Whyalla offers a materially higher gross yield (6.2% vs 5.5%), 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 Whyalla (0.5% 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 | Darwin NT · #27 | Whyalla SA · #9 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 5.5% | 6.2% |
| Vacancy Rate | 2.1% | 0.5% |
| Median Price | $670k | $287k |
| Weekly Rent | $711/wk | $340/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$2,132 | +$2,756 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +5.2% | +8% |
| Price Growth 12m | +4.8% | +12% |
| NG Dependence | None | None |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 130k | 22k |
| Cycle Stage | Starting | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE |
| Signal Score | 52 / Tier 2 | 64 / Tier 1 |
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.
Crisis-level vacancy and strong cashflow without negative gearing. Lowest absolute entry price in the SA scan. Investment thesis is primarily yield-driven, with any steelworks-related upside treated as optional rather than assumed.
NT Govt/REINT Dec quarter 2025. Verified against PropTrack May 2026 ($707k direction). Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
CoreLogic SA Q1 2025 · REISA median Q4 2024 · SQM Research postcode 5600 · GFG Alliance Whyalla Steelworks investor briefing 2024 · SA Government Hydrogen Jobs Plan 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.