Cairns Report_March 2026

CAIRNS REPORT March 2026

Cairns City New Market Stats, Month in Review, Cairns Hospital Bold New Future + MORE

View from 504/1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City SOLD by Kaz Hartley. Call Kaz on 0438 324 207 for more details

TABLE OF CONTENTS Kaz Hartley

3 Cairns City - Units 4 5 Why Sell With Twomey Schriber?

6 National Property Clocks Cairns Month in Review 7 A Laidback Tropical Paradise 8 Advance Cairns 10 12 7Cairns Marathon Festival Cairns Hospital 14 Ports North 15

Representing homeowners and investors in the Cairns property market for 26 years

Sales and new market stats

2025 Statistics: January - December

Units and Houses

Herron Todd White: March 2026

Where the numbers stack up

Latest News & Events

Locked In

Bold New Future

30 Year Master Plan & Cruise Ship Calendar

Kaz Hartley is pleased to bring you the latest Cairns Report. Kaz has been representing homeowners and investors in the Cairns property market for 26 years.

Kaz Hartley

CONTACT KAZ

Your Property Agent karen@tspropertygroup.com.au 0438 324 207

Consistently meets client expectations for property purchase price.

“

Integrity, Trust and a Seamless Process

We came to Cairns with the intention of having a break, within 24 hours of landing we found ourselves having purchased a Unit which was never on the radar and or planned. We met our agent Kaz Hartley, during the open house and it was clear that Kaz was a true professional. Her kind personality, pleasant demeanor and in-depth knowledge of the Cairns property market made it a very quick and easy decision to jump into the market.

Every question was answered truthfully, with great consideration and care ensuring that we were at ease with our decision and at our own pace and leisure. Kaz guided us through the following purchasing process assisting us step by step, communicating well, being truthful and with great assurance where we had questions and or didn’t understand the process. Besides the actual purchase Kaz gave us the connections to complete the purchasing process with a solicitor and other agents to finalize the purchase, going beyond the call of duty is what I call it in the “service industry” . It was truly one of the easiest purchases ever made and looking back I am so pleased that we did make the purchase with Kaz. Honestly, can’t speak highly enough of her and would sell and or buy with her again in a heartbeat.

- Buyer

”

CAIRNS CITY - UNITS Unit Sales: Last 12 Months

131

Units sold

Highest Sale

Lowest Sale

$3.35m $180k

SALES ACTIVITY

*Statistics are calculated over a rolling 12 month period.

CAIRNS CITY NEW MARKET STATS

4

$651,000

27

Median sales value

Median sale days on market

27%

10.9 years

12 month change

Average length of ownership

79%

$600pw

5 year change

Median asking rent

WHY SELL WITH TWOMEY SCHRIBER? 2025 Statistics: January - December

549

Properties sold

$365.2m 15

Value of properties sold

Median days on market

18,360

Enquiries received

4,422

Active buyers

7,614

Open home attendees

17

Sales team members

300+ 13%

Combined years experience

Top market share in Cairns

Twomey Schriber Property Group

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National Property Clock: Units Entries coloured blue indicate positional change from last month.

Bundaberg Mount Gambier Burnie/Devonport Toowoomba

Gladstone Sunshine Coast Mildura Sydney Port Hedland Whitsunday Shepparton Adelaide Adelaide Hills Albany Albury Barossa Valley Brisbane Broome Cairns Coffs Harbour Darwin

Dubbo Karratha Emerald Mackay Esperance Perth Fraser Coast Rockhampton Geraldton South West WA Gold Coast Tamworth Hobart Townsville Illawarra Wodonga Ipswich Kalgoorlie Canberra Central Coast Geelong

Lismore Melbourne Newcastle

PEAK OF MARKET Approaching Peak of Market

Alice Springs Bathurst Launceston

Starting to Decline

DECLINING MARKET

RISING MARKET

Start of Recovery

Approaching Bottom of Market

Port Macquarie

BOTTOM OF MARKET

Ballina/Byron Bay Southern Highlands Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

This report is not intended to be comprehensive or render advice and neither Herron Todd White nor any persons involved in the preparation of this report accept any form of liability for its contents.

