The WA survey also measured appetite for growth locally. Nearly half of respondents (49%) said they would support a small increase of up to 10% more homes in their area, while only 16% backed growth of 11-20%. Larger increases drew little support, with 6% backing growth of 21-50% and 1% supporting increases above 50%.
Apartments face a scale problem, not a stigma
Sentiment toward apartments was split fairly evenly, with 37% of voters positive, 38% neutral and 25% negative. Support fell once project size increased: 40% would accept developments of up to 50 units locally, only 11% would accept more, and 32% would not accept any units at all.
Building height carried a similar effect. Low-rise projects of one to three storeys drew support from 30% of voters, falling to 12% for mid-rise buildings and 7% for high-rise towers. Respondents nominated on-site parking (43%), height limits (34%) and green space or communal areas (32%) as the factors most likely to make apartment developments acceptable.
Detached housing remained the preferred option among WA respondents, with 59% comfortable having this type built in their local area, compared with 39% for townhouses and 29% for social and affordable housing. Marocchi said most West Australians want more homes built and better affordability outcomes, but want growth delivered in a way that matches community expectations on height, design and local amenity.
Results from the Western AustraliaNOW survey carry a maximum margin of error of ±2.5% at the 95% confidence level.