When people think about investing in real estate, they tend to focus on the purchase price, rental returns, and long-term capital growth. But the real cost of property ownership often sits below the surface.

For many investors, especially those buying in regional or tropical markets like Cairns, unexpected expenses can quickly turn a promising investment into a financial headache.

In Cairns' dynamic urban landscape, few voices carry as much weight as Sarah Mort, Managing Director of My Haven. With nearly two decades of experience in the local development industry, Sarah has witnessed firsthand the transformation of this regional city and the complex challenges it now faces.

Thinking about buying an apartment in Cairns? Don’t overlook this investment class!

Apartments and units can be one of the most affordable and high-potential property types for first-time buyers and investors alike especially here in Cairns.

Thinking about buying or investing in Cairns? In this 2026 Cairns property market forecast, we break down everything you need to know before making your next move from housing growth trends and rental vacancies to major developments and the region’s shift beyond tourism. The Cairns real estate market has outperformed many capital cities in recent years, and 2026 could be another breakout year. Whether you’re an investor chasing yield, a first home buyer, or relocating to Far North Queensland, this deep dive will help you understand where the opportunities (and risks) lie.

Discover Cairns City, Edge Hill, Whitfield & more. A local buyers agent’s guide to living, investing and buying in Central Cairns.

Explore the Northern Beaches of Cairns, from Palm Cove to Machans Beach. Discover lifestyle, schools, and property insights for buyers and investors.

Cairns has a new 25-year growth plan. We break down the "Towards 2050" strategy and what its focus on infill, diversity, and climate resilience means for house prices, suburbs, and investment opportunities.

Regional Queensland has been one of Australia’s standout property markets in recent years. With lifestyle migration, improving infrastructure and constrained supply all working in its favour, many areas are recording strong growth. In the Far North, Cairns in particular is grabbing attention: tighter rental markets, rising prices and infrastructure investment. But as 2026 unfolds, the picture is more nuanced: there are opportunities and risks. This article will unpack what to look for, how to interpret the numbers and where buyers should focus.

In this episode of Investment by Design, we sit down with James Fennell, a self-made multi-millionaire developer who’s built projects worth hundreds of million across Cairns, Gladstone, and Townsville.

Strong Growth, Tight Supply, and a Shifting Landscape. The Cairns property market has continued to show remarkable resilience through 2025, with demand for both established homes and vacant land remaining strong. Despite affordability pressures and rising build costs across the nation, the Far North Queensland market stands out for its steady population growth, limited new supply, and rising land values.

In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to find value in today’s property market, even when everything feels expensive.

I’m joined by Nicole Craike, and together we share the story of how we purchased a block of units that had been sitting on the market for over 200 days and why it turned out to be a true diamond in the rough plus much more.

In this episode of Investment by Design, I sit down with David Galloway-Penny, who proves it’s never too late to start investing in property. After buying his first investment property at 41, David has built a portfolio of four properties in just five years, all while navigating Australia’s changing real estate market.

In this episode of Investment by Design, I’m joined by my wife, Nicole Craike, as we open up about our real property investing journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We share the real story behind how we started investing in property, the mistakes we made, and the lessons that helped us grow a diverse portfolio across Cairns, Townsville, and Port Douglas. From overcoming the fear of debt to finding off-market opportunities and managing risk, this conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build wealth through Australian real estate.

Ken Turner shares his incredible journey of buying six properties in just 12 months, revealing the mindset, strategy, and lessons that helped him build his portfolio. He also dives deep into the Cairns real estate market, discussing what’s driving growth, where the best opportunities are, and his insights for both new and experienced investors.