Top Locations in Australia for Property Investment in 2024

Interest rates look likely to drop sooner rather than later, a housing market supply crunch is continuing to push rental incomes upwards, and the dwelling shortage now looks likely to stick around for the long term.

All that helped drive Australia's median property price 1.6% higher in the first quarter of 2024, lifting it to $772,730.

Leading the growth was Perth, where property values soared 5.6%, while Melbourne weighed, with values slipping 0.2%.

Take a look at how property prices have been performing around the country in recent times, courtesy of CoreLogic data leading up to 31 March 2024:

Location	Change in values - March quarter	Change in values - year to 31 March	Median value
Sydney	0.9%	9.6%	$1,139,375
Melbourne	-0.2%	3.2%	$778,892
Brisbane	3.0%	15.9%	$817,564
Adelaide	3.3%	13.3%	$734,173
Perth	5.6%	19.8%	$703,502
Hobart	0.1%	0.3%	$649,097
Darwin	0.4%	0.5%	$498,433
Canberra	0.8%	1.9%	$838,976
Australia wide	1.6%	8.8%	$772,730

While Melbourne has lagged when it comes to house price growth, the city has recorded the largest jump in rental yields out of any of Australia's capitals.

Perhaps the lesson is that investors should take a dynamic view of property markets - good investment decisions are rarely made on the back of a single statistic.

Meanwhile, rents across the nation have continued to rise, albeit slower than they once did, bringing the national gross rental yield to 3.75% in April.

"The slowdown in rental growth is likely to be partly seasonal, with the first quarter of the year generally coinciding with a lift in student demand and new leases at the beginning of the year," CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said in early May.

"Additionally, as we move through the peak in net overseas migration we could see rental demand gradually easing.

"Although rental growth may be tapering, supply remains extremely short and the trend towards smaller households seen through COVID has been slow to reverse, further amplifying rental demand."

That's expected to continue for some time yet, according to Mr Lawless.

Investors to be key amid interest rate cuts: What will 2024 bring for house prices?

So, what might property investors expect for the remainder of 2024, as continually interest rates appear to contend against an ongoing supply shortage?

Westpac forecasts house prices to rise 6% over the course of 2024, with the pace of growth slowing to a 4% rise over 2025.

Interestingly, the big four bank isn't certain a cash rate cut would propel the housing market forward as much as some might expect.

Westpac recently pushed back its forecast of a September cash rate cut. It now predicts the first cut will come in November.

"What [a cash rate cut] will do to housing markets is not as straightforward as it might seem - stretched affordability may dampen the rate cut boost this time around with the investor response likely to be key," Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan said in February.

Hot investment property home loans available now

There's a fine line between a good investment and a not-so-good one, and the home loan an investor leans on to enter the market can tip the balance.

Here are some of the market's most competitive investor home loans available right now.

Investment property hotspots: Where to look in 2024

No matter what market Aussie property investors find themselves in, there will be a 'hotspot' or two to choose from, and that's definitely the case in 2024.

The trick is picking those hotspots - a feat an investor can only embark on as an individual.

Though, there is plenty of data out there to help them select an area they believe could be a crown jewel in their investment portfolio.

So, with all that considered, Your Mortgage reached out to experts for their takes on the top investment hotspots of 2024.

Data included in the tables below is courtesy of CoreLogic and relates to February 2024.

Where to invest in New South Wales 2024

Jannali, Sydney

For investors on the hunt for a unit, Sydney suburb Jannali is The Property Curator buyer's agent Brendan Clark's pick for NSW.

It hosts plenty of options for investors looking for walk-up units, ensuring lower strata fees than newer builds in other suburbs.

It also boasts easy access to Sydney, with a direct train line, and a lovely "village atmosphere", Mr Clark notes.

Finally, the area has a greater number of affordable properties than other nearby suburbs, perhaps allowing investors a lower entry point.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Jannali	Houses	$1,550,000	3%	11%	54%	$750	3%
Jannali	Units	$820,000	-4%	0%	1%	$550	3%

Waratah, Newcastle

For those seeking to invest in a house, Newcastle's Waratah is a relatively affordable option compared to neighbouring suburbs, Mr Clark said.

