Mackay
QLDTier 2Positive
70
Signal score
VS
Palmerston
NTTier 2Positive
48
Signal score

Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.

Mackay: Tighter Rental Market
0.8% vs 2.8% vacancy
Mackay: Lower Investor Awareness
Emerging vs Known
Mackay: Stronger Rent Momentum
+7% vs +3.5%
Mackay: Higher Signal Score
70 vs 48

Both markets have comparable gross yields (6.0% vs 6.0%). Both markets carry similar cashflow positions under current yield and interest rate assumptions. Vacancy conditions favour Mackay (0.8% vs 2.8%), 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
Mackay
QLD · #4
Palmerston
NT · #25
Gross Yield6.0%6.0%
Vacancy Rate0.8%2.8%
Median Price$515k$510k
Weekly Rent$590/wk$590/wk
Net pre-costs pa+$3,900+$4,160
CashflowPositivePositive
Rent Growth 12m+7%+3.5%
Price Growth 12m+5.5%+3%
NG DependenceNoneNone
Discovery StatusEmergingKnown
Population78k37k
Cycle StageEarly-MidStarting
Policy Impact▲ UPGRADED◆ NEUTRAL
Signal Score70 / Tier 248 / Tier 2
Mackay

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.

Palmerston

Government-backed tenant quality via ADF DHOAS subsidies. Robertson Barracks is a permanent strategic asset. Vacancy driven by ADF rotations not economic weakness.

Mackay: Sources

CoreLogic QLD Q1 2025 · REIQ Mackay Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Queensland Resources Council 2024 · Isaac Regional Council infrastructure report 2024

Data vintage: Q1 2025

Palmerston: Sources

CoreLogic NT Q1 2025 · REINT Palmerston/Darwin Q4 2024 · SQM Research · ADF Defence Housing Australia occupancy data 2024 · NT Government Greater Darwin Region Land Use Objectives 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.