Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.
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 Townsville requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Townsville (1.2% 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 | Darwin NT · #27 | Townsville QLD · #16 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 5.5% | 4.4% |
| Vacancy Rate | 2.1% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $670k | $595k |
| Weekly Rent | $711/wk | $500/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$2,132 | $-4,940 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Slightly-Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +5.2% | +7.8% |
| Price Growth 12m | +4.8% | +10.4% |
| NG Dependence | None | Medium |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 130k | 180k |
| Cycle Stage | Starting | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE | ◆ NEUTRAL |
| Signal Score | 52 / Tier 2 | 57 / Tier 2 |
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.
Townsville is North Queensland's largest city and a significant ADF hub — Lavarack Barracks (Army) and RAAF Base Townsville. James Cook University and Townsville University Hospital underpin stable public-sector employment. The market has recovered materially from its 2015–2019 downturn. At $595k and $500/wk, cashflow is slightly negative at standard LVR — not the positive-cashflow market it was two years ago, but yield of 4.4% remains competitive for a city of this scale.
NT Govt/REINT Dec quarter 2025. Verified against PropTrack May 2026 ($707k direction). Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
REIQ/PropTrack 2025 region estimate. Verify against current REIQ data before publishing. Data quality: imported.
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.