Darwin

NTTier 2KnownPositiveStarting
52
/100
Policy
▲ STRONG UPGRADE
Rank #27

Darwin is the NT capital and a significant ADF hub: RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson Barracks in nearby Palmerston. Charles Darwin University and NT government services provide additional employment stability. At $670k and $711/wk rent, Darwin produces the strongest gross yield in this expansion set (5.5%) and is the only Round 2 market achieving positive cashflow at standard LVR. Vacancy at 2.1% is elevated by dataset standards — directional trend matters.

Data noticeMarket metrics: 2026·Population: independently verified (2023)·Metrics are progressively reviewed and refreshed
Gross Yield
5.52%
Rent Growth
+5.2%
Price Growth
+4.8%
Vacancy
2.1%
Median Price
$670k
Weekly Rent
$711
Population
130k
Income Level
Med-High
NG Dependence
None
National Rank
#27

Darwin achieves positive cashflow at 80% LVR without negative gearing support. Under the proposed July 2027 restrictions on NG for existing property purchases, this market carries no additional holding cost exposure. Investors do not need a tax refund to sustain this position. All policy references are subject to final legislation — verify current status with a registered tax adviser.

80% LVR at 6.5% interest. Indicative only.
Annual Rent
$36,972
Annual Interest
$34,840
Net Pre-Costs
+$2,132
NG Required?
No
At 5.2% annual rent growth. Model estimate only.
PeriodWeekly rentAnnual rentvs. InterestStatus
Now$711/wk$36,972+$2,132Positive
Year 1$748/wk$38,895+$4,055Positive
Year 2$787/wk$40,917+$6,077Positive
Year 3$828/wk$43,045+$8,205Positive
Year 4$871/wk$45,283+$10,443Positive

Darwin is the NT capital and a significant ADF hub: RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson Barracks in nearby Palmerston. Charles Darwin University and NT government services provide additional employment stability. At $670k and $711/wk rent, Darwin produces the strongest gross yield in this expansion set (5.5%) and is the only Round 2 market achieving positive cashflow at standard LVR. Vacancy at 2.1% is elevated by dataset standards — directional trend matters.

Darwin's property market experienced a severe downturn 2014–2021. Vacancy at 2.1% is the highest in this dataset — monitor the direction carefully. Population growth in the NT is structurally constrained. Tropical climate means elevated insurance and maintenance costs. ADF posting rotations affect tenancy continuity. Source: NT Govt/REINT Dec Q 2025. Verify current conditions independently before transacting.

5.5% yield at $670k = $36,972 annual rent vs $34,840 annual interest (80% LVR, 6.5%) = +$2,132. Positive cashflow. No negative gearing required. Policy changes are a tailwind for this market.

Charles Darwin University — education demand driverNT Government services — stable public sector baseRAAF Base Darwin — major air force presence
52 / 100
Rental yield signal
+15
Rental momentum
+10
Yield vs. price spread
+11
Supply tightness
+3
Economic fundamentals
+10
Market liquidity
+10
Discovery discount
-7
Policy adjustment+4pts
Total score52

Benchmark Darwin against up to 3 other suburbs side-by-side.

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Last reviewedJune 2026
Data vintage2026
ConfidenceHigh
StatusVerified

Model estimates only. Not financial advice. Verify independently.

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