Real Estate
3 September, 2025
Warmth beckons
AS temperatures drop around large parts of Australia, weather and market conditions remain warm in Far North Queensland as southerners are finalising their annual migration north.
Vacancy rates in long-stay apartments and houses from Cairns to Port Douglas drop as people swap the chilly climes of southern capitals for average daytime temperatures around 24-26° Celsius.
The mid-year influx of travellers presents opportunities for property sellers to capture more inquiries, said LJ Hooker Cairns Edge Hill principal Nadine Edwards.
According to REA data, Cairns had just over 800 properties for sale at the start of June, a supply level that historically stays consistent throughout winter. Supply typically increases in late spring as travellers head home. Last November, listings in the region peaked at over 1000.
Mrs Edwards believed there was strong interest from travellers this winter as interest rates trend downward and affordability increases. According to the latest Cotality report, Cairns’ median house price was $612,500, less than half of Sydney’s $1.43m figure.
“Up here, winter is for our property market what spring is for the capital cities,’’ said Mrs Edwards.
“Southerners come here for a month or more to escape the cold. It used to be primarily Melbournians that came but we now see just as many coming from Sydney and Brisbane,” she said.
“While they’re here they’ll do their research to purchase for a small investment unit or low maintenance home, with a view to relocating here permanently in the future.’
Mrs Edwards said a lot of homeowners got their properties ready for sale to capitalise on the influx of seasonal travellers.
Paradise Property Group has an appealing home, called Shambala, at 24 Kurt Close, Palm Cove. Quietly set back in the rainforest this private and luxurious home exudes a sense of calm and wellbeing and feels like your very own holistic retreat.
The location is key, allowing the home to open up completely from front to back, creating no barriers and a sense of limitless positive energy.
The property flows beautifully from the front door through the open plan living area to the stunning swimming pool overlooking the rainforest.
Offers of over $1.55 million are sought.
Contact Sean Thorpe on 0431 052 490 or Jan Hooghe on 0406 520 941.
