High rental yields can increase an investor’s chances of having a positively geared property. This means the property generates more income (i.e. rent) each year than it costs in interest payments and other expenses. According to the data, these suburbs are where you can expect to find the Australian properties with the highest rental yields at the moment.

How important are rental yields to property investors?

For investors, rental yield is a useful way to assess annual income, but there are plenty of other things to take into account as well, like vacancy rates, planned investment and other factors that could suggest strong capital gains.

Simon Pressley of Propertyology says basing property investments primarily on rental yields is a “flawed strategy”.

“At the end of the day, a few thousand dollars of income per year is nowhere near enough to retire on,” Mr Pressley told Savings.com.au.

“But a property that produces strong capital growth means hundreds of thousands of dollars' equity, enabling the investor to repeat the process, plus the option of converting equity into cash during the retirement years.”

He said the most important consideration should be selecting an area with good economic fundamentals as this is what drives capital growth.

“The next most important priority is buying a conventional asset - a standard house - in a central part of town. When it comes to sell, the conventional nature will attract a larger resale audience than other assets,” Mr Pressley said.

“Apartments produce higher rental yields than a conventional house in the same location, but our studies confirm that investing in asset types other than detached houses is surrendering half, or more, of your capital growth potential.”

What gives a suburb a strong rental yield?

Rental yield is how much income a property generates relative to its value. It’s calculated by dividing the annual rental income a property generates by its market value.

If the value of a property increases dramatically but the rental yield stays the same, the rental yield decreases. This doesn’t mean the property is generating any less income, just that the income is smaller relative to the property value.

Rental yields tend to be higher in areas where the demand for rent is higher than the demand for owner-occupied property.

For example, in August ‘24, the Karratha suburb of Baynton had the highest average rental yields for units in the nation. The median price was only $456,000, but the average weekly advertised rent was $1,325 which means an average rental yield of 15.1%. Karratha is the biggest urban centre in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. If you’ve heard of Pilbara, it was likely in relation to mining - the region sits atop one of the biggest iron ore deposits in the world. Demand for property can therefore be more transient, as miners come and go. This region of WA figures prominently at the top of these rankings, along with other mining centres like Mount Isa in Queensland.

The majority of the suburbs in the top 100 lists are outside of the capital cities of the respective states. For houses, only Darwin City (800), Melbourne City (3000) and four Perth suburbs crack the top 100.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the capitals fare a little better for units. There were 22 suburbs from Perth, 17 from Darwin, three from Melbourne and two from Brisbane - but that still leaves more than 50% of the top suburbs for rental yield outside of the major cities.

Australia rental yields in 2024

Rental yields increase when the cost of renting becomes greater relative to property values. The latest data on rental yields (up to August) suggests the highest rental yields in Australia are to be found in regional Western Australia. The average house in country WA has a rental yield of 6.7%, while investors could expect a 8.3% annual return on units. For cities, Darwin had the highest average yield for both houses (5.9%) and units (7.3%).

Here’s how we were sitting as of August '24:

State Area Property Type Median Price Weekly Median Advertised Rent Gross Rental Yield
ACT Metro Houses $940,000 $660 3.6%
ACT Metro Units $580,000 $565 5.0%
NSW Metro Houses $1,400,000 $750 2.8%
NSW Metro Units $792,000 $680 4.5%
NT Metro Houses $566,000 $650 5.9%
NT Metro Units $360,000 $530 7.3%
QLD Metro Houses $870,000 $610 3.7%
QLD Metro Units $625,000 $575 5.1%
SA Metro Houses $800,000 $570 3.9%
SA Metro Units $570,000 $490 4.8%
TAS Metro Houses $690,000 $535 4.0%
TAS Metro Units $530,000 $460 4.5%
VIC Metro Houses $840,000 $550 3.3%
VIC Metro Units $615,000 $550 4.6%
WA Metro Houses $745,000 $650 4.9%
WA Metro Units $520,000 $600 6.6%
NSW Country Houses $725,000 $550 3.9%
NSW Country Units $620,000 $460 3.9%
NT Country Houses $418,500 $550 6.5%
NT Country Units $272,000 $410 6.9%
QLD Country Houses $645,000 $600 5.0%
QLD Country Units $620,000 $550 4.8%
SA Country Houses $430,000 $400 4.9%
SA Country Units $310,000 $300 5.0%
TAS Country Houses $510,000 $445 4.4%
TAS Country Units $430,000 $380 4.7%
VIC Country Houses $552,500 $460 4.2%
VIC Country Units $409,000 $380 4.8%
WA Country Houses $476,000 $600 6.7%
WA Country Units $350,000 $550 8.3%

Source: CoreLogic. Data reported to the period ending August 2024. Median values account for sales transactions over three months.

