RENTERS in Bunbury have seen average rental prices increase by $60 a week adding further strain to household budgets.

The big jump has seen rental returns for investors across Greater Bunbury increase by an average of 15 per cent over the last 12 months.

Real Estate Institute of WA Bunbury spokeswoman Roslyn Ierace said the increase reflected a correction in rental prices.

“As (house) prices increased we didn’t see rents increase in the same way,” she said.

“The rental prices were very slow in catching up.”

Four suburbs had their median rental prices increase by more than 20 per cent.

Bunbury rent increased from an average of $280 to $340 per week.

Pelican Point went up 21 per cent to $380 per week and both Glen Iris and South Bunbury saw a 22 per cent increase in rental returns, to $360 and $280 respectively.

It was not all good news though as median rental prices for units in the suburb of Bunbury dropped from $250 to $240 per week.

Ms Ierace said despite the increases Greater Bunbury was still relatively affordable.

“When you look at the location in relation to the rent in most cases (affordability) is really quite good,” she said.

Ms Ierace said while affordability was an issue for some low income earners and pensioners overall there was a good selection of rentals in Bunbury and a steady vacancy rate of about three per cent.

It was also hoped the release of the latest figures would encourage investors back into the market and Ms Ierace said there would be further movement in median rents.

“I think there are still some areas that need to catch up further,” she said.

The figures were in stark contrast to house prices which suffered a five per cent fall across Greater Bunbury in the same period.