Mackay
QLDTier 2Positive
70
Signal score
VS
Whyalla
SATier 1Positive
64
Signal score

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

Whyalla: Lower Entry Price
$287k vs $515k

Both markets have comparable gross yields (6.0% vs 6.2%). Both markets carry similar cashflow positions under current yield and interest rate assumptions.

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
Whyalla
SA · #9
Gross Yield6.0%6.2%
Vacancy Rate0.8%0.5%
Median Price$515k$287k
Weekly Rent$590/wk$340/wk
Net pre-costs pa+$3,900+$2,756
CashflowPositivePositive
Rent Growth 12m+7%+8%
Price Growth 12m+5.5%+12%
NG DependenceNoneNone
Discovery StatusEmergingEmerging
Population78k22k
Cycle StageEarly-MidEarly-Mid
Policy Impact▲ UPGRADED▲ STRONG UPGRADE
Signal Score70 / Tier 264 / Tier 1
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.

Whyalla

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.

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

Whyalla: Sources

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

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.