Cairns Property Market Update

As we move through May, it’s a great time to take a stock of how the Cairns residential property market performed in the first quarter of 2025, and what we’re beginning to see in the early stages of Q2. Whether you’re considering selling, looking to buy, or simply keeping an eye on the market, here’s what’s been happening locally.

Q1 2025 Snapshot (Jan-Mar):

• Median house price: ~$515,000 (↑ approx. 2.4% from Q4 2024)
• Average days on market: 37 days
• New listings: Down slightly year-on-year
• Buyer demand: Remains strong, especially for move-in-ready and low-maintenance homes

Owner-occupiers continued to drive the market, with first-home buyers and upgraders particularly active in southern suburbs. Investor activity remained steady but selective.

Suburb Highlights:

• Edmonton: Entry-level homes under $550k were in high demand, often receiving multiple offers within a week.
• Mount Sheridan: Renovated family homes and those with larger blocks or sheds performed especially well.
• Bentley Park: Strong activity across the $480k - $550k range, especially for well-maintained 3–4-bedroom homes with modern upgrades.
• White Rock: Family homes on larger blocks are selling steadily, particularly those with recent cosmetic updates or outdoor living features.
• Gordonvale: Affordable freestanding homes are attracting both first-home buyers and downsizers looking for value slightly outside central Cairns.
• Bayview Heights: Limited stock and elevated demand have helped support firm pricing, especially for homes with views or unique layouts.
• Earlville: Mid-range homes have moved quickly when priced accurately, with properties near amenities or on larger blocks generating more interest.

Early Q2 Observations (Apr–May)

The start of Q2 has brought continued buyer interest, though we’re noticing:

• Slightly longer decision times as buyers become more price-sensitive
• Stronger performance for well-presented homes with standard features (e.g. upgraded kitchens, large outdoor entertainment areas, sheds)
• Increased appraisal requested from owners curious about capital growth over the past 12-24 months

Open home numbers are holding up, but sellers need to be strategic, pricing realistically and marketing effectively remains key to securing top results.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a homeowner in Cairns, now is a great time to get a clear understanding of your properties value. With demand still strong and stock levels relatively tight, there’s opportunity – especially if your property presents well and is priced with current market trends in mind.

Even if you’re not planning to sell right now, understanding how your suburb is performing can help you make better property decisions down the line.

Need a Local Perspective?

We specialize in residential sales across Cairns and are happy to offer a free, no-obligation update on your property’s estimated value, based on recent comparable sales, suburb trends, and unique features that online estimates often miss.

Contact us today to request an appraisal or discuss what’s happening in your area.