Cairns City New Market Stats 2025 Forecast For Cairns + MORE
Karen Hartley - Representing homeowners and investors in the Cairns property market for 25 years
Karen is committed to assisting her clients with her experienced market knowledge in residential sales, asset management and business development.
Karen sees her role as agent to give unconditional support guiding her clients throughout the sales process with enthusiasm, confidence, experienced advice and exceptional service at all times.
Presentation, clear communication, professional and thorough, she will be alongside you every step of the way, making the process as easy as possible for you!
Karen has been an active member of the community involved in many committees and sporting/corporate events in the area over the years.
Enjoying what we all come to North Queensland for, Karen spends her days working amongst beautiful
properties, looking after her clients and buyers, happily living the relaxed and perfect tropical lifestyle in beautiful Cairns!
Karen Hartley Twomey Schriber Property Group
0438 324 207 karen@tspropertygroup.com.au
WHY TWOMEY SCHRIBER?
2024 Statistics
568 $320.3m
Properties sold
13
18,310
4,047
6,807
17
Value of properties sold
Median days on market
Enquiries received
Active buyers
Open home attendees
Sales team members
250+ 13%
Combined years experience
Top market share in Cairns
PROPERTY TRENDS AND INSIGHTS
Reflecting on Cairns
in 2024
The expectation at the start of 2024 was that the market would continue to perform strongly throughout the year, and this was proven to be an accurate forecast. Underpinned in the main by a lack of stock, either to buy or to rent, and southern buyers seeking to relocate to Cairns or invest, most sectors of the market delivered value rises throughout 2024.
The emergence of the buyer’s agent in the Cairns market during 2024 has surprised our valuers and local real estate agents alike. Although they have long been active in most southern markets, they are a relatively new player in the Cairns market. Most buyers’ agents are based in southern capitals where their clients are located, however we are now starting to see some locally based agents. In the Cairns southern corridor, they are involved in a high percentage of deals sub $700,000 with their southern based investor clients the main driver of the continued strong market in these localities.
Our valuers on the ground advise that there are no signs of the market slowing and typical sub-$700,000 stock will continue to perform for as long as southern investors are active in the market. This price point represents a sweet spot in the market where investors see rental and return growth with manageable debt in a very tight rental market.
Source: Herron Todd White, Reflecting Cairns 2024, Danny Glasson, Director
POPULATION
GROWTH OF CAIRNS
Cairns is Queensland’s 5th most populated city with a population over 150,000. Two thirds of Tropical North Queensland’s population growth is accommodated within the Cairns Region.
Based on research, Cairns population will reach 160,779 by the end of June 2025. Looking back at the last 13 years of Cairns’ population, the growth rate is very consistent and strong, ranging from 0.56% to 1.74%, adding around 838 to 2,505 people each year to the overall population. The reasons contributing to the population growth is that tourism is consistently strong over the years. Tourism creates a lot of job opportunities in Cairns. On the other hand, relaxed living style also attracts retirees living here.
Source: Population Australia
2025 FORECAST FOR CAIRNS
Growth Forecast: 7% to 11%
Vacancy Rate: 0.9%
Stock On Market 3 Year Change: -31%
Propertyology’s Head of Research, Simon Pressley said…
“Cairns population grew faster than six of eight capital cities across the last two decades.
Over the last five years, the property market in tropical North Queensland produced 60% capital growth (the same as Sydney, and more than four other capital cities). Cairns real estate is expected to boom in 2025.
Rental accommodation is so tight that rent prices have increased $100 per week over the last two years.
Housing demand is underpinned by strong sectors such as Health, Construction, Defence (Navy) and Tourism.
The healthy project pipeline includes a $60 million airport upgrade and $91 million stadium development.”
Source: Propertyology
ANNUAL EVENTS & MAJOR PROJECTS
Major sporting and cultural events inject $31 million into the Cairns economy
Events such as Crankworx, Ironman and Shine on Gimuy helped inject more than $31 million into the local economy in the previous financial year.
A report tabled at 6th November 2024 Council ordinary meeting outlined the economic benefits of 11 events delivered with the support of $1.47 million from Council’s Major Events Sponsorship program.
Event supported in 2023/24 included 7 Cairns Marathon; Queensland Pool Rescue Championships; NRL Premiership match between South Sydney and St George; Reef to Reef; Cairns Amateurs; Cairns Tennis International; Port Douglas Gran Fondo; Shine on Gimuy; UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships; Crankworx Cairns; and Ironman Cairns.
The events delivered an estimated total economic impact of $31.2 million, achieved through attracting 22,721 visitors and over 108,000 visitor nights.
Source: Cairns Regional Council
Other Major Events & Projects
CRUISE SHIP CALENDAR
Discover when the beautiful cruise ships from all over the world are visiting the Port of Cairns and other regional ports.
The schedule provide each ship’s planned movements for each month, their length of stay and other details including passenger numbers and shipping agents.
Thinking of your next holiday, then maybe jump on board one of the departures out of Cairns!
View The 2025 Cruising Calendar
Source: Cairns Port Authority
URBAN PLANNING
On The Horizon: Cairns Economy Thrives With Billion Dollar Boost
MEDIA RELEASE
The Cairns economy is growing, with a $1.66 billion uplift since 2020.
Council today noted the progress on its 2022-2026 Economic Development Strategy, which has helped steer the region’s economic output to an impressive $11.46 billion.
The city’s job market is also thriving, with employment up to 88,563 jobsreflecting nearly an 8% increase in jobs from 2020.
The report highlighted the significant pipeline of major projects to be delivered in the Cairns region in coming years.
Councilors recently toured the Cairns Marine Precinct in Portsmith, where they saw firsthand how investments in the proposed Common User Facility, shipyards and defence sector are laying the groundwork for even more growth.
Mayor Amy Eden said a focus on diversifying the economy continued to drive growth.
“Cairns has always been more than just a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
“Our aviation, marine, health, education and defence industries are showing just how essential diversification is to the future growth and resilience of our economy - creating skilled jobs, strengthening our supply chains, and providing opportunities for small businesses.
“With plans to further tap into green industries and expand investment opportunities, Cairns is well on its way to hitting its $13 billion economic target.”
During the reporting period, Council sponsored 12 major events which delivered a $31 million economic impact through visitation to the region.
With $384 million - 88% of Council’s total expenditure - spent with local businesses, that’s a $46 million boost from last year.
Current major projects planned or under construction include:
