Emerald offers a materially higher gross yield (6.1% vs 2.7%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Emerald achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Newcastle requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Emerald (0.7% vs 1.8%), 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 | Emerald QLD · #2 | Newcastle NSW · #27 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 6.1% | 2.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 0.7% | 1.8% |
| Median Price | $390k | $1550k |
| Weekly Rent | $460/wk | $800/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$3,640 | $-39,000 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +6% | +4.2% |
| Price Growth 12m | +4.5% | +4.8% |
| NG Dependence | None | High |
| Discovery Status | Unknown | Known |
| Population | 14k | 320k |
| Cycle Stage | Early | Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE | ▼ DOWNGRADED |
| Signal Score | 73 / Tier 1 | 41 / Tier 3 |
Tightest vacancy in the scan at 0.7% (effectively full). 6.1% yield at $390k is genuinely positive cashflow. Emerald sits at the intersection of coking coal and agriculture, giving it more diversification than a pure mining town. Discovery status 'Unknown': no institutional attention yet.
Newcastle's median house price at $1.55M now sits in the range of established capital city suburban markets. The investment case is lifestyle demand, coastal amenity, and employment diversification (John Hunter Hospital, University of Newcastle, defence, knowledge economy) — not yield or cashflow. At 2.5% gross yield, this market requires significant ongoing capital to hold at standard LVR rates. The 2026 NG policy change materially increases holding costs for new purchasers.
CoreLogic QLD Q1 2025 · REIQ Emerald Q4 2024 · SQM Research Central Highlands · ABS agricultural census water allocation 2024 · Central Highlands Regional Council planning data
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.