After a record breaking period of rental growth, things appear to be easing up as we close out 2024. Domain Research found quarterly growth from June to September was the softest since 2019 for houses and 2020 for units.

“Our latest Rent Report shows all capital cities have passed their peak in growth rates and are now decelerating rapidly with some cities already in decline,” Domain Head of Research Dr Nicola Powell said.

House price growth has also slowed in the back half of the year - although different markets are still at different speeds. Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, the major growers over the past two years, are still at record high prices as of October according to CoreLogic.

Read more:

Interested in an investment property? Here are some of the top options in Australia at the moment

Update resultsUpdate
LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.19% p.a.
6.58% p.a.
$3,059
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
90% LVR
  • Discounted interest rate for 5 years for homes with an eligible solar system
  • Available for refinance or purchase
  • No monthly, annual or ongoing fees
Disclosure
6.24% p.a.
6.26% p.a.
$3,075
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$250
60%
  • Apply online or talk to our specialists for a quick decision and easy application
Disclosure
6.29% p.a.
6.20% p.a.
$3,092
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
Apply in minutes
  • A low-rate variable investment home loan from a 100% online lender.
  • Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
Disclosure
6.34% p.a.
6.36% p.a.
$3,108
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
  • Minimum 10% deposit needed to qualify. Available for purchase or refinance
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Flexibility to split your loan with both fixed and variable rates
Disclosure
6.34% p.a.
6.36% p.a.
$3,108
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$350
60%
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Top rental yield suburbs in Australia for houses

Coolgardie in WA had the highest rental yield for houses at 17.3%. Kambalda East and South Boulder, both also WA, were the next highest at 13.2% and 12.4% respectively. Collinsville in Queensland was the first non WA suburb (12.3% yield).