"[It's] very close to Newcastle University at Callaghan, which keeps tenant demand high," he told Your Mortgage. It also offers a low inventory, and is expected to continue doing so.

The area is located on the edge of the city with a dedicated train station, hospital, and schools, as well as easy access to the beach and other lifestyle amenities.

"[It also has a] decent yield compared to some other Newcastle investment options," Mr Clark said.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Waratah	Houses	$800,000	-4%	-8%	40%	$593	4%
Waratah	Units	$580,000	-9%	-13%	28%	$470	4%

Hurlstone Park, Sydney

Another one for house-hunters, Hurlstone Park might not be cheap, but it offers a range of opportunities for those seeking blue-chip, 'buy-and-hold' investments, Mr Clark said.

The area will likely benefit from a new, upcoming metro line, promising better CBD access, while a low inventory of properties will probably put upwards pressure on house prices into the future.

"[Hurlstone Park is] relatively affordable compared to nearby suburbs such as Ashbury, Dulwich Hill, and Marrickville, with some larger blocks and options for investors looking for value-add opportunities," Mr Clark said.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Hurlstone Park	Houses	$2,187,000	0%	22%	62%	$925	2%
Hurlstone Park	Units	$814,500	1%	14%	18%	$600	4%

Where to invest in Victoria 2024

Tullamarine, Melbourne

Perhaps best known for Melbourne's major airport, the north-western suburb of Tullamarine could also provide a perfect landing for astute property investors, PRD chief economist Diaswati Mardiasmo told Your Mortgage.

The suburb's entry point is notably more affordable than that of the broader city, particularly as house prices have slumped in the past 12 months.

However, Dr Mardiasmo tips the area to take off in the near future, largely thanks to more than $10 billion of infrastructure projects set to take place in the coming years and an apparent shortfall in planned housing developments.

"[Tullamarine is] very attractive for first time investors, as it has a lower entry price [compared to both metro Melbourne and the same suburb this time last year] but with a higher rental yield and quick occupancy of rental properties," Dr Mardiasmo said.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	3 Year Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Tullamarine	Houses	$720,000	0%	-4%	12%	12%	$480	3%
Tullamarine	Units	$540,000	4%	4%	5%	17%	$450	4%

Fawkner, Melbourne

Another top pick offered by Dr Mardiasmo is northern suburb Fawkner.

"A once-overlooked suburb, it is now a magnet for first home buyers, due to its affordability compared to other inner-city suburbs," she said.

"First-home buyers are buying and renovating, and investors are getting returns by keeping the house in front and putting in a unit behind."

The area boasts decent rental yields, a low vacancy rate of around 1.1%, and a lower crime rate than surrounding suburbs, Dr Mardiasmo notes, making it an "ideal" place to invest.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	3 Year Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Fawkner	Houses	$765,000	0%	0%	6%	10%	$500	3%
Fawkner	Units	$590,000	-1%	0%	11%	20%	$470	4%

Laverton, Melbourne

Looking for an affordable investment in an area with low vacancy and plenty of potential? Laverton might be worth considering, according to Dr Mardiasmo.

"This is not the Laverton people remember from the 1990s or early 2000s," she said.

Locals know the area as a 'forgotten gem', with large blocks, decent public transport, and easy freeway access - all within 20 kilometres of the CBD.

"A lot of the more rundown houses are being bought up and turned into new townhouses, and the Hobsons Bay City Council is really putting in the effort to turn Laverton's many parks into great places for families and friends to hang out in," she continued.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	3 Year Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Laverton	Houses	$590,000	2%	2%	5%	2%	$400	4%
Laverton	Units	$527,500	-3%	11%	-	24%	$450	4%

Williams Landing, Melbourne

Those purchasing houses in the last 12-months probably relished in Williams Landing's price stability, while an influx of new units will likely provide many entry points into this market.

The suburb also boasts a decent rental yield and a low 1.1% vacancy rate.

"This suggests higher rental return and a quick occupancy rate, which is beneficial for investors," Dr Mardiasmo said.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	3 Year Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Williams Landing	Houses	$806,000	1%	2%	17%	19%	$550	4%
Williams Landing	Units	$437,500	-13%	7%	-6.1%	-	$450	5%

Where to invest in Queensland 2024

Townsville

"Out of 400 townships across eight states and territories, Townsville offers the best bang for your real estate buck in the entire country," Propertyology head of research Simon Pressley told Your Mortgage.

