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
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.
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
WHY SELL WITH TWOMEY SCHRIBER?
549
2025 Statistics: January - December Properties sold
$365.2m
15
18,360
4,422
7,614
17
Value of properties sold
Median days on market
Enquiries received Active buyers
Open home attendees
Sales team members
300+ 13%
Combined years experience
Top market share in Cairns
National Property Clock: Units
Entries coloured blue indicate positional change from last month.
National Property Clock: Houses
Entries coloured orange indicate positional change from last month.
Springs Bathurst Launceston
Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie
Alice
Ballina/Byron
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
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.
View from 32/80 Abbott Street, by Kaz Hartley. Call Kaz on
Street, 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.
Source: Caroline Riches, www.realestate.com.au
ADVANCE CAIRNS
Latest News & Events
From the CEO
Advance Cairns has been in full advocacy mode throughout March targeting the State Government with our Budget priorities.
Chair Luke Bird and I notched up 11 meetings over two-and-a-half days with government ministers in Brisbane including Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, Treasurer David Janetzki and Housing Minister Sam O’Connor to discuss the importance of the Cairns Western Arterial Road (CWAR), trunk infrastructure for housing, the Common User Facility (CUF), Cairns Hospital Stage 1 expansion and a high-performance centre at West Barlow Park.
We also thank the Opposition including Leader Steven Miles and Deputy Leader Cameron Dick and their team for lending their ears to the Far North.
A small delegation including representatives from the Cairns Marine Precinct returned to Brisbane last week for a key meeting with TMR Minister Brent Mickelberg regarding our call for tangible progress to be made on the CUF in the next year as well as the CWAR. They are in no doubt of the Far North’s strong appetite for action on these projects with the government reiterating its commitment to both. We look forward to developments in this space. (See more in full news update.)
March 2026
This month we welcome a new member to the Advance Cairns family – Cape York Solutions, which provides education, financial literacy training and other support services to First Nations people throughout Cape York. I thank the team for inviting me to their International Women’s Day event with culture, purpose and inspiration on full display. (See story in full news update)
Speaking of our Advance Cairns family, it’s time to connect again. Our next gathering on April 23 is being held in direct response to feedback and is an exclusive, members-only event. “Linking Leaders” is a unique opportunity to engage, strengthen professional relationships and expand networks with some of the Far North’s most influential business and community leaders.
I’m looking forward to this “meet and mingle” where members will be able to share ideas and opinions as we turn our eye to future advocacy priorities.
Finally, I know the current Iran conflict is weighing heavily on minds and even heavier on bottom lines. Like all challenges, the Far North will stare this one down and prove once again, how resilient we are. As always Advance Cairns will be here to support our membership and region.
Jennifer Spilsbury CEO Advance Cairns
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
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.”
“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
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.
An artist’s impression of the new Cairns Health Innovation and Surgical Centre
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
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
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