Research shows residents in Perth are ready to start embracing higher density and more sustainable living.

Commissioned by the Conservation Council of WA in partnership with the Property Council of Australia and property developer Psaros, the report shows lifestyle priorities are shifting away from homes and backyards towards apartments and townhouses.

More than 500 people were surveyed to produce the report.

Conservation Council director Piers Verstegen said there was much broader and stronger support for increased density than planners and local councils might think.

"Perth is ready to embrace a much more sustainable future for our city," he said.

"The top priorities for the future of the city are more public transport, more environmental friendly buildings and more cycling lanes and cycling infrastructure.

"All those priorities will lead to a much more sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable city for the future."

The research suggested people were starting to see that urban sprawl was too expensive and higher density living near public transport would offer better lifestyle opportunities.

"Well this is not just great news for the environment ... it also means a more vibrant city with more people in it, more night life and more opportunities for entertainment," Mr Verstegen said.

"This means that Perth is shaking off its dullsville image."

Mr Verstegen said this did not mean people in Perth wanted "Gold Coast-style development", but something that allowed them to live easily and sustainably.

"What people are demanding is sustainable apartment developments that have renewable energy that generate their own rainwater and are connected with public transport and cycling infrastructure," he said.

"They're looking for developments that fit in with the existing urban fabric but allow more people to live in these spaces with a smaller environmental footprint."

Some of the report's findings include:

- Over half of residents (55 per cent) would support increased building height limits to allow for higher density around transport links. - 50 per cent would support relaxing building height limits if developments were eco-friendly. - The majority of respondents (73 per cent) do not believe that the benefits of a separate house and garden outweigh the benefits of inner city living. - The majority of respondents (69 per cent) do not consider low density living in detached single housing to be a more affordable option.

Property Council executive director Joe Lenzo said with the right planning and policy support from state and local government, the community's wants could be met.

"Developers are ready to support larger rates of infill housing and this research demonstrates that the community is ready too," he said.