Demand for property in Darwin is still in positive territory, as the latest research shows that vacancy rates in the city are below the national average.
Findings from SQM Research reveal that last month, 1.3 per cent of Darwin properties were vacant, compared to the national average of 1.9 per cent.
This was the second consecutive month that this result was recorded on a national basis, leading the group to suggest there has been a level of stagnation in the Australian rental market.
However, SQM Research believes that as the sales market starts to recover, vacancy rates will increase further as people look to purchase their own real estate in Darwin.
Managing director Louis Christopher said: "While there should be a move of renters turning themselves into first home buyers this year, it does not seem to be at this stage a major shift."
There has been a slight rise in vacancy rates across Darwin since last year – in February 2012, the rate registered at 0.8 per cent, rising to 1.4 per cent in January 2013.
Hobart currently has the highest amount of vacancies, registering a rate of 2.1 per cent, down from 2.4 per cent a year ago.