"In recent years, this city has undergone an enormous transformation that includes a major sporting stadium, significant CBD gentrification, the James Cook university is one of Australia's biggest, and new hotels and restaurants keep popping up."

Mr. Pressley highlights that Townsville's demographic is significantly composed of young families, boding well for the city's future prosperity.

The local economy is on an upward trajectory, bolstered by a robust military presence.

This growth is further supported by substantial investments across key sectors including renewable energy, water supply, infrastructure, health, education, and mining.

The table below illustrates the recent performance of one of Townsville's suburbs with the highest transaction volumes:

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	3 Year Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Douglas	Houses	$475,000	6%	13%	29%	35%	$500	5%
Douglas	Units	$272,000	4%	5%	1%	7%	$420	8%

Beaudesert

Looking closer to the state's capital, Beaudesert also appears to present a major opportunity for property investors.

"The relaxed lifestyle and close proximity to major cities is increasingly appealing to those seeking out a fresh start with affordable housing," Mr Pressley said.

"Recent development of a major warehousing and transport logistic precinct has already injected significant jobs and revenue into the local economy."

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	3 Year Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Beaudesert	Houses	$550,000	0%	6%	51%	64%	$460	4%
Beaudesert	Units	$400,000	3%	-11%	29%	-26%	$410	5%

Cairns

The seaside, barrier-reef-adjacent city is said to house one of Australia's strongest property markets right now, and offers an idyllic lifestyle and a low unemployment rate.

Cairns also offers a lower entry point for investors than other areas, while its tight rental market appears to present a notable opportunity.

"The vacancy rate is below 1%, and the average advertised price to rent a house has increased from $400 per week to $600 per week over the last five-years," Mr Pressley said.

The table below illustrates the recent performance of a Cairns suburb with high transaction volumes:

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	3 Year Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Cairns North	Houses	$594,000	2%	12%	61%	43%	$538	5%
Cairns North	Units	$326,500	4%	9%	48%	38%	$450	7%

Where to invest in South Australia 2024

Thebarton, Adelaide

Once filled with factories and worker's cottages, the inner city suburb of Thebarton is well worth considering, according to University of Adelaide lecturer and master of property Peter Koulizos.

"Thebarton offers a great opportunity to buy character period style homes, which generally have the better capital growth, in what I would consider still quite an undervalued area considering its proximity to the city," Mr Koulizos told Your Mortgage.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Thebarton	Houses	$857,000	-3%	11%	42%	$595	4%

Torresville, Adelaide

Next door to Thebarton lies Torresville, an area Mr Koulizos compares to Sydney's Newtown or Brisbane's West End.

That's because the area is going through a similar process of gentrification, which appears to have brought about opportunities for investors looking for the next property hotspot.

"It's just changed over time as the population has changed as well," Mr Koulizos said.

Henley Beach Road runs through Torresville and offers many facilities and amenities.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Torrensville	Houses	$1,002,250	1%	9%	76%	$570	3%
Torrensville	Units	$617,500	13%	15%	51%	$445	4%

Christies Beach, Adelaide

If location is what you're after, Christies Beach has it in spades.

"The main driver of capital growth is location, and when it comes to location it's about proximity to the city and also proximity to the sea," Mr Koulizos said.

"[Christies Beach] used to be considered a holiday destination and it was relatively cheap, but now more and more people are considering living there permanently because of its easy access into the city.

"Also, it's 10 minutes away from McLaren Vale, which is one of our premier wine regions."

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Christies Beach	Houses	$601,000	3%	7%	65%	$500	4%
Christies Beach	Units	$545,000	2%	12%	56%	$480	5%

Hahndorf

Looking further out into the regions, but still an easy drive to the state capital, Hahndorf stands out as an indylic city escape.

And property in the township has outperformed Sydney and Melbourne over the last 20-years, rising an average of 6.3% a year, according to Mr Pressley.

