Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.
Townsville offers a materially higher gross yield (4.4% vs 2.7%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Both markets carry similar cashflow positions under current yield and interest rate assumptions. Vacancy conditions favour Townsville (1.2% 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 | Newcastle NSW · #34 | Townsville QLD · #16 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 2.7% | 4.4% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.8% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $1550k | $595k |
| Weekly Rent | $800/wk | $500/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-39,000 | $-4,940 |
| Cashflow | Negative | Slightly-Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4.2% | +7.8% |
| Price Growth 12m | +4.8% | +10.4% |
| NG Dependence | High | Medium |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 320k | 180k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▼ DOWNGRADED | ◆ NEUTRAL |
| Signal Score | 41 / Tier 3 | 57 / Tier 2 |
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.
Townsville is North Queensland's largest city and a significant ADF hub — Lavarack Barracks (Army) and RAAF Base Townsville. James Cook University and Townsville University Hospital underpin stable public-sector employment. The market has recovered materially from its 2015–2019 downturn. At $595k and $500/wk, cashflow is slightly negative at standard LVR — not the positive-cashflow market it was two years ago, but yield of 4.4% remains competitive for a city of this scale.
2026 median house data. Source: realestate.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
REIQ/PropTrack 2025 region estimate. Verify against current REIQ data before publishing. Data quality: imported.
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.