Perth industrial real estate at a glance (2025)
Whether you’re scanning industrial property for sale Perth listings or weighing up industrial land for sale Perth WA to build on, the fundamentals favour efficient, low-maintenance steel buildings. Owner‑occupiers in Wangara, Malaga, Welshpool, Kewdale, Canning Vale, Bibra Lake and Henderson prioritise fast occupancy, energy performance and flexible layouts (mezzanines, craneways, and high‑bay storage).
For investors, “buy existing” versus “design-and-construct” depends on yield, capex and downtime. Many small businesses consider factory units for sale Perth or industrial units for sale Perth in strata estates, while tradies lean into steel sheds Perth and custom Colorbond garages Perth at home (subject to council approval) to store tools, utes and materials.
Sources: Industry associations and public climate data such as the Bureau of Meteorology, HIA, and the Australian Steel Institute.
Interested in the east coast property market? Read our latest Brisbane Warehouse for Sale buyer’s guide for tips on small warehouse investments in Queensland.
New to industrial property? Start with our Warehouse for Sale in Australia buyer’s guide for a national baseline.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth’s hot, dry summers and coastal salt exposure suit quality coated steel. The most common claddings are Colorbond and Zincalume. Here’s a quick Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison for WA conditions.
| Feature | Colorbond (pre-painted) | Zincalume (aluminium/zinc alloy) |
|---|---|---|
| Coating & finish | Factory-painted steel with baked-on colour layers | Metallic coating; silver–grey appearance |
| Corrosion resistance (metro/coastal) | Excellent with marine-grade options near coast | Very good; may need extra care near surf coasts |
| Heat reflectivity | Light colours reflect heat; reduces heat gain | Highly reflective when clean; can dull over time |
| Aesthetics for industrial estates | Broad colour palette to match corporate branding | Industrial look; paintable later |
| Typical use in Perth | Facade walls, roofing on premium warehouses and sheds | Roofing, side walls on cost-efficient builds |
| Lifecycle value | High—lower repainting needs | High—cost-effective upfront |
For more on modern construction techniques and customisation, see our Industrial Building Guide for Australian homes and builders.
Warehouse for sale Perth vs build new on industrial land
Choosing between an existing warehouse for sale Perth and ground-up on industrial land for sale Perth comes down to timing, fit-out and capex. Here’s a quick framework:
- Buy existing — Fast occupancy, known address in established Perth industrial areas like Welshpool or Osborne Park; possible compromises on eave height, slab capacity, or truck turning.
- Design-and-construct — Optimised layout, higher eaves (8–10 m), purpose-built loading, solar-ready roofs; longer program but better lifecycle value.
- Strata units — “Factory units for sale Perth” suit SMEs needing 100–400 m² with shared access; lower buy-in; strata rules apply.
- Owner-builder sheds — For trades and renovators, DIY shed kits or turn-key builds on residential/semirural titles provide compliant storage if council-approved.
Case study — 450 m² warehouse Perth north
A Wangara owner-occupier compared a 1990s tilt‑panel warehouse Perth to a new Colorbond portal-frame. The new build cost 12% more but delivered 1.5 m extra clearance for racking, translucent roof sheeting for daylight, and a 30 kW PV-ready roof. Payback projected in 6.2 years via energy and handling efficiencies.
How to choose the right industrial shed or factory unit
Sizing, bays and clearances
- Plan spans and bay spacing to suit pallet racking, forklifts, and vehicle access (common portals: 6 m, 7.5 m, 9 m bays).
- Target eaves 6–10 m for modern logistics; allow for future mezzanines and gantries.
Openings and handling
- Roller shutters or sectional doors with chain or motor drive; consider wind locks for exposed sites.
- Dock levellers and canopies for loading efficiency; separate light-vehicle and heavy-vehicle movements.
Slab and footings (AS 2870, AS 3600)
- Engineer slabs for racking point loads and hardstand vehicle loads; confirm subgrade CBR and geotech report.
- Allow for future services trenches and floor drains in workshops.
Wind ratings and structure
WA wind design uses AS/NZS 1170.2. Perth metro is generally Region A (non‑cyclonic); northern coastal WA shifts to Regions C/D. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes Be sure your shed or warehouse is certified to the correct region and terrain category, including door ratings.
For coastal or cyclonic designs (e.g., wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas and cyclone-rated sheds QLD), specify upgraded fixings, extra hold-downs and rated door systems.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
Most “council-approved sheds WA” follow this path. Always verify with your local council (City of Swan, Stirling, Wanneroo, Cockburn, etc.).
Steps
- Check planning rules — Zoning, setbacks, wall heights, site coverage, parking. Use the WA planning portal or local scheme policies.
- Site plan & engineering — Certified drawings to NCC 2022, AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS/NZS 4600/4100 (steel), and energy provisions. Consider BAL ratings in bushfire-prone areas (see CSIRO BAL overview).
- Building permit — Submit Form BA1 (certified) with structural certifications.
