and limit the number of insurance options presented to the strata company.” This is exactly why we believe independent insurance recommendations are critical. The Benefits for Property Owners and Councils of Owners Choosing a strata management company that does not accept insurance commissions can provide significant advantages, including: ✓ Greater transparency around insurance decisions ✓ Reduced conflicts of interest ✓ More competitive insurance comparisons ✓ Confidence that policy recommendations are based on value and suitability ✓ Peace of mind knowing your strata property’s interests come first Ask The Question Every Strata Owner Should Be Asking If your current strata manager arranges your insurance, it is worth asking: Are they receiving commissions from insurers or brokers? And more importantly: Are you being shown the widest range of insurance options available, or only those tied to commission arrangements? At Summit Realty, we believe strata management should be built on trust, transparency, and doing what is right for owners. That means putting your interests first, every time. Looking For Transparent Strata Management In WA? If you want a strata management partner committed to transparency and independent advice, we’re here to help. Because when it comes to protecting your property investment, every decision should be made with your best interests in mind. Contact Summit Realty today to learn more about our independent strata management approach by emailing strata@summitrealty.com.au....
Jul 18, 2026
Renting With Pets: What WA's New Rental Laws Mean For Tenants and Property
Recent changes to Western Australia’s rental laws are making it easier for tenants to keep pets in rental properties, creating a fairer balance between housing security for renters and the rights of property owners to protect their investment. Under updates to the Residential Tenancies Act in Western Australia, tenants now have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet in a rental property, and property owners must follow a clear legal process when considering that request. What Has Changed? Previously, property owners could generally choose whether or not pets were allowed in their rental property. Under the new legislation, tenants can now formally apply for permission to keep a pet, and owners can no longer simply decline without following the required process. Once a tenant submits a pet request: The property owner has 14 days to respond. If the owner does not respond within 14 days, the request is automatically approved. If the owner wants to decline the request or apply special conditions, they must apply to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection within that same 14-day period. Special conditions (such as additional cleaning requirements or pet-related conditions) can only be enforced if approved by the Commissioner. When Can A Pet Request Be Refused? A property owner cannot simply refuse a pet request because they would prefer not to allow pets. To decline a request, the owner must seek approval from the Commissioner within the required timeframe and provide reasonable grounds under the legislation. However, Commissioner approval is not required if allowing the pet would breach another law or an existing strata by-law. For example: The property is located in a strata complex that prohibits certain pets. Local council regulations restrict keeping that type of animal at the property. In these circumstances, the request may be refused without applying for Commissioner approval. What About Pet Bonds and Property Damage? The legislation also provides clearer guidance around protecting rental properties. Where applicable, owners may request a pet bond in accordance with the legislation, and tenants remain responsible for: Any damage caused by the pet Maintaining cleanliness of the property Repairing or covering costs associated with pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear The intention is to allow more renters to secure housing with their pets while ensuring property owners still have protections in place. What This Means for Property Owners For landlords and investors, these changes mean pet requests must now be handled carefully and within strict legal timeframes. Missing the 14-day response period can result in automatic approval, even if concerns exist. Understanding when Commissioner approval is required, what conditions can legally be requested, and how strata regulations may affect decisions is now an important part of managing rental properties in Western Australia. The Role of Property Managers Property managers now play an important role in helping owners stay compliant with the new legislation. This includes: Managing pet applications correctly Advising owners on legal obligations Lodging Commissioner applications when required Ensuring both tenant rights and owner interests are protected As rental laws continue to evolve in Western Australia, staying informed is essential for both property owners and tenants. Understanding the process early can help avoid delays, disputes, and unintended approvals. For more information, visit the official resources available through Consumer Protection WA and recent updates surrounding Western Australia’s rental law reforms. If you’re interested in renting with Summit Realty please contact our Portfolio & Strata Manager, Kim Dawes on kimd@summitrealty.com.au...