"The offerings of locations like Hahndorf are in particularly high demand by middle-income earners in the 40+ age demographic," Mr Pressley said.

"The price of a standard house is now circa $1 million."

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Hahndorf	Houses	$1,000,000	5%	5%	74%	$680	4%

Where to invest in Western Australia 2024

Midland, Perth

If you're looking at an affordable entry point into the competitive Perth property market, Midland might be worth your attention, according to Dr Mardiasmo.

Property prices in the Swan Valley-heartland have outpaced those of Perth in the last five years, while rental yields remain higher and vacancy rates lower, said to make the area "very attractive for first time investors".

Meanwhile, planned developments will likely provide new, ready-to-sell stock for those looking to enter the market, but not so much as to leave investors facing notable competition.

"Overall, an ideal place for first time investors," Dr Mardiasmo said.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Midland	Houses	$405,000	5%	11%	56%	$450	6%
Midland	Units	$340,000	6%	17%	35%	$450	7%

Ellenbrook, Perth

20 minutes down the road from Midland lies another potential investment opportunity, Ellenbrook.

"Ellenbrook, and nearby suburbs of The Vines and Aveley, are unusual for Perth in being a significant distance from neighbouring suburbs," Dr Mardiasmo said.

The suburb was once crowned the world's best master planned communities and offers a higher rental yield and lower vacancy rate than the state's capital city.

Not to mention, its realised notable growth in recent years.

"Overall, these key indicators suggest a more affordable investment option compared to Perth Metro… all of which point to an ideal suburb for investment," the expert said.

"With no new stock planned, acquiring a property in the area would be advantageous for an investor, as it minimises competition and ensures rental returns."

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Ellenbrook	Houses	$520,000	5%	16%	52%	$580	6%
Ellenbrook	Units	$344,000	9%	12%	33%	$440	7%

Alkimos, Perth

If coastal properties are more your jam, Alkimos, to the north of Perth, might be a more attractive investment opportunity.

"It is one of the most in-demand coastal suburbs in WA," Dr Mardiasmo said.

While rental yields for houses in Alkimos are higher than those in Perth, so is the area's vacancy rate. Though, the latter measurement is still lower than what is considered a 'healthy' market.

Notable planned infrastructure investment and comparatively few planned dwelling builds will likely minimise competition for investors, "creat[ing] an ideal environment for investors," the expert notes.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Alkimos	Houses	$540,000	5%	14%	59%	$575	6%
Alkimos	Units	$424,500	0%	-	15%	$470	6%

Where to invest in Tasmania 2024

Launceston

Launceston is the pick of the Apple Isle, if you ask Mr Pressley.

"Prior to investing in Launceston myself, I must admit I knew very little about it," he said.

"But Launceston is now firmly entrenched in one of my top three favourite Australian cities."

He points to the city's diverse and thriving economy and bountiful lifestyle offerings, not to mention the food bowl that is the surrounding area.

"Launceston has recently benefited from major investment in new hotels and conference facilities," Mr Pressley said.

"Other major infrastructure investment includes a major university, sport stadium upgrade, a hospital expansion, and a multi award-winning airport upgrade."

Not to mention, the state is on the precipice of what the expert thinks could be "Tasmania's biggest ever game-changer"; its entrance to the AFL grand stage.

"The circa $2 billion investment capital, the evergreen boost to its exposure, the huge surge in tourism trade and local confidence… it's much more than a stadium.

"The benefit to Tasmania will be far greater than Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympic Games.

"I have no doubt about that, and have backed it up with my own money and business reputation."

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12-Month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent	Gross Rental Yield
Launceston	Houses	$696,250	-15%	-10%	24%	$480	4%
Launceston	Units	$450,000	-10%	-25%	7%	$430	5%

Bernie

More than a dot on the map, Bernie is a historic portside township with a bustling local economy. And that's not all to love.

"With solid houses available for sub $500,000, real estate in Burnie is incredibly affordable," Mr Pressley said.

"Its property market has produced 75% capital growth over the last five years - well ahead of every capital city."

Where to invest in the Australian Capital Territory 2024

Seeking out the next property hotspot in the Australian Capital Territory?

Four bedroom abodes with ensuites and covered car parks in the city's central suburbs are the place to look, according to Capital Buyer's Agent principle Claire Corby.