- Inspections — Footing, slab, frame, and final compliance.
- Services and occupancy — Electrical, plumbing, fire safety where required.
Tip: Many Perth builders offer permit packs. Ask for a fixed scope that includes engineering, energy reports and documentation for wind region, terrain and importance level.
For broader specs on factory buildings and council approval beyond WA, see our warehouse building in Australia guide.
Pricing guide 2025: DIY kit vs custom-built vs turn‑key
- DIY shed kits (e.g., 6×6 double garage, non-cyclonic): roughly $9,000–$18,000 for the shell. Add slab, erection, electrical separately.
- Mid-size rural sheds (12×9 to 18×12): $25,000–$85,000 for the kit depending on height, doors and cladding; more with insulation.
- Industrial warehouse shells (200–1,000 m², Perth): about $450–$900 per m² for the steel shell and cladding. Full design-and-construct with slab, services and offices can range $1,200–$2,200 per m² depending on spec.
Final pricing varies with site, soil, wind region, steel gauge, roof insulation, doors and fire/energy requirements. Seek multiple quotes and confirm inclusions.
Permits and compliance questions? See our Warehouse Building in Australia article for detailed step-by-step guidance.
Use-cases and keyword clusters for quick navigation
- Owner-occupier: factory for sale Perth, warehouse for sale Perth, industrial units for sale Perth, warehouse Perth.
- Land + build: industrial land for sale Perth, industrial land for sale Perth WA, custom steel sheds Perth.
- Strata & micro-storage: storage units for sale Perth, storage units for sale Perth WA.
- Residential/semirural: custom-built double garage in Perth, DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes.
- Agribusiness: farm machinery storage, hay sheds, rural sheds NSW (comparable specs for WA farms).
- Other markets (LSI): custom carports Melbourne, cyclone-rated sheds QLD (for comparison of design standards).
5‑Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define the brief — Useable internal dimensions, eave height, door sizes, racking, vehicles, and future mezzanine allowances.
- Pick materials — Colorbond vs Zincalume; insulation level; condensation control; gutters and rainwater compliance.
- Engineer correctly — Confirm wind region, terrain, importance level; specify portal frame sizes, purlin/girt spacing, and door wind ratings.
- Confirm permits — Planning overlays, BAL if applicable, energy/NCC compliance, and council-approved sheds WA documentation.
- Compare build paths — DIY kit, supplier-erected, or turn-key. Check lead times, warranties, erection inclusions, and aftercare.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insulation in Perth?
Yes, roof insulation and vapour control improve summer comfort and mitigate condensation. Consider insulated panels or blanket with anti‑condensation foil. Verify NCC energy provisions for your building class.
Is Colorbond worth it over Zincalume?
For coastal or presentation-sensitive sites, Colorbond’s finish and colour stability add value. Zincalume remains a robust, cost-effective option for roofs and side walls where aesthetics are secondary.
Are DIY shed kits allowed in metro Perth?
Yes, if engineered and permitted. You’ll still need a compliant slab, tie‑downs and inspections. Many suppliers offer erection services if you prefer not to self-build.
What are lead times in 2025?
Steel supply has normalised compared with pandemic peaks, but allow 6–12 weeks for standard kits and longer for custom engineered warehouses. Complex council approvals can extend timelines.
What about bushfire (BAL) or flood overlays?
Some peri-urban sites require BAL assessment; flood-prone areas may need higher finished floor levels. Check your local mapping early and design accordingly.
Local standards, climate and resources
- Standards: AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS 4100/4600 (steel), AS 2870 (residential slabs), AS 3600 (concrete), NCC 2022.
- Climate: Perth heat and sea breeze affect comfort and corrosion. Refer to the Bureau of Meteorology climate data.
- Industry guidance: HIA, Master Builders Australia, Australian Steel Institute.
Note: Recent industry outlooks (2024–2025) point to steady demand for outdoor structures and steel buildings, with buyers prioritising speed to occupy, energy performance and durability.
Design options buyers expect in 2025
- Custom colours and profiles, translucent roof sheeting, and commercial gutters.
- Insulated panel roofs/walls, sarking and condensation control packages.
- Solar-ready roof framing, cable trays, and EV charger provisions.
- Mezzanine floors, amenities pods, and smart access control.
- Hot-dip galvanised structural steel for coastal sites and wash bays.
Putting it together: your next step
For buyers focusing on Southeast Queensland, our Sheds Ipswich guide provides info on custom sheds and garages, plus local approvals.
Shortlist suburbs that fit your freight and labour needs (e.g., Canning Vale for south logistics, Kewdale/Welshpool for airport/tonnage, Wangara/Malaga for north). Decide whether a “buy existing” factory for sale Perth suits now, or if a new industrial property for sale Perth build will outperform over the next decade. Then align your shed/warehouse specification with wind region, energy goals and growth plans.
Further reading: NCC energy provisions (ABCB), local planning schemes (WA), and climate design notes (BOM). External resources are provided for general guidance only.