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AUKUS and Rockingham: A Property Buyer’s Guide
HMAS Stirling, on Garden Island off Rockingham, is the base for Australia’s AUKUS submarine program. From as early as 2027, one UK and up to four US nuclear-powered submarines are planned to rotate through the base. The Australian Government is investing up to $8 billion to expand it, creating around 3,000 direct Australian jobs. For buyers, that means more workers, contractors and families looking for homes in Rockingham and the surrounding suburbs. This guide covers what’s happening and what to check before you buy.
Last checked: November 2026. We review this guide every six months.
What’s happening at HMAS Stirling
- Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West). Defence plans a rotational presence of one UK and up to four US nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling from as early as 2027.
- Up to $8 billion to expand the base. The Government says the expansion will create around 3,000 direct Australian jobs. Works include pier and wharf upgrades, new on-site accommodation and training facilities, power upgrades and new buildings.
- US personnel arriving. In June 2026, Defence said US personnel would begin rotating to HMAS Stirling later in 2026, with support services for personnel, contractors and their families.
- Australia’s own submarines. Australia’s sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability is planned from the early 2030s.
Sources: Minister for Defence, “AUKUS partners take next steps towards Submarine Rotational Force-West” (12 June 2026); Department of Defence, SRF-West infrastructure project.
The Rockingham market now
| Rockingham | Houses | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $870,000 | $601,000 |
| Median rent | $650 a week | $550 a week |
| Days on market (sales) | 22 | 44 |
Source: REIWA, Rockingham suburb profile (Landgate/REIWA data, 12 months to October 2026, updated 9 November 2026).
Rockingham is on the Mandurah Line, about 33 minutes from Elizabeth Quay by train. Nearby stations include Warnbro (37 minutes) and Wellard (29 minutes). See our Perth train lines guide for each station.
About one in ten of the purchases we’ve settled for clients have been in the Rockingham and Kwinana area, from Orelia and Wellard down to Baldivis, Waikiki, Secret Harbour and Golden Bay.
Suburbs buyers look at around Rockingham
- Rockingham, Shoalwater, Safety Bay and Waikiki. The coastal suburbs closest to HMAS Stirling and the Rockingham foreshore.
- Baldivis. A large family suburb east of Rockingham with newer homes and schools.
- Warnbro, Port Kennedy, Secret Harbour and Golden Bay. Coastal suburbs further south, near Warnbro station and the Mandurah Line.
- Wellard, Kwinana and Orelia. Closer to Perth, with Wellard and Kwinana stations on the Mandurah Line.
For local figures and buyer FAQs, see our suburb guides for Rockingham, Safety Bay, Waikiki, Baldivis, Warnbro, Secret Harbour, Wellard and Kwinana.
What to check before buying near AUKUS
- Don’t pay for the headline. AUKUS is long-term, and much of the workforce will arrive over years, not months. Price a property on like-for-like comparable sales today, not on expected growth.
- Rental demand varies by street. Defence and contractor tenants look for particular locations and property types. Check rents and days on market for similar homes nearby.
- Coastal and flood overlays. Some coastal and low-lying areas have flood or coastal hazard mapping. Check the official maps for the exact lot.
- Industrial buffers. Parts of Kwinana and East Rockingham are near heavy industry. Check zoning and any buffer areas before you buy.
- Social housing nearby. As with any suburb, the mix of housing on the street can affect resale. We check this in our due diligence.
Our due diligence reports for every serious option cover like-for-like comparable sales, zoning and R-codes, flood and bushfire maps, social housing nearby, schools and transport, and our own price range.
Common questions
What is AUKUS doing in Rockingham?
HMAS Stirling, on Garden Island off Rockingham, will host Submarine Rotational Force-West: one UK and up to four US nuclear-powered submarines rotating through from as early as 2027. The Government is investing up to $8 billion to expand the base.
Will AUKUS push up Rockingham house prices?
No one can say for sure. More jobs and workers add demand for housing, but prices also depend on supply, interest rates and the wider Perth market. Buy on today’s comparable sales, not predictions.
What is the median house price in Rockingham?
REIWA reports a median house price of $870,000 and a median unit price of $601,000 for the 12 months to October 2026.
How long is the train from Rockingham to Perth?
About 33 minutes from Rockingham station to Elizabeth Quay on a weekday mid-morning Mandurah Line service.
This is general information only, not financial advice. Also see our Perth growth corridors guide and our buyer’s agent in Mandurah page.
Thinking about buying near Rockingham? Book a free discovery call and we’ll talk through the suburbs that suit your plans. Or see how our buyer’s agents in Perth work.