When people ask me “Why Cairns?” I always smile, because the answer is not just about numbers—it’s about the story behind them.
More than 20 years ago, we started investing in Cairns. Back then, it looked promising. We had some good wins, but after a while the market lost steam, and we moved on. That’s how property works—sometimes you know when to step back.
Fast forward about five years ago. We began noticing the signs that Cairns was stirring again. Land was becoming scarce. Builders were booked out months in advance. Population growth and infrastructure investment were shifting the balance. We knew something was happening—and we decided to return.
And what a return it’s been.
Our projects in Cairns have since delivered 25 per cent growth in just two and a half years, with gross rental returns above 7 per cent. Vacancy rates are below one per cent. These aren’t just good results—they’re market-leading results.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
In a recent conversation with JD from Cairns Property Office, we spoke about why Cairns is such a hotspot today. One of the big themes was Gordonvale and the Southern Corridor. If you’ve driven through lately, you’ll know it’s buzzing with new life—retail precincts, infrastructure upgrades, even a new Woolworths and McDonald’s. Those aren’t just conveniences; they’re signals of long-term growth.
We also spoke about property management. The truth is, a great property manager isn’t about saving one per cent on fees—it’s about saving you weeks of vacancy and giving you peace of mind. That makes all the difference in the real returns you actually see as an investor.
For me, Cairns is no longer just a beautiful lifestyle location. It’s an investment market that stacks up against the best in the country.
This is just a glimpse of what we covered.
👉 Watch the full discussion here.
At Property Friends, we invest our own money alongside our clients. That’s always been the benchmark for what we recommend. And in Cairns, we’re putting our money where our mouth is.
And if you’d like to talk through your own situation, I’d be happy to help. Book your free 30-minute discovery call here.