National Property Clock: Houses Entries coloured orange indicate positional change from last month.

Bundaberg Dubbo

Gladstone Mildura Shepparton Sunshine Coast Adelaide Adelaide Hills Albany Albury Barossa Valley Brisbane Broome Cairns Coffs Harbour

Sydney Tamworth Whitsunday

Darwin Karratha Emerald Mackay Esperance Newcastle Fraser Coast Perth Geraldton Port Hedland Gold Coast Rockhampton Hobart South West WA Illawarra Townsville Kalgoorlie Wodonga Bathurst Canberra Central Coast

Geelong Lismore Melbourne

Mount Gambier Toowoomba

PEAK OF MARKET Approaching Peak of Market

Starting to Decline

DECLINING MARKET

RISING MARKET

Start of Recovery

Approaching Bottom of Market

BOTTOM OF MARKET

Ballina/Byron Bay Ipswich Southern Highlands Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

This report is not intended to be comprehensive or render advice and neither Herron Todd White nor any persons involved in the preparation of this report accept any form of liability for its contents.

Source: Herron Todd White, Month in Review March 2026

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Alice Springs Burnie/Devonport Launceston

Port Macquarie

CAIRNS MONTH IN REVIEW The Cairns investor market has changed over the past six to 12 months with a noticeable difference in yields for higher value property in comparison with cheaper stock. There has also been a general reduction in investor activity across the board due mainly to higher capital values and declining yields.

Although activity has reduced from its peak in late 2025, the southern corridor from White Rock to Gordonvale remains the epicentre of investor activity in the Cairns region.

Demand from investors for cheaper property in these areas has rapidly pushed prices up from the $400,000 to $500,000 range into the $600,000 to $700,000 range, rental growth has lagged, resulting in compressed yields.

We are still hearing anecdotal reports from local agents being spammed by multiple southern-based buyer’s agents with cashed-up uninformed southern investors willing to pay a premium to acquire rental properties.

As a consequence, there is now a very limited residential dwelling stock under $600,000 in the southern corridor. This value growth has occurred very quickly and has surprised local long term property experts.

We are also now seeing first homebuyers and retirees competing with traditional investors for cheaper stock. First homebuyers priced out of the detached housing market are putting pressure on cheaper unit stock. We also have anecdotal reports of retirees priced out of retirement village estates, also competing for cheaper ground-floor unit stock. The recent federal government-funded first homebuyers scheme has had the

opposite effect to what was originally intended, with any planned savings on deposits and mortgage insurance wiped out by strong capital growth in stock prices under $700,000.

Rental returns for higher-valued residential dwelling properties, particularly on the Cairns northern beaches, are showing a noticeable downward trend relative to cheaper unit properties due to strong capital growth. The recent sale of a nearnew detached three-bedroom, twobathroom house with a pool at The Palms at Kewarra Beach for $1.3 million is likely to show a 4.4 per cent gross yield. This is based on an assessed rent of $1100 per week. The trend of lower yields for property with higher capital values is common in southern capital city markets; however, it is now becoming commonplace in the Cairns market.

The question now is whether the rental market will respond and rise to new levels. The recent sale of a 48-squaremetre renovated one-bedroom unit on Severin Street in Manunda may provide some insight. This unit sold for $316,000 in December last year and is currently asking $470 per week weekly rental. The property offers masonry block walls, a new kitchen, an updated bathroom, a small patio, and a onecar carport in an older complex in an average-quality location, within three kilometres of the Cairns CBD. This equates to a gross yield of 7.7 per cent or 5.4 per cent net of rates and body corporate. The cheaper end of the market seems to be keeping pace with capital growth, while the upper value ranges are now struggling to achieve similar returns.

Source: Herron Todd White, Month in Review March 2026

Twomey Schriber Property Group

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A LAIDBACK TROPICAL PARADISE WHERE THE NUMBERS STACK UP With its chilled tropical vibe and strong local economy, it’s no surprise Cairns has pulled in so many buyers and investors in recent years - and the momentum is showing little sign of cooling. “[It] has one of the fastest-growing global economies and that’s why it’s going to do well in 2026,” said Simon Pressley, Propertyology’s head of research, who nominated Cairns in this year’s realestate.com. au Hot 100.

