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Ballarat vs Geelong — Regional Victoria Investment Showdown 2026

June 25, 2026

Ballarat and Geelong are Victoria’s two largest regional cities and the most compared markets for Melbourne investors looking to diversify regionally. Here is the full GeeVee head-to-head.

Median Price Comparison

Metric Ballarat Geelong
Median House Price $580,000 $780,000
Median Unit Price $380,000 $490,000
Gross House Yield 5.1% 4.1%
Gross Unit Yield 5.8% 4.9%
5-Year Growth 42% 46%
GeeVee Score 7.4/10 7.8/10

Which City Wins?

Ballarat wins on yield (5.1% house) and entry price ($580,000). Geelong wins on capital growth (46% vs 42%), infrastructure and proximity to Melbourne. For yield-focused investors, Ballarat is compelling. For growth-focused investors, Geelong is the stronger pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ballarat or Geelong a better investment?

Ballarat offers higher yields at a lower entry price. Geelong offers stronger capital growth and better infrastructure. Most investors prioritise Geelong for long-term growth and Ballarat for cash flow.

Is Ballarat growing faster than Geelong?

Geelong’s five-year growth of 46% slightly exceeds Ballarat’s 42%, driven by its proximity to Melbourne and the population shift post-COVID.

Find off-market investment properties in Ballarat, Geelong and across regional Victoria at collings.com.au/portal.

Find your next property with Collings

Track suburbs, get matched to on-market and off-market listings, and manage your whole property search in one place. Access the Collings property portal.

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