Darwin offers a materially higher gross yield (5.5% vs 4.4%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Darwin achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Ballarat requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Ballarat (1.5% vs 2.1%), 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 · #31 | Darwin NT · #27 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.4% | 5.5% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.5% | 2.1% |
| Median Price | $580k | $670k |
| Weekly Rent | $490/wk | $711/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-4,680 | +$2,132 |
| Cashflow | Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4.5% | +5.2% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5% | +4.8% |
| NG Dependence | High | None |
| Discovery Status | Known | Known |
| Population | 117k | 130k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Starting |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE |
| Signal Score | 50 / Tier 3 | 52 / Tier 2 |
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.
Darwin is the NT capital and a significant ADF hub: RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson Barracks in nearby Palmerston. Charles Darwin University and NT government services provide additional employment stability. At $670k and $711/wk rent, Darwin produces the strongest gross yield in this expansion set (5.5%) and is the only Round 2 market achieving positive cashflow at standard LVR. Vacancy at 2.1% is elevated by dataset standards — directional trend matters.
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
NT Govt/REINT Dec quarter 2025. Verified against PropTrack May 2026 ($707k direction). Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
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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.