With an ever-changing housing market, some of the best places to invest are in places you might not expect.

Property market analyst Hotspotting has uncovered Australia’s top 10 locations for high rental yields, strong growth potential, and affordability with locations spanning across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and the NT.

Hotspotting Director Terry Ryder said investors are increasingly targeting property markets with strong rental returns alongside long-term growth prospects.

“Among the standout locations in our latest research are Cairns City, offering a 7.7 per cent rental yield for units, and Churchill in Victoria, where houses achieve a 6.5 per cent yield – driven by a thriving economy and affordable prices,” he said.

“Cloverdale in Perth recorded an impressive 7.3 per cent yield for units, buoyed by its strategic location near Perth and major infrastructure developments.”

RELATED

How to pick the next booming property market

Huge home discounts: Aus suburbs to bag a bargain exposed

Is your home is the real breadwinner?

Hotspotting General Manager Tim Graham said the top 10 list offers prime real estate opportunities for investors seeking both cash flow and capital appreciation.

“Other notable locations include units in Darwin City with a 7.5 per cent yield, Mackay City on 7.2 per cent, and Melbourne City, where unit investors are seeing 7.7 per cent returns amid rising demand,” he said.

“Moree in regional NSW leads the ranking with a market-leading 8.3 per cent rental yield for houses, positioning itself as a growing hub for agribusiness and logistics.

“All of these locations have been selected based on a combination of affordability, strong local economies, infrastructure development, and increasing employment prospects.”

Hotspotting national Top 10 positive cash flow hotspots

Cairns City, Queensland (Units)

Median Unit Price: $470,000

12 Month Growth: -10%

Rental Yield: 7.7%

Vacancy Rate: 0.7%

Churchill, Victoria (Houses)

Median House Price: $370,000

12 Month Growth: 6%

Rental Yield: 6.5%

Vacancy Rate: 1.5%

Cloverdale, Western Australia (Units)

Median Unit Price: $490,000

12 Month Growth: 25%

Rental Yield: 7.3%

Vacancy Rate: 2.5%

Darwin City, Northern Territory (Units)

Median Unit Price: $395,000

12 Month Growth: -5%

Rental Yield: 7.5%

Vacancy Rate: 1.0%

Mackay City, Queensland (Units)

Median Unit Price: $345,000

12 Month Growth: 20%

Rental Yield: 7.2%

Vacancy Rate: 1.6%

Melbourne City, Victoria (Units)

Median Unit Price: $440,000

12 Month Growth: -4%

Rental Yield: 7.7%

Vacancy Rate: 2.1%

Moree, New South Wales (Houses)

Median House Price: $282,000

12 Month Growth: -15%

Rental Yield: 8.3%

Vacancy Rate: 1.5%

Notting Hill, Victoria (Units)

Median Unit Price: $350,000

12 Month Growth: -2%

Rental Yield: 7.7%

Vacancy Rate: 1.6%

Red Cliffs, Victoria (Houses)

Median House Price: $420,000

12 Month Growth: 17%

Rental Yield: 6.8%

Vacancy Rate: 2.0%

Zuccoli, Northern Territory (Houses)

Median House Price: $585,000

12 Month Growth: 11%

Rental Yield: 7.1%

Vacancy Rate: 1.0%

The post Rental riches: Top 10 Aussie yield hotspots revealed appeared first on realestate.com.au.

On Monday, FHFA Director Bill Pulte called on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to lower interest rates. His exact tweet was: “Jay Powell needs to lower interest rates – enough is enough. President Trump has crushed Biden’s inflation, and there is no reason not to lower rates. The housing market would be in much better shape if Chairman Powell does this.”

This is just the latest effort to influence Powell and comes after the Supreme Court ruled last week that Trump can’t fire the head of the Federal Reserve. There are three factors — all connected to the housing market — that explain why the White House, the Treasury Secretary and now the head of the FHFA are doing a full-court press on Powell to lower rates.

Higher rates are holding back GSE reform

After President Trump posted last week that he was giving  “serious consideration” to releasing the GSEs from conservatorship, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went on Bloomberg to give more context. I wrote about the potential implications of taking Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae out of conservatorship, particularly in light of current mortgage rates and the 10-year Treasury yield, which are higher than the administration wants.

As Bessent noted, if the Trump Administration’s analysis concludes that releasing the GSEs will cause mortgage rates to head higher, they won’t start the process. Given the various priorities the White House is managing, deciding to transition Freddie and Fannie out of conservatorship — particularly with midterm elections approaching and ongoing challenges related to trade — could present significant risks. Lower mortgage rates can give the White House a better backdrop to go into taking Freddie and Fannie out of conservatorship.

Housing construction Is at COVID-19 recession levels

At the beginning of the year, I wrote about my concerns for homebuilders and new home sales if mortgage rates were to rise even more from their elevated levels. This is significant because housing data is critical to assessing if the economy is going into a recession. Monitoring trends among residential construction workers is important, as a decline in this sector can often signal that a recession may be approaching, as you can see in the chart below.

In the most recent jobs report, I noted a slight decrease in labor in this field, and builder confidence is currently at levels reminiscent of COVID-19. The current high mortgage rates impact the homebuilders’ desire and ability to build more homes.

