Toowoomba offers a materially higher gross yield (5.0% vs 4.4%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Both markets carry similar cashflow positions under current yield and interest rate assumptions. Vacancy conditions favour Toowoomba (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 | Toowoomba QLD · #14 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.4% | 5.0% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.5% | 1% |
| Median Price | $580k | $582k |
| Weekly Rent | $490/wk | $560/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-4,680 | $-1,144 |
| Cashflow | Negative | Near-Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4.5% | +5.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5% | +6% |
| NG Dependence | High | Low |
| Discovery Status | Known | Known |
| Population | 117k | 175k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Mid |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▲ UPGRADED |
| Signal Score | 50 / Tier 3 | 58 / 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.
5.0% yield on Australia's largest inland city (175,000). Inland Rail makes Toowoomba a permanent logistics node: structural demand, not cyclical. Wellcamp Airport's freight capacity is genuinely unique. Vacancy at 1.0% is tight for a city this size.
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 QLD Q1 2025 · REIQ Toowoomba Q4 2024 · SQM Research · ARTC Inland Rail updates 2024 · Wellcamp Airport annual report 2024
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.