Jul 18, 2026
The Perth Shift In Real Estate
The Perth property market is currently experiencing a noticeable shift, with conditions moving away from the rapid sales cycle of recent years toward a more balanced, if more cautious, environment for both buyers and sellers. What’s changing in the market? Across Perth, we are seeing: Listings increasing steadily Properties taking longer to sell Reduced buyer enquiry and lower home open attendance Offers coming in below asking price more frequently This aligns with broader market data showing homes are now taking significantly longer to sell compared to the recent boom period REIWA News – Homes taking nearly twice as long to sell. Investor activity has slowed Rockingham, historically a strong entry-point market due to its lower median price compared to the Perth average, became a hotspot for eastern states investors over the past three to five years. In fact, approximately half of our office sales during this period were to investors, predominantly from the eastern states. However, recent economic and policy changes have impacted this activity: Two recent interest rate increases have reduced borrowing capacity Federal Budget discussions around negative gearing adjustments have created uncertainty Investor confidence has softened, leading to reduced enquiry and fewer competitive offers As a result, we are now seeing: Lower buyer enquiry levels More conservative offers Longer days on market across many suburbs What this means for sellers With property prices adjusting and buyer behaviour shifting, sellers need to approach the market more strategically than in previous years. Key considerations include: Property prices have been affected — realistic pricing is now critical to attracting interest Updated appraisals are essential — if you haven’t reviewed your property value recently, now is the time More stock is expected post-July — as owners meet with accountants and reassess investment positions, listings are likely to increase Greater choice for buyers = longer selling times — making presentation and pricing more important than ever Opportunity for upgraders — softer conditions can create favourable buying opportunities for those looking to move up the property ladder Advice from industry leadership Summit Realty General Manager Brock Gurr highlights the importance of adapting to current conditions: “Be ready and prepared to negotiate with Buyers. Don’t dismiss any offers in this new market.” He also notes that while conditions have shifted, not all markets are moving in the same way: “Rockingham could be an outlier in the market, as continued investment from the Government and private business to accommodate AUKUS will drive Buyer interest and confidence.” Looking ahead While the market is currently adjusting, it remains active and opportunity-driven. Buyers now have more choice and time, while sellers who position their property correctly are still achieving strong results. The key difference in this cycle is expectation, strategy, pricing, and negotiation have become more important than speed alone. For many homeowners, this may also be the right time to revisit their property value and understand where they sit in the current market before making their next move. Ready to understand what your property is worth? If you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want clarity on where your property sits in today’s market, our team can help with an updated, no-obligation appraisal. Get in touch with us today to book your property appraisal or speak with a local property expert - email reception@summitrealty.com.au...
Jul 28, 2026
Warnbro Earns a Spot Among WA's Top 20 Affordable Suburbs - The West Australian
Government policies designed to give first-homebuyers a much-needed upper hand appear to have fallen flat, with new data indicating a bigger drop in entry level buyers than investors. New data from Loan Market, one of Australia’s biggest broking groups, show applications to its brokers from first home buyers in WA from February to June this year dropped 35 per cent, while those from investors fell 24.5 per cent in the same period. Compared to June last year, investor loans with Loan Market were down 13 per cent in WA, and first home buyer loans were down a massive 30.5 per cent. It follows the Federal Government’s tax changes to deter investors from the market, and an expansion of the 5 per cent Home Guarantee designed to help first home buyers get into the market. Loan Market said there was a bigger drop in investors nationally over the same periods, with WA the only State where there was a heftier fall in first home buyers than investors. Loan Market’s Balpreet Bal confirmed there were more investors coming to him for loans than first home buyers. “The rental yield in Perth is still good so that’s contributing to a stronger investment market in WA,” he said. “But first home buyers are really confused about which way the market will go and they are holding back.” Mr Bal said suburbs with over-inflated prices were now seeing price drops, but most suburbs appeared to be holding their value. “In some areas prices are holding,” he said. “Vic Park is holding better than Armadale, for example.” Property analyst Gavin Hegney said both investors and first home buyers were concerned about affordability, and were in “wait and see mode.” “It’s classic stagflation,” he said. Mr Hegney said a significant portion of would-be investors had decided against investment because they could not afford to sustain an investment property without negative gearing benefits. But he believes the anticipated increase in rents — set to eventuate amid the shrinking pool of rental properties — will eventually lure some back in. Meanwhile, a big portion of first home buyers were unable — or unwilling — to buy in a market which had seen prices practically double since the pandemic. Rising rents will make it harder for them to beat the rent trap. Mr Hegney said many entry-level buyers were waiting to see if homes dropped in value over the next few months as investment competition weakened. The three rate hikes had reduced borrowing power at a time when the expanded Home Guarantee fuelled the price of entry-level homes, pushing $750,000 homes to the $850,000 scheme price-threshold within months of the announcement. Research by the Real Estate Institute of WA, exclusively for the The West Australian, shows that while affordability is critically low across WA, there are 37 suburbs in Perth with a house median price below $800,000. The cheapest is Mandurah, in Peel, which has a median sale price of $675,000. In Greater Perth, Medina takes the mantle for the cheapest house median, at $680,000 and Warnbro, in the Rockingham region with a house median of $790,000. REIWA included only suburbs with 28 or more sales in the year to June 2026. Original article written by The West Australian and posted on Perth Now. If you're looking at buying or selling in Warnbro or the surrounding Rockingham region call 9592 8188 or email reception@summitrealty.com.au for a no-obligation chat or FREE appraisal....