Rank Suburb (Postcode) State LGA Median Price Weekly Median Advertised Rent Gross Rental Yield
1st Coolgardie (6429) WA Coolgardie $120,000 $400 17.3%
2nd Kambalda East (6442) WA Coolgardie $142,000 $360 13.2%
3rd South Boulder (6432) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $205,000 $490 12.4%
4th Collinsville (4804) QLD Whitsunday $161,250 $380 12.3%
5th Moora (6510) WA Moora $180,000 $410 11.8%
6th Millars Well (6714) WA Karratha $487,500 $1,100 11.7%
7th Kambalda West (6442) WA Coolgardie $175,000 $380 11.3%
8th Pioneer (4825) QLD Mount Isa $187,500 $400 11.1%
9th Wandoan (4419) QLD Western Downs $175,000 $370 11.0%
10th Port Hedland (6721) WA Port Hedland $719,000 $1,500 10.8%
11th Derby (6728) WA Derby-West Kimberley $202,500 $420 10.8%
12th Nickol (6714) WA Karratha $560,000 $1,150 10.7%
13th Baynton (6714) WA Karratha $685,000 $1,400 10.6%
14th Parkside (4825) QLD Mount Isa $221,000 $450 10.6%
15th Boulder (6432) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $275,000 $550 10.4%
16th Pegs Creek (6714) WA Karratha $507,500 $1,000 10.2%
17th Merredin (6415) WA Merredin $190,000 $370 10.1%
18th Newman (6753) WA East Pilbara $325,000 $625 10.0%
19th South Hedland (6722) WA Port Hedland $470,000 $900 10.0%
20th Bulgarra (6714) WA Karratha $510,000 $950 9.7%
21st Moranbah (4744) QLD Isaac $349,000 $650 9.7%
22nd Dysart (4745) QLD Isaac $217,500 $395 9.4%
23rd Sunset (4825) QLD Mount Isa $256,500 $465 9.4%
24th Mornington (4825) QLD Mount Isa $265,000 $480 9.4%
25th Broken Hill (2880) NSW Broken Hill $190,000 $340 9.3%
26th Happy Valley (4825) QLD Mount Isa $265,000 $470 9.2%
27th Moura (4718) QLD Banana $215,000 $378 9.1%
28th Kalgoorlie (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $342,500 $600 9.1%
29th Djugun (6725) WA Broome $692,500 $1,200 9.0%
30th Hopetoun (6348) WA Ravensthorpe $260,000 $450 9.0%
31st West Lamington (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $409,500 $698 8.9%
32nd Ouyen (3490) VIC Mildura $192,500 $328 8.8%
33rd Cloncurry (4824) QLD Cloncurry $225,000 $380 8.8%
34th Blackwater (4717) QLD Central Highlands (Qld) $227,000 $380 8.7%
35th Port Pirie West (5540) SA Port Pirie $197,500 $330 8.7%
36th Solomontown (5540) SA Port Pirie $204,000 $340 8.7%
37th Mount Morgan (4714) QLD Rockhampton $230,000 $380 8.6%
38th Monto (4630) QLD North Burnett $212,500 $350 8.6%
39th Katherine South (850) NT Katherine $280,000 $460 8.5%
40th Rochester (3561) VIC Campaspe $299,000 $490 8.5%
41st Townview (4825) QLD Mount Isa $260,000 $425 8.5%
42nd Karloo (6530) WA Greater Geraldton $260,100 $425 8.5%
43rd Piccadilly (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $368,000 $600 8.5%
44th Bilingurr (6725) WA Broome $675,000 $1,075 8.3%
45th Katanning (6317) WA Lower Great Southern $252,000 $400 8.3%
46th South Lismore (2480) NSW Lismore $285,000 $450 8.2%
47th Somerville (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $523,500 $825 8.2%
48th South Kalgoorlie (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $349,000 $550 8.2%
49th Queenstown (7467) TAS West Coast $187,500 $295 8.2%
50th Tennant Creek (860) NT Barkly $280,000 $440 8.2%
51st Hannans (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $477,500 $750 8.2%
52nd Depot Hill (4700) QLD Rockhampton $250,000 $392.50 8.2%
53rd Charleville (4470) QLD Murweh $175,000 $272.50 8.1%
54th Katherine East (850) NT Katherine $355,000 $550 8.1%
55th Soldiers Hill (4825) QLD Mount Isa $310,000 $480 8.1%
56th Cable Beach (6726) WA Broome $647,000 $1,000 8.0%
57th East Innisfail (4860) QLD Cassowary Coast $269,000 $415 8.0%
58th Charters Towers City (4820) QLD Charters Towers $240,000 $370 8.0%
59th Warracknabeal (3393) VIC Yarriambiack $212,000 $325 8.0%
60th Home Hill (4806) QLD Burdekin $232,500 $350 7.8%
61st Zeehan (7469) TAS West Coast $200,000 $300 7.8%
62nd Winston (4825) QLD Mount Isa $270,000 $400 7.7%
63rd Rangeway (6530) WA Greater Geraldton $250,000 $370 7.7%
64th Onslow (6710) WA Ashburton $545,000 $800 7.6%
65th Capella (4723) QLD Central Highlands (Qld) $259,000 $380 7.6%
66th East Bairnsdale (3875) VIC East Gippsland $332,500 $480 7.5%
67th Collie (6225) WA Collie $340,000 $490 7.5%
68th Utakarra (6530) WA Greater Geraldton $275,000 $395 7.5%
69th Peak Hill (2869) NSW Parkes $202,500 $290 7.4%
70th Jurien Bay (6516) WA Dandaragan $315,000 $450 7.4%
71st Port Augusta (5700) SA Port Augusta $224,135 $320 7.4%
72nd Healy (4825) QLD Mount Isa $395,000 $563 7.4%
73rd Narrogin (6312) WA Narrogin $260,000 $370 7.4%
74th Blackall (4472) QLD Blackall Tambo $188,000 $268 7.4%
75th Ingham (4850) QLD Hinchinbrook $250,000 $355 7.4%
76th Cobar (2835) NSW Cobar $225,602.50 $320 7.4%
77th Roxby Downs (5725) SA Roxby Downs $280,000 $395 7.3%
78th Bordertown (5268) SA Tatiara $270,000 $380 7.3%
79th Port Pirie South (5540) SA Port Pirie $270,000 $380 7.3%
80th Dampier (6713) WA Karratha $782,500 $1,100 7.3%
81st Lamington (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $441,500 $620 7.3%
82nd Rockhampton City (4700) QLD Rockhampton $300,000 $420 7.3%
83rd Proserpine (4800) QLD Whitsunday $428,750 $600 7.3%
84th Richmond Hill (4820) QLD Charters Towers $280,000 $388 7.2%
85th Broome (6725) WA Broome $615,000 $850 7.2%
86th Whyalla Norrie (5608) SA Whyalla $217,080 $300 7.2%
87th Spalding (6530) WA Greater Geraldton $290,000 $400 7.2%
88th Longreach (4730) QLD Longreach $250,000 $340 7.1%
89th Sadadeen (870) NT Alice Springs $410,000 $558 7.1%
90th Northam (6401) WA Northam $320,000 $430 7.0%
91st Mahomets Flats (6530) WA Greater Geraldton $380,000 $510 7.0%
92nd Girards Hill (2480) NSW Lismore $410,000 $550 7.0%
93rd Larapinta (875) NT Alice Springs $432,500 $580 7.0%
94th Sarina (4737) QLD Mackay $395,000 $527.50 6.9%
95th Emerald (4720) QLD Central Highlands $375,000 $500 6.9%
96th Boggabri (2382) NSW Narrabri $315,000 $420 6.9%
97th Whyalla Stuart (5608) SA Whyalla $210,000 $280 6.9%
98th Araluen (870) NT Alice Springs $530,000 $705 6.9%
99th Ceduna (5690) SA Ceduna $275,000 $365 6.9%
100th Dongara (6525) WA Irwin $370,000 $490 6.9%

