Mount Isa offers a materially higher gross yield (8.4% vs 2.7%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Mount Isa achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Newcastle requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even.
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 | Mount Isa QLD · #13 | Newcastle NSW · #27 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 8.4% | 2.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.5% | 1.8% |
| Median Price | $320k | $1550k |
| Weekly Rent | $520/wk | $800/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$10,400 | $-39,000 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4% | +4.2% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5% | +4.8% |
| NG Dependence | None | High |
| Discovery Status | Known | Known |
| Population | 22k | 320k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▲ UPGRADED | ▼ DOWNGRADED |
| Signal Score | 60 / Tier 1 | 41 / Tier 3 |
8.5% yield, the highest in the scan. $520/wk rent on $320k generates $10,400/yr positive pre-cost cashflow at 80% LVR. Glencore's George Fisher mine extension commits production through mid-2030s. Copper demand in EV/renewable transition provides medium-term mine life visibility.
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 Mount Isa Q4 2024 · SQM Research postcode 4825 · Glencore Annual Report 2024 · George Fisher Mine extension EIS approval 2023 · Mount Isa City Council planning data
Data vintage: Q1 2025
2026 median house data. Source: realestate.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
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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.