Regional NT · Katherine
Emungalan is a sparsely populated, semi-rural and industrial suburb on the northern bank of the Katherine River. Historically the original railhead settlement, it now offers a lifestyle characterized by large land holdings and a sense of space, distinct from the more suburban feel of Katherine proper. Its character is defined by its industrial activity, agricultural lots, and proximity to the Stuart Highway, offering a rugged, outback setting just minutes from the services of the main town.
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
~48-112 days
Median listing-to-sold window. Shorter = tighter buyer field.
Auction clearance
Private-treaty market
Share of auctions sold. Brisbane skews private-treaty.
Rental yield
8.1% to 9.1%
Gross yield on house stock. Premium suburbs compress.
5-year house-price growth
+70% to +90%
cumulative since 2021Who buys here
Lifestyle Acreage Buyers · Small Business Owners · Infrastructure Contractors
5-year trend
Modelled trajectory anchored on aggregated 5-year median figures. Indicative; not month-by-month observed data.
Market analysis
The property market in Emungalan is intrinsically linked to the broader Katherine region, for which more robust data is available. Due to extremely low transaction volumes in Emungalan itself, we use Katherine's market as the primary indicator. The Katherine market has experienced a significant upswing, with house prices seeing a notable 12.5% growth over the past year. This surge is largely propelled by major government and private sector investment, most significantly the multi-billion dollar series of upgrades to the nearby RAAF Base Tindal. This project has created hundreds of jobs, driving a massive influx of contractors and defence personnel, all seeking accommodation in a market with limited housing supply.
This supply-demand imbalance has ignited both the sales and rental markets. The median house price in Katherine now sits at approximately $405,000. More impressively for investors, the pressure on rental stock has pushed gross rental yields to a remarkable 8.6%, among the highest in the Northern Territory. This combination of strong capital growth prospects and exceptional cash flow makes the area a compelling proposition for investors who can navigate its unique dynamics. Properties are selling relatively quickly for a regional centre, with an average of around 80 days on market.
The market is not without its nuances. Its trajectory is heavily dependent on the continuation of major projects and government employment, which form the bedrock of the local economy. The high proportion of renters, while beneficial for yields, also suggests a transient population. However, with the RAAF upgrades scheduled to continue for several years and the ongoing importance of Katherine as a regional hub for health, education, and services, the fundamental drivers of the market appear secure for the medium term. Buyers are seeing a rare opportunity where strong capital growth and positive cash flow can coexist.
Fueled by massive infrastructure spending, the Katherine region offers some of the highest rental yields in the Territory, making it a prime target for savvy investors.
Why a buyers agent
In a market as specialised as Emungalan and the broader Katherine region, a buyer's agent is an invaluable asset. Local market dynamics are not driven by typical metropolitan trends but by the timelines and labour demands of major projects like the RAAF Tindal upgrade. An expert on the ground possesses crucial intelligence on project pipelines, which directly impacts housing demand and future price movements. They can identify properties on the quieter, more desirable rural-residential pockets of Emungalan versus those affected by industrial noise. Furthermore, with a high percentage of rental properties and a transient workforce, understanding the specific needs of Defence, health, and education tenants is key to a successful investment. An agent can navigate the low housing stock, often gaining access to off-market opportunities and providing a critical advantage when properties are in high demand.
With gross rental yields for houses around 8.6%, the Katherine region offers one of the strongest returns for investors in Australia, providing the potential for positive cash flow from day one.
The massive, ongoing investment in RAAF Base Tindal provides a solid economic foundation for the region, ensuring sustained housing demand and underpinning property values for the medium term.
Emungalan provides a unique opportunity to acquire acreage or a rural-residential property, offering a peaceful outback lifestyle with the convenience of Katherine's amenities just minutes away.
The market has demonstrated strong recent growth of 12.5% in the last year, and with supply remaining tight, there is strong potential for continued price appreciation.
Compare
| Metric | This suburbEmungalan | NearbyKatherine | 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 | ~48-112 days | ~76-178 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 | +70% to +90% | +13% to +33% | +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
Emungalan is located on the northern side of the Katherine River, directly opposite the main Katherine township. Its history is rooted in the North Australia Railway, where it served as the original settlement and rail terminus before the river was bridged in 1926. Today, it's a suburb of contrasts, blending rural-residential blocks and small farms with a designated industrial area clustered around the junction of the Stuart Highway and Emungalan Road.
Residents of Emungalan rely on the full suite of amenities located just a few minutes' drive away in Katherine. This includes major supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles at Katherine Central, along with various specialty stores and dining options along Katherine Terrace.
For education, families are zoned for schools within the Katherine township. These include Casuarina Street Primary School, Clyde Fenton Primary School, and Katherine South Primary School for younger students. Secondary students attend Katherine High School. The renowned Katherine School of the Air, providing distance education to remote students, is also based in the town.
Transport is dominated by private vehicles, with the Stuart Highway providing the main arterial connection north to Darwin and south to Alice Springs. The suburb's large lots and semi-rural nature mean public transport is not a feature within Emungalan itself, but services are available in Katherine.
Recreation is centred around the Katherine River and the region's natural wonders, including the world-famous Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), which is a short drive away. Within Katherine, parks and sporting facilities provide ample opportunities for leisure.
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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