Perth’s Infill Housing Future

Perth’s Infill Housing Future is the first edited book in Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre’s rich collection of publications, targeted at informing issues of economic and social policy importance within Western Australia. This book brings together a wealth of data, analysis and commentary on the state of Perth’s infill housing sector, a sector vital in delivering a significant proportion of the housing required to meet future population growth.

The book offers thoughtful perspectives on how housing demand, diversity and affordability have changed in recent years and the resulting need for more diverse housing delivery. It discusses the roles of the planning system, community engagement, infrastructure investment and design-led innovations in delivering infill development both now and in the future. Using a number of case studies from across Perth, the book highlights examples of innovative thinking and delivery, providing exemplars for those working in the sector.

A critical feature of the book is its forward-looking perspective. It makes an important contribution to the evidence base by offering a narrative on the future of the infill housing sector, including the benefits that it yields for environmental sustainability. It sets a roadmap for industry and government, necessary to increase rates of infill development to meet the ambitious targets set within strategic planning documents.

The book constitutes an authoritative yet accessible guide to the latest developments in infill housing, useful for academics and practitioners alike. We have made extensive efforts to capture perspectives from highly respected Curtin University researchers, including academics from Curtin’s School of Economics and Finance, School of Built Environment, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre and the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre. Moreover, the book represents a collaborative effort with the WA housing industry. Senior representatives from the industry were given the opportunity to comment on each chapter to help shape its overall direction. Hence, the book delivers practical and policy-relevant research informing government and industry.