This Far North Queensland gem keeps attracting lifestyle lovers, job hunters in education, health and construction, plus investors eyeing strong rental yields - at prices that still feel like a steal.

“A detached house for somewhere between $700,000 to $800,000 with a big backyard is very hard to get in a city of substance - Cairns has got that,” Mr Pressley said.

The city’s booming economy and tight housing stock have driven around 70% capital growth over five years, while a sub-1.5% rental vacancy rate for just as long is keeping investors hooked, he added.

In Cairns City, house prices soared 13.2% to $610,000 over the past year, while units skyrocketed 44.9% to $651,500.

This compares to Brisbane’s median home price of $1.07 million, up 17.7% in 12 months, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index.

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View from 32/80 Abbott St

by Kaz Hartley. Call Kaz on

treet, Cairns City. UNDER CONTRACT 0438 324 207 for more details

Diverse economy Mr Pressley said while Cairns nails the lifestyle with its outdoor adventures and lush landscapes, it’s got rock-solid economic bones too, with tourism, education and health all thriving.

He calls this Far North Queensland hub a “jack of all trades”.

“Cairns’ economic profile now has a much thicker soup than the 1980s when tourism dominated,” he said.

“The James Cook University and defence force (particularly the navy) have a major presence.”

As the second biggest city in the top half of Australia and the seventh busiest airport, the city is future-ready.

Government cash for stadium upgrades will lock in its 2032 Olympics events legacy too, said Mr Pressley.

Kaz Hartley at Twomey Schriber Property Group said the past few months have been “very busy”, with properties across Cairns selling quickly for good prices.

She agrees Cairns is a city on the move.

“Cairns is seeing more migration, more services and more infrastructure.

Queensland Health is making major investments, with hospital expansions creating new jobs.”

That demand is showing up in various ways - parents are buying apartments for their kids who are studying in the city’s universities, companies are purchasing accommodation for staff instead of renting, and investors keep snapping up CBD units, she said.

CLICK TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Source: Caroline Riches, www.realestate.com.au

Twomey Schriber Property Group

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ADVANCE CAIRNS Latest News & Events From the CEO

March 2026

This month we welcome a new member to the Advance Cairns family Advance Cairns has been in full – Cape York Solutions, which provides advocacy mode throughout March targeting the State Government with our education, financial literacy training and other support services to First Budget priorities.

Nations people throughout Cape York.

Chair Luke Bird and I notched up 11 I thank the team for inviting me to their meetings over two-and-a-half days International Women’s Day event with with government ministers in Brisbane culture, purpose and inspiration on full including Deputy Premier Jarrod display. (See story in full news update) Bleijie, Treasurer David Janetzki and Speaking of our Advance Cairns family, Housing Minister Sam O’Connor to it’s time to connect again. Our next discuss the importance of the Cairns gathering on April 23 is being held in Western Arterial Road (CWAR), trunk infrastructure for housing, the Common direct response to feedback and is User Facility (CUF), Cairns Hospital Stage an exclusive, members-only event.

“Linking Leaders” is a unique opportunity 1 expansion and a high-performance to engage, strengthen professional centre at West Barlow Park. relationships and expand networks with We also thank the Opposition including some of the Far North’s most influential Leader Steven Miles and Deputy Leader business and community leaders.

Cameron Dick and their team for I’m looking forward to this “meet and lending their ears to the Far North. mingle” where members will be able to A small delegation including share ideas and opinions as we turn our representatives from the Cairns Marine eye to future advocacy priorities.

Precinct returned to Brisbane last week Finally, I know the current Iran conflict for a key meeting with TMR Minister is weighing heavily on minds and Brent Mickelberg regarding our call even heavier on bottom lines. Like all for tangible progress to be made on challenges, the Far North will stare this the CUF in the next year as well as the CWAR. They are in no doubt of the Far one down and prove once again, how resilient we are. As always Advance North’s strong appetite for action on Cairns will be here to support our these projects with the government reiterating its commitment to both. We membership and region.

