This year marks a major milestone for JMW as we celebrate 20 years of serving the Dunsborough community. Over the past two decades, we’ve helped buyers, sellers, investors, and families navigate one of the most dynamic property markets in the South West. Looking back at the numbers, it’s clear just how much our town – and its property market – has grown.
Remarkable Growth in House Prices
In 2005, the median house price in Dunsborough was $510,000. By 2025, it has risen to $1,255,000 – an increase of 146% over 20 years, or an additional $745,000 added to the value of the typical home.
The upper quartile house price has also seen huge growth, climbing from $652,500 in 2005 to $1,647,500 in 2025 – an increase of nearly $1 million. This reflects both rising demand and the increasing quality and diversity of homes in the region.
Steady Sales, Growing Demand
While prices have surged, sales activity has remained steady. Annual house sales have increased from 145 in 2005 to 163 in 2025, a rise of just 12.4%. Price growth is being driven not by more sales, but by consistent demand for a limited supply of quality property in a highly desirable location.
The Changing Vacant Land Market
The vacant land market illustrates just how scarce property has become. In 2005, there were 118 vacant land sales. In 2025, there are only 33, a drop of 72%. Meanwhile, the median vacant land price has nearly doubled, rising from $249,000 to $489,000 (up 96.4%).
Fewer blocks, higher competition, and stronger long-term value have reshaped the land market dramatically.
Rapid Recent Growth
Some of the most dramatic changes have happened in recent years. Since 2021:
Median house prices jumped from $710,000 → $1,255,000 (+$545,000 in just four years)
Vacant land climbed from $239,000 → $635,000 (peaking in 2024 before settling)
This highlights how quickly the Dunsborough market has evolved, making it an exciting and fast-moving place to buy or invest.
Changing Perceptions of Value
What was once considered premium is now baseline. In 2005, a $650,000 budget would have purchased a top-tier home. Today, that same amount doesn’t reach the median house price, demonstrating how much the market has grown and how highly valued our region has become.
Reflections from JMW’s Founding Owner
Joe White, one of JMW’s long-serving owners and directors, reflects on the company’s growth and culture:
“The initial foundations laid were that we always put the client first, irrespective of what was in it for us. This proved to be a very solid foundation on which to build our business and our reputation. Everything stems from that initial culture, and with Ben and Trigg now the helm, I am confident JMW will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Joe also shared a personal reflection on the changing town:
“The change in the town centre has been phenomenal. When we started, the population was about 1,000, and now it’s closer to 9,000. Those quintessential, nostalgic two-bedroom asbestos cottages have been replaced by mansions of up to 2,000 m². Yet, ironically, I find that a little beach house is providing as much joy to the owners as a 2,000 m² mansion!”
20 Years of JMW in Dunsborough
For 20 years, JMW has grown alongside this community. We’ve seen families put down roots, investors build wealth, and Dunsborough transform into a thriving lifestyle destination. Through every market cycle, our focus has remained the same: honest advice, local knowledge, and a genuine commitment to our clients.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re proud to be part of Dunsborough’s story and look forward to continuing this journey with our community for many years to come.
Share Your Memories of JMW
As we celebrate 20 years of JMW in Dunsborough, we know our story is not just about property – it’s about the people who have made it special. Whether you’ve bought your first home, sold a family property, or worked alongside our team, your experiences have helped shape JMW and our community.
We’d love for you to share your memories, stories, or photos with us. Did something memorable happen when buying or selling? A special moment with our team? Or just a favourite JMW memory from over the years?
📧 You can send your stories or images to marketing@jmwrealestate.com.au, or share them through our online memories form (https://forms.gle/uVxURT67okzywkDDA) .
Your stories may be featured on our social media, website, and anniversary celebrations – helping us celebrate not just 20 years in Dunsborough, but the people who made it all possible.
