Regional NT · Katherine
Katherine is a major regional centre in the Northern Territory, often called the 'Crossroads of the North' where the outback meets the tropics. Its character is shaped by its role as a service hub for a vast region, a significant Defence Force presence with RAAF Base Tindal, a growing tourism industry centred on Nitmiluk National Park, and a strong agricultural sector. The town has a relaxed, resilient, and community-focused atmosphere.
Market snapshot
Price register · May 2026
Median house
$350,000 - $475,000
Mid-band $413Kspread 30%
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Create Your Free ProfileLast reviewed 14 May 2026
Median unit
$200,000 - $275,000
Mid-band $238Kspread 32%
Days on market
~76-178 days
Median listing-to-sold window. Shorter = tighter buyer field.
Auction clearance
Private-treaty market
Share of auctions sold. Higher = stronger buyer competition.
Rental yield
8.1% to 9.1%
Gross yield on house stock. Premium suburbs compress.
5-year house-price growth
+13% to +33%
cumulative since 2021Who buys here
Defence Force families · Property investors seeking high yields · Government and service professionals
5-year trend
Modelled trajectory anchored on aggregated 5-year median figures. Indicative; not month-by-month observed data.
Market analysis
The Katherine property market presents a compelling case for investors and residents, distinguished by its affordability and exceptionally high rental yields. The market's performance is intrinsically linked to its multi-faceted economy, underpinned by government services, defence, agriculture, and tourism. The median house price sits at an accessible $405,000 as of May 2026, having experienced a significant 12.5% growth over the preceding year. This trajectory highlights a market gaining momentum after a period of more modest increases.
The primary driver of demand, particularly in the rental sector, is the presence of RAAF Base Tindal. Ongoing and future investment in the base, including a $1.1 billion upgrade program, provides a steady stream of personnel and contractors seeking accommodation, ensuring rental demand remains robust. This is reflected in the outstanding rental yield for houses, which stands at a remarkable 8.6%. For investors, this offers the potential for strong positive cash flow, a rarity in many Australian property markets. The unit market, while smaller, also boasts strong returns with a median price of $234,000 and yields around 8.4%.
Supply and demand dynamics are relatively balanced. While new projects like the Mt Bundy Gold Project and expansions in local agriculture promise future population growth, the pace of new construction remains moderate. This balance helps to sustain price levels and rental income. Properties typically spend around 127 days on the market, indicating a steady, rather than frenetic, sales environment where buyers can undertake due diligence without extreme pressure. The five-year growth of 22.7% for houses demonstrates solid long-term appreciation, balancing the high-yield characteristics with capital growth potential. The market's stability and strong economic fundamentals suggest a positive outlook, particularly for buy-and-hold investors.
With a billion-dollar RAAF base expansion fuelling demand, Katherine delivers some of the highest rental yields in the nation.
Why a buyers agent
Navigating the Katherine property market requires specialised local knowledge that goes beyond online listings. The town's market is heavily influenced by unique factors an outside buyer might miss, such as the cycles of Defence postings, seasonal tourism impacts, and specific infrastructure projects. An experienced buyer's agent understands the nuances between Katherine's distinct residential areas like Katherine East and Katherine South, and can advise on which pockets are most sought-after by the tenant base from RAAF Tindal. They have insight into properties that are less prone to the 'Wet Season' flooding risks and can identify homes with features that command a premium in the local rental market, such as good air-conditioning, sheds, and outdoor living spaces. Furthermore, with properties spending over 100 days on market, a local agent's network and negotiating skills are crucial for securing a property at the right price, ensuring you don't overpay in a market that, while strong, has its own unique rhythm.
With house rental yields sitting around 8.6%, Katherine offers investors a rare opportunity for strong positive cash flow from day one, significantly outperforming most Australian capital cities.
The massive and ongoing investment in the nearby RAAF Base Tindal provides a constant and reliable source of high-quality tenants, creating a stable and predictable rental market.
With a median house price of $405,000, the Katherine market is accessible to a wide range of buyers, from first-home owners to seasoned investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
Positioned as the gateway to iconic natural wonders like Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine offers an unparalleled outback lifestyle combined with the amenities of a major regional town.
Beyond defence, Katherine's economy is supported by strong sectors in tourism, agriculture (including mangoes and cattle), and mining, providing a resilient economic base for long-term stability and growth.
Compare
| Metric | This suburbKatherine | NearbyEmungalan | NearbyKatherine East | NearbyKatherine South |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median house | $350,000 - $475,000 | $350,000 - $475,000 | $325,000 - $450,000 | $250,000 - $350,000 |
| Median unit | $200,000 - $275,000 | $200,000 - $275,000 | $150,000 - $225,000 | — |
| Auction clearance | — | — | — | — |
| Days on market | ~76-178 days | ~48-112 days | ~71-165 days | ~46-106 days |
| Year-on-year growth | +8% to +18% | +8% to +18% | -5% to +5% | -3% to +7% |
| 5-year growth | +13% to +33% | +70% to +90% | +28% to +48% | +6% to +26% |
| Rental yield | 8.1% to 9.1% | 8.1% to 9.1% | 7.6% to 8.6% | 8.2% to 9.2% |
| Postcode | 0850 | 0850 | 0850 | 0850 |
Snapshot date varies by suburb; see individual suburb pages for figures.
The place
Katherine, located 320 kilometres south of Darwin, is a thriving regional town that serves as the heart of the vast Big Rivers region. Its position on the Stuart Highway and as a central point on the Savannah Way from Cairns to Broome solidifies its status as a critical transport and services hub.
The town offers a comprehensive range of amenities. For education, families have access to several schools, including Katherine High School, the Katherine School of the Air providing distance education , and St Joseph's Catholic College which caters for students from early learning to secondary years.
Shopping needs are met by the Katherine Town Centre, which hosts a Woolworths, Target, and a variety of specialty stores, cafes, and local businesses. The town is well-serviced with medical facilities, including the Katherine District Hospital.
Transport infrastructure is robust. While most residents rely on cars, the town is serviced by Greyhound buses for inter-regional travel, and the iconic Ghan train makes a scheduled stop here. Airnorth provides flights connecting Katherine to other regional centres. Within the town, a local bus service and taxis are available.
Recreation and lifestyle are major drawcards. The town is the gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park, home to the world-famous Katherine Gorge. Residents enjoy easy access to natural swimming spots like the Katherine Hot Springs and Low Level Nature Park. The town itself has numerous parks, a public swimming pool, and a strong sporting culture with facilities for rugby, netball, tennis, and more.
Frequently asked
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The 5-year trajectory is a modelled curve anchored on the documented cumulative growth rate. Editorial review: 14 May 2026. Updated quarterly.
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