Jennifer Spilsbury look forward to developments in this space. (See more in full news update.)

CEO Advance Cairns 10

Member spotlight: Reaching for the sky James and Sarah Mort know how to build things. They have more than 35 years of experience constructing social and affordable housing but it’s not just bricks and mortar they specialise in. They bring visions to life.

Originally from Victoria, MiHaven directors James and Sarah have built one of the most recognisable construction and training brands in the tropical Far North with a keen focus on sustainability and social impact. “We’ve seen (cyclones) Larry and Yasi with a GFC in the middle, and the pandemic – you’ve got to stay resilient,” Sarah said.

Effort and excitement is now centring on their latest vision – SkyHaven – a 186-short-term accommodation unit complex at Cairns Airport targeting the workforce and airport market. “We are ready to go,” Sarah said in terms of design, approvals, management and workforce. “This is a Cairns project that has been supported by the Cairns region.”

With 90% of SkyHaven investors from the Far North, it means a large chunk of the profits will stay in the Far North.

James said demand was strong with the recent $1b Cairns Hospital expansion announcement only adding to the need for such a development. The Morts said there was still an opportunity for investors to be part of the project.

Long-time supporters of Advance Cairns, the Morts know the power of connection. “We believe in the region and it needs an organisation like Advance Cairns – it has always punched above its weight,” Sarah said.

Want to know more about being an Advance Cairns member? Email admin@advancecairns.com

CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS UPDATE Source: Advance Cairns

7CAIRNS MARATHON FESTIVAL LOCKED IN Tropical North Queensland is setting the pace for its biggest decade yet, with the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Major Events Strategy 2026–2035 already delivering outcomes, with the 7Cairns Marathon Festival secured for the next three years.

Developed in partnership with Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), the strategy sets a clear roadmap to grow year-round visitation, maximise economic return and strengthen the region’s position as Australia’s leading major events destination.

The renewed funding agreement with Atlas Events will retain the marathon until 2028, with an option to extend through to 2030, giving certainty to businesses and event organisers as the region prepares for a decade of opportunity leading into Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Over the past three years, the marathon has drawn more than 20,000 participants, 40 per cent from outside the Cairns Local Government Area, generating over 24,000 visitor nights and contributing nearly $5.5 million to the local economy.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden and Jason Crowther of Atlas Events for the 7Cairns Marathon Festival Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said securing the 7Cairns Marathon Festival reflects Council’s deliberate focus on backing events that deliver real economic return and genuine community benefit.

“This is exactly what our Major Events Strategy is designed to do. Back events that fill hotel rooms, support local businesses, create jobs and give our community something to be proud of,” Mayor Eden said.

“The 7 Cairns Marathon Festival is more than a race. It activates our Esplanade, showcases our lifestyle to thousands of visitors and injects millions into our local economy.”

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“With Brisbane 2032 approaching, we are not waiting on the sidelines. We are positioning Cairns now to capitalise on the opportunities ahead. Locking in events like this provides certainty for our tourism operators, hospitality venues and small businesses.”

“It is about confidence. Confidence for event organisers. Confidence for investors. And confidence in Cairns as a city that can deliver at scale.”

“When you combine our climate, our scenery and our community spirit, Cairns is made for events like this. Securing the marathon for the next three years is a strong step forward in building a decade of opportunity for our region.”

TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said participation and endurance events are surging nationwide, with Cairns well placed to lead.

“Major events already inject close to $40 million a year into the Cairns region and $67 million into the wider Tropical North Queensland economy,” he said.

“With strong growth in participation sport and mass running events across the country, Cairns is perfectly positioned to capitalise on that momentum.”

Jason Crowther, Managing Director of Atlas Events, welcomed the renewed partnership.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Cairns Regional Council and deliver the 7Cairns Marathon Festival for the next five years. Since its inception, the event has been embraced by the community, and Cairns continues to prove itself as an outstanding destination to deliver an event of this scale.