"Now that we're coming into Winter in a car-centric city, prospective tenants value not having to scrape the frost from their windscreens in subzero morning temps," she said.

Like much of the world, the ACT will go to the ballot boxes this year, and it could have notable impacts on key infrastructure builds.

"It will be interesting for investors to see whether the ALP continue their light rail network across the lake, thus opening the Woden corridor to a major infrastructure update," Mr Corby said.

"Suburbs such as Curtin, Hughes, and Lyons will be in prime position to benefit from the transport upgrade and coupled with the North Curtin redevelopment and diplomatic pocket, this geographic heart of Canberra is a wise addition to a portfolio."

Curtin, Canberra

If you're all about location, Curtin could be worth considering.

It can be found in the heart of the city, yet it still holds onto its suburban charm.

What was once a quiet spot has really come into its own, becoming a top choice for families and professionals who want the convenience without the city squeeze.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Curtin, Canberra	Houses	$1,326,000	-2%	-4%	45%	$720	3%
Curtin, Canberra	Units	$387,500	-1%	1%	45%	$485	7%

Hughes, Canberra

Once a lesser-known neighbourhood, Hughes has blossomed into a prime spot.

It's increasingly popular among families and professionals who are looking for easy access to the city's amenities while enjoying a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Hughes, Canberra	Houses	$1,305,000	0%	-11%	37%	$750	3%
Hughes, Canberra	Units	$332,500	0%	-19.6%	12%	$398	6%

Lyons, Canberra

Just a stone's throw from the city centre, Lyons combines easy urban living with the comfort of suburban life.

Lyons has become a favourite among both families and working professionals who appreciate being close to everything - shops, schools, parks - while escaping the city buzz.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Lyons, Canberra	Houses	$1,200,000	0%	6%	59%	$630	3%
Lyons, Canberra	Units	$385,000	-2%	-21%	-11%	$463	6%

Where to invest in the Northern Territory 2024

Jingili, Darwin

Dr Mardiasmo's top pick for the Northern Territory is Darwin suburb Jingili, located a few kilometres from Casuarina Square.

While Jingili's median house price comes at a premium to that of the broader city, the area shows scope for market resilience and promise for capital growth, she said.

"Even with Jingili being a premium market, there are higher rental returns and quick occupancy of rental properties, both of which create a conducive environment for investors," Dr Mardiasmo said.

Beyond that, upgrades to the Royal Darwin Hospital and other infrastructure projects could benefit investors entering the Jingili market.

"In Jingili specifically 22 serviced apartments and 14 apartments are due for construction," Dr Mardiasmo notes.

"This will provide some new ready-to-go stock, but not so much that investors will face a lot of competition."

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Jingili	Houses	$553,500	-2%	-3%	22%	$575	5%

Rapid Creek, Darwin

The meeting point of Rapid Creek and Darwin Harbour, the water-front suburb of Rapid Creek isn't the cheapest area to buy in the Northern Territory, but it's still worth the consideration of investors, according to Dr Mardiasmo.

"There is an absence of new residential stock planned, which suggests that now is an ideal time to invest, before prices go up even further," Dr Mardiasmo said.

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Rapid Creek	Houses	$686,000	-2%	-13%	19%	$650	5%
Rapid Creek	Units	$415,000	1%	3%	19%	$480	6%

Millner, Darwin

A recent price decline, combined with attractive rental yields, has created "a conducive investment environment for first time investors," Dr Mardiasmo said.

The suburb is also conveniently located between three arterial roads, boasts Darwin's second largest shopping centre, and boarders the airport.

"In Millner specifically, 10 new townhouses and 11 land lots are due for construction," Dr Mardiasmo said.

"This provides some new ready-to-go stock to be purchased, but not too much - ensuring returns for investors."

	Type	Median Price	Quarterly Growth	12 month Growth	5 Year Growth	Weekly Median Advertised Rent ($)	Gross Rental Yield
Millner	Houses	$600,000	-6%	8%	21%	$650	6%
Millner	Units	$292,000	-3%	-5%	3%	$480	9%

Image by Fadzai Saungweme on Unsplash