Jul 18, 2026
Our Strata Company Doesn't Take Commission on Insurance - And That Matters!
When it comes to managing strata properties, trust and transparency matter — especially when it comes to something as important (and often expensive) as insurance. At Summit Realty, we believe decisions regarding strata insurance should always be made in the best interests of the strata company and its owners. That’s why we do not accept insurance commissions from insurers or insurance brokers when arranging strata insurance policies. While many lot owners assume their strata manager is simply sourcing the best policy available, the reality across the industry can sometimes look very different. Did You Know Your Insurance Premium Could Be Higher If Your Strata Manager Takes Commission? In Western Australia, it is common practice for some strata management companies to receive commissions from insurance brokers or insurers when arranging insurance policies on behalf of strata companies. These commissions are typically paid as a percentage of the insurance premium itself. This raises an important question: If a strata manager earns a higher commission on a higher premium policy… are owners always being presented with the most cost-effective insurance option available? Because commissions are often built into the overall cost of the policy, owners may unknowingly be paying more over time. What Does Western Australian Law Say? Under the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA), strata managers are legally required to disclose any commissions, rebates or benefits they receive in connection with arranging insurance for a strata company. While disclosure is an important legal safeguard, many owners may not realise these commissions exist in the first place or fully understand how they can influence the insurance process. Transparency shouldn’t simply be about legal compliance, it should give owners confidence that decisions are being made purely in their best interests. Why Summit Realty Takes a Different Approach At Summit Realty, we have made a clear decision: We do not accept strata insurance commissions. Why? Because removing financial incentives allows us to assess insurance policies based solely on: The level of coverage required for your scheme The value offered by competing insurers The suitability of the policy for your building and owners The long-term financial interests of the strata property Our role is to advocate for the strata property, not profit from insurance arrangements. By refusing commissions, we eliminate potential conflicts of interest and ensure every insurance recommendation is objective and transparent. Expert Insight From Our Strata Manager, Kim Dawes As our Strata Manager, Kim sees firsthand how insurance arrangements can affect owners over time. “Many owners are unaware that insurance commissions paid to strata managers can be built into the cost of their insurance premium, meaning owners may ultimately pay more over the life of the policy. Where a strata manager receives commissions from certain insurers, there is also the potential for the insurance market to be narrowed, with quotes only being sought from providers that offer commission arrangements. This can reduce competition and limit the number of insurance options presented to the strata company.” This is exactly why we believe independent insurance recommendations are critical. The Benefits for Property Owners and Councils of Owners Choosing a strata management company that does not accept insurance commissions can provide significant advantages, including: ✓ Greater transparency around insurance decisions ✓ Reduced conflicts of interest ✓ More competitive insurance comparisons ✓ Confidence that policy recommendations are based on value and suitability ✓ Peace of mind knowing your strata property’s interests come first Ask The Question Every Strata Owner Should Be Asking If your current strata manager arranges your insurance, it is worth asking: Are they receiving commissions from insurers or brokers? And more importantly: Are you being shown the widest range of insurance options available, or only those tied to commission arrangements? At Summit Realty, we believe strata management should be built on trust, transparency, and doing what is right for owners. That means putting your interests first, every time. Looking For Transparent Strata Management In WA? If you want a strata management partner committed to transparency and independent advice, we’re here to help. Because when it comes to protecting your property investment, every decision should be made with your best interests in mind. Contact Summit Realty today to learn more about our independent strata management approach by emailing strata@summitrealty.com.au....
