Cairns Property Market Update: Why 2026 Is a Smart Time to Invest
If you’ve been watching the Cairns property market, you’ll know it has become one of Australia’s standout performers and the latest November 2025 Cairns Economic Monitor confirms exactly why. From rising property values to record tourism momentum and strengthening building approvals, Cairns is shaping up as one of the most compelling long-term investment markets in the country.
Whether you're looking for a family home, a high-yield rental, or a growth-focused investment, here’s why now is a smart time to secure property in Cairns and why working with a buyers agent in Cairns can give you a major advantage.
1. Cairns Property Prices Continue to Surge And Shows No Signs of Slowing
Cairns’ market is outperforming nearly every major region in Australia. According to the report:
Median house price: $752,000 (+16% year-on-year)
Median unit price: $421,000 (+13% year-on-year)
Cairns 2025 Real Estate Price Growth compared to other Australian markets
Even more impressive:
Cairns’ three-year annualised growth is running at 17.5% per year, equating to a 62% rise in three years which is more than double the national pace.
This is not a flash-in-the-pan cycle. Over seven and ten-year periods, Cairns continues to outperform or match national averages, showing long-term stability and growth.
Why this matters for buyers:
Strong capital growth + low supply = a market where smart purchases can significantly outperform.
Think of buying in Cairns? Take a look at a specialised Cairns Buyers Agent Service.
2. Rental Demand Remains Extreme — Creating Ideal Conditions for Investors
The vacancy rate remains critically low at 0.8% which makes it one of the tightest markets in the nation.
Median rents:
2-bed units: $519 p/w (+4% y/y)
3-bed houses: $650 p/w (+9% y/y) 1.-NOVEMBER-CAIRNS-ECONOMIC-MON…
Over the long term:
Unit rents have outpaced prices by 10%
House rents are tracking slightly ahead of prices too
Cairns Median Rental prices from 2019 to 2025
Why this matters:
Low vacancy + rising rents = predictable yields and excellent holding income.
For interstate investors, Cairns continues to offer some of Queensland’s best rental returns.
3. Tourism Is Booming Back - A Major Economic Engine for Cairns
Tourism is one of Cairns’ biggest demand drivers for jobs, housing, and long-term population growth — and the latest figures are exceptional:
Domestic passenger numbers: best since 2018
International passengers: best quarter since 2019 and monthly trend highest since 2006.
Total visitor expenditure estimated to have increased by $140 million in one quarter alone.
More visitors → more workers → more population → more housing demand.
Cairns’ tourism rebound ensures ongoing pressure on both rental and sale markets.
4. Building Approvals Are Rising — But Not Fast Enough to Fix the Shortage
Despite a strong month of 115 new house approvals and major one-off developments like the Woree affordable housing project (468 units), the report is clear: the region is still years away from meaningful supply relief.
Even with increased approvals, the report warns:
“Shortages will likely continue to be the dominant theme.”
This ongoing scarcity is one of the strongest tailwinds for the Cairns property market.
5. The Labour Market Remains Stronger Than the National Average
Yes, unemployment in Cairns has ticked up to 5.0%, but it is driven by near-record participation.
More importantly:
Job growth remains positive
Local job vacancies have declined only 0.6% year-on-year, compared with 9.3% nationally
Queensland’s labour market remains historically strong
This shows confidence from businesses and ongoing population stability, both excellent indicators for housing demand.
6. Interest Rate Outlook Supports Rising Prices
The RBA is expected to begin cutting rates later into 2026, after inflation came in hotter than expected. But importantly:
“The trajectory of interest rates is likely to be lower still in the next 6–9 months.”
Lower rates + strong demand + limited supply = further upward pressure on prices.
Why Buyers Are Turning to Buyers Agents in Cairns
With prices rising rapidly and stock tightening, more buyers are choosing a Cairns buyers agent to secure properties before competition drives prices even higher.
A local buyers agent can help you:
Understand true market value
Avoid overpaying in a fast-moving market
Identify high-yield suburbs
Secure opportunities before they hit the market
For many clients, this can mean saving tens of thousands or securing a property they otherwise wouldn’t have seen.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Cairns?
Based on the data: Yes. Cairns remains one of Australia's strongest property markets.
Here’s the summary:
✔ Prices continue to rise strongly
✔ Tourism is returning to long-term highs
✔ Rental supply remains critically low
✔ Job market remains robust
✔ Approvals are rising — but not enough to meet demand
✔ Interest rates are expected to fall over the next 6–9 months
If you're considering buying in Cairns, the window before the next surge in demand is narrowing.
Comparing Cairns to Townville take a look at this article HERE
Thinking of Buying in Cairns? We're Here to Help.
At The Buyers Co, we specialise in helping local and interstate buyers secure high-quality properties in Cairns at the right price, even in competitive market conditions.
Whether you're an investor, first-home buyer, or relocating, we can help you purchase with confidence.
👉 Learn more about working with a buyers agent in Cairns