It’s been incredibly exciting for us at Atlas Events to see the festival grow year on year, bringing people to the region, supporting Australian charities and building something that delivers long-term value for Cairns.

We’re excited to see what the event can grow into over the coming years and to keep evolving the experience for participants, the community and the region.”

Building on this renewed commitment, the strategy prioritises maximising return on investment, activating shoulder and off-peak seasons, strengthening partnerships and promoting Cairns as a nationally recognised major events destination.

With 2.8 million annual visitors contributing $4.5 billion to the regional economy each year, major events will play an increasingly important role in driving economic diversification, cultural vibrancy and global connectivity over the next decade.

Source: Cairns Regional Council

THE CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF MAJOR EVENTS STRATEGY 2026–2035 IS AVAILABLE ON THE CAIRNS COUNCIL WEBSITE

Twomey Schriber Property Group

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An artist’s impression of the new Cairns Health Innovation and Surgical Centre

BOLD NEW FUTURE FOR CAIRNS HOSPITAL Cairns Hospital will undergo a $1 billion expansion with three new buildings, in order to keep up with unprecedented patient demand.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has unveiled its 30year master plan for the 150-year-old hospital, which has outgrown its current footprint.

The master plan provides a clear roadmap to expand and modernise the hospital so Far North Queenslanders can access the care they need, close to home.

Three new buildings are planned to be built within the next four to five years.

This includes: • a health innovation and surgical centre • a staff only multi-storey carpark • a health management hub ‘The Master Plan recognises that while upgrades to ageing infrastructure are essential, refurbishment alone is not enough to meet future demand,’ she said.

‘It is essential that the hospital expands so it can continue to deliver excellent care to our community now and into the future.’

Construction of the new Stage 1 buildings are expected to commence in late 2026, following completion of land acquisitions.

Click for more information

Source: health.qld.gov.au

30-YEAR TWO-PORT MASTER PLAN As the region’s economy grows, it is critical that Ports North ensures that our ports stay in step.

To build on our long history of supporting the economic growth of communities in Far North Queensland, Ports North has prepared a ’30-Year Two-Port Master Plan’ for the Ports of Cairns and Mourilyan.

Developed in consultation with more than 100 stakeholder groups over a period of 18 months, it has helped lay the foundations for new opportunities at the Port of Cairns, including expansions of the Cairns Marine Precinct and HMAS Cairns as well as growth in tourism, project cargo and coastal freight. It also identifies growth in sugar and molasses, along with opportunities for additional magnetite, silica sands and fuel at the Port of Mourilyan.

Consistent with our vision to be “a successful, sustainable port operator and a valued contributor to regional economic growth” the master plan prioritises ‘’sustainable growth” and seeks to balance the competing needs of the wide variety of seaport users, operators and stakeholders at both ports.

The Master Plan outlines the most appropriate landside and waterside development pathways for each port in response to a growing regional population, economy and industry base.

Click to view a video regarding the 30-Year Two-Port Master Plan

CRUISE SHIP CALENDAR Discover when the beautiful cruise ships from all over the world are visiting the Port of Cairns and other regional ports.

View The 2026 Cruising Calendar Source: Ports North

Twomey Schriber Property Group

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UNLOCK YOUR PROPERTY’S POTENTIAL WITH KAZ Cairns City’s property market is seeing strong demand with many buyers actively searching for their dream home. Now is the ideal time to find out what your property might be worth.

CLICK HERE and enter your address for an instant Digital Property Report that highlights your market value including recent sales, rental history, suburb report and more.

karen@tspropertygroup.com.au 0438 324 207 320 Sheridan Street, Cairns North QLD 4870 www.tspropertygroup.com.au

Data taken from CoreLogic and other sources we assume to be reliable as at 16/04/2026. We assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content. The information contained in this document has no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Clients should not act solely on the basis of the material contained in this newsletter. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice per se. The newsletter is issued as a helpful guide to clients and is for their private information. Every effort is made to ensure the contents are accurate at the time of publication. We take no responsibility for any subsequent action that may arise from the use of this newsletter.