Jul 18, 2026
Renting With Pets: What WA's New Rental Laws Mean For Tenants and Property
Recent changes to Western Australia’s rental laws are making it easier for tenants to keep pets in rental properties, creating a fairer balance between housing security for renters and the rights of property owners to protect their investment. Under updates to the Residential Tenancies Act in Western Australia, tenants now have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet in a rental property, and property owners must follow a clear legal process when considering that request. What Has Changed? Previously, property owners could generally choose whether or not pets were allowed in their rental property. Under the new legislation, tenants can now formally apply for permission to keep a pet, and owners can no longer simply decline without following the required process. Once a tenant submits a pet request: The property owner has 14 days to respond. If the owner does not respond within 14 days, the request is automatically approved. If the owner wants to decline the request or apply special conditions, they must apply to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection within that same 14-day period. Special conditions (such as additional cleaning requirements or pet-related conditions) can only be enforced if approved by the Commissioner. When Can A Pet Request Be Refused? A property owner cannot simply refuse a pet request because they would prefer not to allow pets. To decline a request, the owner must seek approval from the Commissioner within the required timeframe and provide reasonable grounds under the legislation. However, Commissioner approval is not required if allowing the pet would breach another law or an existing strata by-law. For example: The property is located in a strata complex that prohibits certain pets. Local council regulations restrict keeping that type of animal at the property. In these circumstances, the request may be refused without applying for Commissioner approval. What About Pet Bonds and Property Damage? The legislation also provides clearer guidance around protecting rental properties. Where applicable, owners may request a pet bond in accordance with the legislation, and tenants remain responsible for: Any damage caused by the pet Maintaining cleanliness of the property Repairing or covering costs associated with pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear The intention is to allow more renters to secure housing with their pets while ensuring property owners still have protections in place. What This Means for Property Owners For landlords and investors, these changes mean pet requests must now be handled carefully and within strict legal timeframes. Missing the 14-day response period can result in automatic approval, even if concerns exist. Understanding when Commissioner approval is required, what conditions can legally be requested, and how strata regulations may affect decisions is now an important part of managing rental properties in Western Australia. The Role of Property Managers Property managers now play an important role in helping owners stay compliant with the new legislation. This includes: Managing pet applications correctly Advising owners on legal obligations Lodging Commissioner applications when required Ensuring both tenant rights and owner interests are protected As rental laws continue to evolve in Western Australia, staying informed is essential for both property owners and tenants. Understanding the process early can help avoid delays, disputes, and unintended approvals. For more information, visit the official resources available through Consumer Protection WA and recent updates surrounding Western Australia’s rental law reforms. If you’re interested in renting with Summit Realty please contact our Portfolio & Strata Manager, Kim Dawes on kimd@summitrealty.com.au...
Jul 18, 2026
The Perth Shift In Real Estate
The Perth property market is currently experiencing a noticeable shift, with conditions moving away from the rapid sales cycle of recent years toward a more balanced, if more cautious, environment for both buyers and sellers. What’s changing in the market? Across Perth, we are seeing: Listings increasing steadily Properties taking longer to sell Reduced buyer enquiry and lower home open attendance Offers coming in below asking price more frequently This aligns with broader market data showing homes are now taking significantly longer to sell compared to the recent boom period REIWA News – Homes taking nearly twice as long to sell. Investor activity has slowed Rockingham, historically a strong entry-point market due to its lower median price compared to the Perth average, became a hotspot for eastern states investors over the past three to five years. In fact, approximately half of our office sales during this period were to investors, predominantly from the eastern states. However, recent economic and policy changes have impacted this activity: Two recent interest rate increases have reduced borrowing capacity Federal Budget discussions around negative gearing adjustments have created uncertainty Investor confidence has softened, leading to reduced enquiry and fewer competitive offers As a result, we are now seeing: Lower buyer enquiry levels More conservative offers Longer days on market across many suburbs What this means for sellers With property prices adjusting and buyer behaviour shifting, sellers need to approach the market more strategically than in previous years. Key considerations include: Property prices have been affected — realistic pricing is now critical to attracting interest Updated appraisals are essential — if you haven’t reviewed your property value recently, now is the time More stock is expected post-July — as owners meet with accountants and reassess investment positions, listings are likely to increase Greater choice for buyers = longer selling times — making presentation and pricing more important than ever Opportunity for upgraders — softer conditions can create favourable buying opportunities for those looking to move up the property ladder Advice from industry leadership Summit Realty General Manager Brock Gurr highlights the importance of adapting to current conditions: “Be ready and prepared to negotiate with Buyers. Don’t dismiss any offers in this new market.” He also notes that while conditions have shifted, not all markets are moving in the same way: “Rockingham could be an outlier in the market, as continued investment from the Government and private business to accommodate AUKUS will drive Buyer interest and confidence.” Looking ahead While the market is currently adjusting, it remains active and opportunity-driven. Buyers now have more choice and time, while sellers who position their property correctly are still achieving strong results. The key difference in this cycle is expectation, strategy, pricing, and negotiation have become more important than speed alone. For many homeowners, this may also be the right time to revisit their property value and understand where they sit in the current market before making their next move. Ready to understand what your property is worth? If you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want clarity on where your property sits in today’s market, our team can help with an updated, no-obligation appraisal. Get in touch with us today to book your property appraisal or speak with a local property expert - email reception@summitrealty.com.au...