Source: CoreLogic. Data reported to the period ending August 2024. Median values account for sales transactions over twelve months.

Top rental yields in Australia for units

Western Australia also swept the podium for units with Bayton (15.1% yield), Broome (12.9%) and South Hedland (12.8%).

Rank Suburb (Postcode) State LGA Median Price Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($) Rental Yield
1 Baynton (6714) WA Karratha $456,000 $1,325 15.1%
2 Broome (6725) WA Broome $262,500 $650 12.9%
3 South Hedland (6722) WA Port Hedland $294,500 $725 12.8%
4 Moranbah (4744) QLD Isaac $295,000 $700 12.3%
5 Pegs Creek (6714) WA Karratha $413,500 $950 11.9%
6 Somerville (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $273,500 $600 11.4%
7 Newman (6753) WA East Pilbara $195,000 $427.50 11.4%
8 Bulgarra (6714) WA Karratha $282,000 $600 11.1%
9 Roxby Downs (5725) SA Roxby Downs $142,000 $300 11.0%
10 Cable Beach (6726) WA Broome $355,000 $750 11.0%
11 Beresford (6530) WA Greater Geraldton $222,500 $450 10.5%
12 Koongal (4701) QLD Rockhampton $175,000 $345 10.3%
13 Port Hedland (6721) WA Port Hedland $426,413 $812.50 9.9%
14 Dysart (4745) QLD Isaac $206,000 $385 9.7%
15 Jubilee Pocket (4802) QLD Whitsunday $288,750 $515 9.3%
16 Karama (812) NT Darwin $252,500 $450 9.3%
17 Brassall (4305) QLD Ipswich $240,000 $427.50 9.3%
18 Piccadilly (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $270,000 $480 9.2%
19 Gray (830) NT Palmerston $250,000 $440 9.2%
20 Sadadeen (870) NT Alice Springs $255,000 $445 9.1%
21 Cardwell (4849) QLD Cassowary Coast $217,500 $375 9.0%
22 Emerald (4720) QLD Central Highlands (Qld) $220,000 $377.50 8.9%
23 Boulder (6432) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $265,000 $450 8.8%
24 Rosebery (832) NT Palmerston $310,000 $520 8.7%
25 Deagon (4017) QLD Brisbane $230,000 $385 8.7%
26 Sorrento (6020) WA Joondalup $335,000 $560 8.7%
27 Orelia (6167) WA Kwinana $240,000 $400 8.7%
28 Edmonton (4869) QLD Cairns $260,000 $430 8.6%
29 Yangebup (6164) WA Cockburn $366,000 $600 8.5%
30 Cranbrook (4814) QLD Townsville $215,000 $350 8.5%
31 Bakewell (832) NT Palmerston $280,000 $455 8.5%
32 Bungalow (4870) QLD Cairns $240,000 $390 8.5%
33 Marrara (812) NT Darwin $302,000 $490 8.4%
34 Hyde Park (4812) QLD Townsville $216,500 $350 8.4%
35 Idalia (4811) QLD Townsville $279,000 $450 8.4%
36 Whyalla (5600) SA Whyalla $165,000 $265 8.4%
37 Manunda (4870) QLD Cairns $237,500 $380 8.3%
38 Kalgoorlie (6430) WA Kalgoorlie-Boulder $313,000 $500 8.3%
39 Currajong (4812) QLD Townsville $198,000 $315 8.3%
40 Bayswater (6053) WA Bayswater $374,500 $590 8.2%
41 Parap (820) NT Darwin $362,500 $570 8.2%
42 Withers (6230) WA Bunbury $210,000 $330 8.2%
43 South Gladstone (4680) QLD Gladstone $205,000 $320 8.1%
44 Woree (4868) QLD Cairns $231,000 $360 8.1%
45 Malak (812) NT Darwin $270,000 $420 8.1%
46 Thornlie (6108) WA Gosnells $335,000 $520 8.1%
47 Melbourne (3000) VIC Melbourne $413,000 $640 8.1%
48 Driver (830) NT Palmerston $287,500 $445 8.0%