Fighting a trade war is easier with lower rates

I recently went on CNBC to talk about how lower rates were the cure for tariffs. I say this because Trump saw how the U.S. economy was performing better even in an inflationary environment because rates were lower. Even when lumber prices were $1,500 per thousand board feet during COVID, new home sales and existing home sales were much higher because rates were lower. This is why the White House talked about wanting a lower 10-year yield, which means lower mortgage rates.

The trade war drama has made the bond market check the White House at times and the president believes it will be easier if rates are lower. This is why I think we might see a potential “shadow” Fed president, where Trump will showcase his next Fed President in a media tour to talk the markets into lower rates. This is something Bessent brought up in October of 2024.

Conclusion

It is not surprising that Bill Pulte tweeted out a lower rate message, as many close to the White House have expressed similar sentiments. The key question is: what actions will be taken in response?

Bessent plans to modify specific regulations to allow financial firms to hold a greater quantity of bonds, but the effectiveness of this move is still uncertain. The housing market can shift with relatively minor changes, such as mortgage rates approaching 6%, which could have a significant impact. However, if this approach does not yield the desired results, the president may consider alternative strategies, such as appointing a shadow Fed president. The 2025 housing market just got a lot more interesting with the developments in the past few days.

Have you ever wondered what $200,000 will buy you on the Gold Coast? Frankly, it is not much, but if you are prepared to drastically alter your dream, you can still do it.

1. OFF-GRID LIVING

Lodge 25 on South Stradbroke Island features two large bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, living area and a sun deck overlooking the lagoon. It is also being sold fully furnished with offers over $175,000 considered.

But there is a catch. There is always a catch.

It is located in the troubled Couran Cove Resort.

“Please Note : Currently all power, water and gas has been disconnected on Couran Cove resort and the resort is closed,” the listing says, adding that despite these key features being turned off, the body corporate fees are still approximately $6500 a year, albeit they have “dropped considerably”.

The listing notes that the body corporates are working on a number of infrastructure projects.

“The home has a camping-style solar powered electrical supply with a generator for

back up, has legally connected gas supply with 9kg bottles, has 4000 litre rainwater

storage capacity and pump,” the listing says.

“This system is operational but should be considered a temporary solution for off-grid living.”

A studio apartment in the resort is listed for offers over $70,000.

Think of it as a bit of glamping.

2. OVER 50s

Located in Pine Ridge caravan village, this one bedroom caravan annex home is listed for offers between $79,000 and $93,000.

“Other benefits are no Gold Coast City council rates or stamp duty, and you own your home but not the land,” the listing says.

“There is a site fee of approximately $236.25 per week which includes Gold Coast water fees, and you only pay for electricity, gas if applicable and phone internet connections.”

It features a small front veranda, seperate living and dining spaces, a large bedroom, bathroom, kitchen with gas cooktops, a double extended carport and shed.

There is also a study nook, window awnings and front veggie gardens.

Onsite amenities include a pool, BBQ area and fully maintained gardens.

3. BUY A BERTH

If bricks and mortar are out of reach, there is always the option of buying a marina berth, with prices ranging from $90,000 (16m) to $250,000 (30m).

Located in the Hope Island Resort Marina, the listing says that freehold marina berths on the GC are “rare”.

“These berths are just like buying a block of land but it has water on it and of course you can moor your boat there or rent it out,” the listing says.

It adds that the berths come with low body corporate fees and high rental returns making then “better than money in the bank”.

There is also an onsite manager, 24 hour security, and a protected harbour with house boats welcome.

4. RENTVESTORS LOOK HERE

Single villas with solid returns are listed for sale in Merrimac, each earning $580 to $590 per fortnight.

“Please note: due to the current pension scheme/DA/gov accreditation over this community, these units are for pensioner tenants to occupy and come with leases attached, sorry no owner occupiers,” the listing notes.

“Each of the single accommodations are fully resourced, servicing those looking for affordable assisted living accommodation.”

MORE: 77 bidders vie for ‘forever home’ in no-reserve auction frenzy

Swimming golden girls spill their secrets to success

Rental riches: Where investors are cashing in

Each single level villa comes fully equipped, ready for any tenant to move in, and features a kitchenette, open plan lounge area with durable flooring, a queen sized bedroom with a built-in robe, airconditioning/ceiling fans, a large bathroom/combined laundry with washer/dryer, security screen, privacy blinds and an undercover patio at the front and an open air patio at the back.

“Assisted Living at Bougainvillea Lodge & Westminster House offers your tenants a peaceful lifestyle with privacy and security, within a friendly communal environment,” the listing says.

“Virtually no vacancy, with a waiting list to live here, so you can enjoy the secure returns and protection of your investment with the bonus of having full time managers onsite to help with the residents everyday needs.”

5. STUDIO WITH A VIEW

On the market for offers over $199,000, this 37sq m bolthole is located in Mantra on View, right in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

“The perfect investment that provides you a myriad of choices…Enjoy a weekend getaway or holiday escape with the assurance of high income through the hotel management or Airbnb,” the listing says.

