Mackay offers a materially higher gross yield (6.0% vs 4.5%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Mackay achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Geraldton requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Mackay (0.8% vs 1.4%), 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 | Geraldton WA · #18 | Mackay QLD · #4 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.5% | 6.0% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.4% | 0.8% |
| Median Price | $577k | $515k |
| Weekly Rent | $500/wk | $590/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-3,978 | +$3,900 |
| Cashflow | Slightly-Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +7.1% | +7% |
| Price Growth 12m | +8.8% | +5.5% |
| NG Dependence | Medium | None |
| Discovery Status | Emerging | Emerging |
| Population | 38k | 78k |
| Cycle Stage | Early-Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▲ UPGRADED |
| Signal Score | 55 / Tier 2 | 70 / Tier 2 |
Geraldton retains the highest yield in the expansion set at 4.5%, with the smallest cashflow gap of the WA markets. The WA cycle has run the price from the $300s to $576k, but rental growth has tracked alongside. Agricultural export hub (grain port), RAAF Base Geraldton, and Mid West fisheries provide a diversified employment base. Slightly negative cashflow — not a yield play at current entry prices, but the most defensible yield profile among the 7 expansion markets.
6.0% yield is cashflow positive. Mackay is the service hub for Australia's most productive coking coal basin. FIFO workers create reliable accommodation demand. Vacancy at 0.8% is very tight. $590/wk rent on $515k price sits well in positive cashflow territory.
2026 median house data. Source: property.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
CoreLogic QLD Q1 2025 · REIQ Mackay Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Queensland Resources Council 2024 · Isaac Regional Council infrastructure report 2024
Data vintage: Q1 2025
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.