Bathurst offers a materially higher gross yield (4.1% vs 3.3%), 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 Bathurst (1.1% vs 1.6%), 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 | Bathurst NSW · #19 | Geelong VIC · #33 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.1% | 3.3% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.1% | 1.6% |
| Median Price | $665k | $904k |
| Weekly Rent | $530/wk | $575/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-7,020 | $-17,108 |
| Cashflow | Slightly-Negative | Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4.8% | +3.8% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5.8% | +2.1% |
| NG Dependence | Medium | High |
| Discovery Status | Unknown | Known |
| Population | 42k | 270k |
| Cycle Stage | Early | Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▼ DOWNGRADED | ▼ DOWNGRADED |
| Signal Score | 55 / Tier 2 | 47 / Tier 3 |
Bathurst is a heritage inland NSW city — Charles Sturt University, Bathurst Base Hospital, government services, and the Bathurst 1000 motorsport event. Sea/tree change migration from Sydney drove price growth since 2020. At $665k and $530/wk, gross yield is 4.1% and cashflow is slightly negative. Better yield than Wagga or Albury; more affordable than coastal NSW equivalents. New builds eligible for NG retention.
Geelong at $904k reflects the Melbourne proximity premium and post-pandemic lifestyle migration run. Deakin University, Barwon Health, NDIS growth, and logistics employment anchor the economy after the Ford closure in 2016. At 3.3% gross yield, cashflow is strongly negative at standard LVR. VIC state land tax changes add holding cost pressure. Investment case relies on Melbourne-correlated capital growth rather than income.
realestate.com.au Bathurst median house Jun 2025–May 2026. Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
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.