Cairns City, Queensland, has a median unit price of $470,000, a yield of 7.7%, and a vacancy rate of 0.7%. Despite a 10% decline in unit prices over the past year, the city’s unemployment rate sits well below the state average, helped by growth in sectors like construction, defence, and healthcare. “As the city’s economy gains momentum, this broadening economic base adds stability and long-term value to the market,” Ryder said.
Churchill in Victoria, where the median house price is $370,000, delivers a 6.5% yield and maintains a 1.5% vacancy rate. Its popularity stems from affordability and regional lifestyle appeal, as part of the broader Latrobe Valley area.
In Cloverdale, Western Australia, the unit market has shown 25% annual growth, with a median price of $490,000 and a 7.3% yield. The area is benefiting from infrastructure upgrades and its proximity to the Perth CBD. The local unemployment rate also dropped to 4.3% in December 2024.
Hotspotting general manager Tim Graham said the selected suburbs offer a mix of cash flow and growth appeal.
Darwin City units are returning 7.5% yields on a median price of $395,000, with a vacancy rate of 1%. The Northern Territory’s property sector is supported by strong investment in infrastructure and growing job opportunities. Transaction levels surged in the second half of 2024, Graham said.