Both markets have comparable gross yields (4.4% vs 4.1%). Both markets carry similar cashflow positions under current yield and interest rate assumptions.
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 | Orange NSW · #21 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.4% | 4.1% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.5% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $580k | $745k |
| Weekly Rent | $490/wk | $590/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-4,680 | $-8,060 |
| Cashflow | Negative | Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4.5% | +5.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5% | +6.2% |
| NG Dependence | High | High |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 117k | 42k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▼ DOWNGRADED |
| Signal Score | 50 / Tier 3 | 54 / 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.
Orange has moved materially as a lifestyle and sea-change destination for inland NSW. At $745k, the yield of 4.1% no longer supports cashflow-positive investing at standard LVR. The economy is diversified — Orange Base Hospital, Cadia gold and copper mine services, and Charles Sturt University — but the price growth has run ahead of rental income. New builds remain eligible for NG under current policy settings.
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
2026 median house data. Source: realestate.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
The interactive tool lets you add up to 4 suburbs for a full side-by-side breakdown with score components.
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.