49 Wembley Downs (6019) WA Stirling $420,000 $650 8.0%
50 Bluff Point (6530) WA Greater Geraldton $233,000 $360 8.0%
51 Larapinta (875) NT Alice Springs $277,500 $425 8.0%
52 Bilingurr (6725) WA Broome $411,000 $628.50 8.0%
53 Bellamack (832) NT Palmerston $347,500 $530 7.9%
54 Wongaling Beach (4852) QLD Cassowary Coast $240,000 $360 7.8%
55 South Mackay (4740) QLD Mackay $300,000 $450 7.8%
56 Hermit Park (4812) QLD Townsville $234,000 $350 7.8%
57 Bucasia (4750) QLD Mackay $262,500 $390 7.7%
58 Millner (810) NT Darwin $310,000 $460 7.7%
59 Bowen (4805) QLD Whitsunday $270,000 $400 7.7%
60 Mundingburra (4812) QLD Townsville $250,000 $370 7.7%
61 Coolalinga (839) NT Litchfield $311,000 $460 7.7%
62 Johnston (832) NT Palmerston $345,000 $510 7.7%
63 Darwin (800) NT Darwin $420,000 $620 7.7%
64 Mackay (4740) QLD Mackay $305,000 $450 7.7%
65 New Auckland (4680) QLD Gladstone $238,000 $350 7.6%
66 Notting Hill (3168) VIC Monash $340,000 $500 7.6%
67 West Mackay (4740) QLD Mackay $327,000 $480 7.6%
68 Pimlico (4812) QLD Townsville $238,500 $350 7.6%
69 Wembley (6014) WA Cambridge $356,250 $520 7.6%
70 East Cannington (6107) WA Canning $395,000 $575 7.6%
71 Hamilton Hill (6163) WA Cockburn $380,000 $550 7.5%
72 Araluen (870) NT Alice Springs $312,500 $450 7.5%
73 Chinchilla (4413) QLD Western Downs $250,000 $360 7.5%
74 Glendalough (6016) WA Stirling $365,000 $525 7.5%
75 Holloways Beach (4878) QLD Cairns $296,000 $425 7.5%
76 Darwin City (800) NT Darwin $415,000 $595 7.5%
77 Douglas (4814) QLD Townsville $300,000 $430 7.5%
78 Glen Eden (4680) QLD Gladstone $285,000 $407.50 7.4%
79 Carlton (3053) VIC Melbourne $350,000 $500 7.4%
80 Redcliffe (6104) WA Belmont $397,750 $565 7.4%
81 Nightcliff (810) NT Darwin $352,000 $500 7.4%
82 Wellard (6170) WA Kwinana $375,250 $530 7.3%
83 Southside (4570) QLD Gympie $234,000 $330 7.3%
84 Northbridge (6003) WA Perth $462,500 $650 7.3%
85 Ascot (6104) WA Belmont $420,000 $590 7.3%
86 Morley (6062) WA Bayswater $441,500 $620 7.3%
87 Bayview (820) NT Darwin $520,000 $730 7.3%
88 Manoora (4870) QLD Cairns $285,000 $400 7.3%
89 Kenwick (6107) WA Gosnells $427,500 $600 7.3%
90 Seymour (3660) VIC Mitchell $250,000 $350 7.3%
91 East Mackay (4740) QLD Mackay $315,000 $440 7.3%
92 Perth (6000) WA Perth $466,000 $650 7.3%
93 Spearwood (6163) WA Cockburn $395,000 $550 7.2%
94 Queens Park (6107) WA Canning $431,050 $600 7.2%
95 Cannonvale (4802) QLD Whitsunday $360,000 $500 7.2%
96 East Victoria Park (6101) WA Victoria Park $446,500 $620 7.2%
97 Bentley (6102) WA Canning $425,000 $590 7.2%
98 Coconut Grove (810) NT Darwin $355,000 $492.50 7.2%
99 Blacks Beach (4740) QLD Mackay $355,250 $490 7.2%
100 Cloverdale (6105) WA Belmont $400,000 $550 7.2%

Source: CoreLogic. Data reported to the period ending August 2024. Median values account for sales transactions over twelve months.

First published on January 2022

Image by Jorge Láscar on Flickr





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