Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.
Broken Hill offers a materially higher gross yield (6.7% vs 4.4%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Broken Hill achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Ballarat requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Broken Hill (1% vs 1.5%), indicating tighter rental demand relative to supply.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Ballarat VIC · #23 | Broken Hill NSW · #5 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.4% | 6.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.5% | 1% |
| Median Price | $580k | $235k |
| Weekly Rent | $490/wk | $300/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-4,680 | +$3,380 |
| Cashflow | Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4.5% | +5.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5% | +6% |
| NG Dependence | High | None |
| Discovery Status | Known | Unknown |
| Population | 117k | 18k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Early |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE |
| Signal Score | 50 / Tier 3 | 70 / Tier 1 |
4.4% yield is below cashflow-positive threshold but offers population scale (117,000), transport links (1hr to Melbourne CBD), and the best asset liquidity in the VIC set. Federation University provides student rental demand. Included as the defensive, lower-risk option.
6.7% yield at $235k, the highest yield-to-price ratio in the scan. The Far West NSW REZ (2.3GW) is creating permanent construction and operational jobs in a town that was in structural decline. Cashflow positive by $3,380/year. Discovery status 'Unknown': no institutional awareness of the REZ catalyst yet.
CoreLogic VIC Q1 2025 · REI Victoria Ballarat Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Federation University enrolment data 2024 · Ballarat City Council population projections
Data vintage: Q1 2025
CoreLogic NSW Q1 2025 · REINSW Broken Hill Q4 2024 · SQM Research postcode 2880 · NSW Government Far West REZ project register 2024 · AGL/Transgrid REZ development update · BHP Broken Hill operations data
Data vintage: Q1 2025
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Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.