“This is one of two exceptional buying opportunities that we currently have available within the building and at this price point the representation of value on offer will not be matched. Buy one or buy both.”

The studio apartment has a balcony, bathroom, and is being sold fully furnished.

But yeh, there is no kitchen.

The post How to buy on the Gold Coast for under $200,000 appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Kate Humphreys loves her job helping people find their next home in Melbourne, and it shows.

“The one thing that doesn’t ever get old working in this industry is that feeling of when you meet someone and you take them through a home and they have that light bulb and they’re like, ‘this is gonna work,’” Ms Humphreys said. “It’s so fun.”

Ms Humphreys is a property management expert and business development associate director at Marshall White Stonnington in Melbourne’s leafy eastern suburbs.

She spends her days meeting new clients, hosting open inspections and helping renters navigate the leasing market and find their next home.

Ms Humphreys grew up in Melbourne and learned about hard work and persistence from a young age, when she was selected as a teenager to represent Australia in baseball in the US.

She has been scoring home runs in real estate for years, initially winning Business Development Manager of The Year at Marshall White in 2015.

She went on to win numerous accolades over the years, including People’s Choice Award for Property Management and Business Development Manager of the Year numerous times.

Ms Humphreys was made a partner at Marshall White in 2021 and then became an associate director the following year.

One of the highlights of her job has been working with the people around her, with new and different challenges every day.

“We have an awesome job,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without them.”

“I’m nothing without my team, we’re there for one another. I look to them for guidance, just as much as they look to me.

“We just want the best result for our clients and to help renters find their perfect home.”

A big part of her role has been helping property owners present their homes in the best light possible.

There were plenty of ways to make the property shine, whether it’s updates like fresh paint or new carpets.

“When you’re considering putting your property on the market for lease, you want to make the first impression just as much as the renter wants to make the first impression,” she said.

But property management professionals have also faced some challenging years amid Australia’s rental crisis.

Property managers have been on the front line of the country’s rental crunch, dealing with stressed renters and landlords day in and day out.

For renters, the shortage of rental homes has made it terribly difficult to find a home, while landlords have been under pressure from higher borrowing costs and more.

It’s a testament to property management experts like Ms Humphreys who continue to help renters and landlords navigate the rental market despite those daily pressures.

The post What fuels this property pro and her passion for helping people find their next home appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Homeowners often receive a token gift like a bottle of wine after selling their home, but one next-level act may ignite a new wave of creative customer service in the real estate industry. 

Speaking at the recent Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC) on the Gold Coast, globally renowned restaurateur Will Guidara recounted how a simple but deeply personal gesture from a real estate agent earned his lifelong loyalty.  

Mr Guidara and his wife were moving to a bigger home after having their first child, working with an agent who was selling their existing home and buying their next one on their behalf. 

After months of home inspections and moving, the young family finally landed in their new home and were astonished by a surprise in their kitchen.  

“When we walked into our new home and opened up our refrigerator, every single thing we loved was already in there,” Mr Guidara told the crowd.  

The agent had secretly taken photos of the couple’s fridge during dozens of open-home inspections while selling their old apartment.  

Before move-in day, the agent and his assistant reviewed the images to identify recurring items and stocked the new fridge with everything that the family loved.  

“It was his system, and it required very little time, but I will never work with another real estate agent again,” Mr Guidara said.  

He said the gesture didn’t just surprise him; it made him feel deeply understood and valued at a time of major transition.  

It transformed a routine transaction into a moment of connection, the kind of experience Mr Guidara has spent his career trying to create for others in the hospitality industry.  

Mr Guidara is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which was ranked the world’s best restaurant in 2017, and has become a leading authority on customer experience.  

A graduate of Cornell University’s hospitality school and author of the bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, he has built his career on crafting unforgettable moments for guests. 

Mr Guidara challenged the real estate industry to think differently about customer service and focus on really getting to know their customers.  

“It only takes a moment to create a moment,” Mr Guidara said, quoting AREC founder John McGrath from earlier in the day.  

He said agents should try to identify big moments in their clients’ lives, whether buying a first home, moving after the birth of a child, or downsizing after kids leave home, and use them as opportunities to build emotional connections. 

Mr Guidara rose to fame for similar acts of service at Eleven Madison Park, transforming milestones such as engagement dinners into lifelong memories for customers.  

Mr Guidara shared a story on how he and his team wanted to level up their experience for couples celebrating their engagements at the restaurant.  

To do this, he convinced jewellery retailer Tiffany and Co to gift the restaurant 1000 Tiffany gift boxes with two champagne flutes in each box.  

When a couple came to the restaurant for their engagement dinner, they would serve the couple champagne as many restaurants do.  

But after finishing the champagne, the staff would take the flutes away, wash and dry them, package them into the gift boxes, and then gift them to the couple at the end of their meal.  

“I’ve talked to people who got engaged there who, despite the fact that we were serving some of the best food on the planet, don’t remember a single thing they ate,” he said.  

“But they will never forget how we made them feel when we gave them those glasses.” 

The post The surprising act of gratitude that stunned this home seller appeared first on realestate.com.au.