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Cairns North suburb profile

Cairns North is a vibrant suburb located just north of the Cairns CBD in Far North Queensland, offering a tropical lifestyle with urban conveniences. Known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, it attracts tourists and residents alike. The suburb features a mix of residential options, from apartments to traditional Queenslander homes, and is well-served by public transport. Cairns North boasts a range of amenities, including parks, schools, and healthcare facilities, making it a convenient and appealing place to live. Its coastal location and access to natural wonders enhance its allure for those seeking adventure and relaxation.

Cairns North property market performance

Current median dwelling price$572,875Past 3 months

Property growth+13.2%Past 12 months

Cairns North’s property market has experienced robust growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 14.6% and unit values rising by 11.7%. The median house price has reached $716,000, while the median unit price stands at $429,750, indicating strong demand across both property types.

Sales activity has been particularly active in the unit market, with 50 units sold compared to 12 houses over the past year. Properties are moving quickly, with houses spending a median of 29 days on the market and units just 21 days, reflecting a competitive market environment.

The rental market in Cairns North has also seen significant changes, with house rents increasing by 4.8% and unit rents surging by 10.7% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is now $650, while units average $540, highlighting a strong rental demand, particularly for units.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$716K$430K
Change in value
Past 12 months
14.6%11.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
1250
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2921
Average rent
Past 12 months
$650$540
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.8%10.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Cairns North demographics

Cairns North, located in the tropical region of Far North Queensland, is a suburb known for its lush landscapes and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. With a population of 5,334, it offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it an attractive place for both locals and tourists. The median age of 37 suggests a balanced mix of young professionals, families, and retirees who enjoy the area's relaxed lifestyle and outdoor activities.

The suburb's housing market is predominantly rental-based, with 65.3% of properties being rented. This high rental rate indicates a transient population, likely due to the area's appeal to tourists and short-term residents. However, there is also a significant portion of the community that owns their homes outright (16.5%) or with a mortgage (18.3%), reflecting a stable base of long-term residents.

Family dynamics in Cairns North are diverse, with couple families without children making up 46.6% of the family households, followed by couple families with children at 27.5%. One-parent families account for 22.9%, highlighting the suburb's inclusive and varied community structure. The median total household income of $1,402 per week is indicative of the area's moderate cost of living, which, combined with its natural attractions and amenities, makes Cairns North a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in a tropical setting.

Cairns North infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Cairns North benefits from its proximity to Cairns Hospital, the airport and the Esplanade, with ongoing enhancements to health, tourism and hospitality facilities supporting steady local employment and underpinning rental and buyer demand.[3][6] Continued investment in the broader Cairns tourism economy, including upgrades to waterfront attractions and reef-related infrastructure, is likely to sustain Cairns North’s appeal for short-stay accommodation and unit investors.[7][9]

Local schooling remains a drawcard, with Cairns State High School and Mother of Good Counsel School providing established education options that help attract and retain families in the area.[5] Strong public transport links and walkability to the CBD, foreshore, parks and dining precincts enhance day-to-day amenity, which tends to support both capital values and rental yields, particularly for units and townhouses close to key employment and lifestyle hubs.[3][8]

Cairns North rental market trends

The rental market in Cairns North has shown moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.8% over the past year to $650 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 10.7% to $540 per week. This suburb continues to attract interest due to its appealing lifestyle and proximity to natural attractions, making it a desirable location for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Cairns North

Some popular suburbs near Cairns North include:

How does Cairns North compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Cairns North’s median house price is 2.7% higher than Parramatta Park’s.
  • Median unit prices: Cairns North’s median unit price is 14.6% higher than Manoora’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cairns North have grown 4.8% higher than in Manoora.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Cairns North have grown 9.0% higher than in Edge Hill.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Edge Hill are selling 17.2% faster than in Cairns North.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Cairns North are selling 19.2% faster than in Cairns City.

Common questions about Cairns North

  • Is Cairns North a nice place to live?

    Cairns North is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of tropical charm and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to call home. Its vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a rich tapestry of natural beauty, with the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest just a stone's throw away. This proximity to world-renowned natural wonders makes Cairns North a haven for adventure seekers and those who appreciate the outdoors. The suburb is well-equipped with amenities, including parks, schools, and healthcare facilities, ensuring residents have everything they need within easy reach.

    The suburb's vibe is a harmonious mix of laid-back tropical living and bustling urban life. Families will find Cairns North particularly appealing due to its strong community feel and access to quality education, with schools like Cairns State High School and Mother of Good Counsel School nearby. The area is also known for its safety and welcoming environment, making it an ideal place for raising children. While the housing market is predominantly rental-based, there is a stable community of long-term residents who enjoy the area's relaxed lifestyle and moderate cost of living.

    Living in Cairns North does come with a few trade-offs. The high rental rate suggests a transient population, which might not suit those looking for a more permanent community feel. Additionally, while the suburb offers a range of amenities, it lacks the nightlife and cultural scene of larger urban centers. However, the suburb's coastal location and easy access to the CBD, foreshore, and dining precincts provide ample opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Ultimately, Cairns North is a wonderful choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in a tropical setting, with the added benefit of being close to some of the world's most stunning natural attractions.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Cairns North?

    Living in Cairns North can be quite a financial commitment, especially when you consider the housing market. The median house price in the area is about $716,000, which is a significant investment compared to the median unit price of $429,750. Renting is also on the higher side, with houses averaging $650 per week and units around $540 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the median weekly household income of $1,402 in Cairns North, it becomes clear that a large portion of income would be directed towards housing costs. This is slightly lower than the broader Cairns area, where the median weekly income is $1,590. Given these numbers, living in Cairns North may be a bit of a stretch for those earning around the median income, especially if you are considering buying a house.

    Overall, while Cairns North offers the appeal of living in a vibrant tropical city with access to beautiful natural surroundings, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you're thinking of living in Cairns North, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it can accommodate the expenses associated with this area.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Cairns North a good place to invest?

    Cairns North is showing promising signs as a solid investment suburb, thanks to its impressive growth in property values over the past year. With a 14.6% increase in median house values and an 11.7% rise in unit values, the area is clearly on an upward trajectory. This growth indicates a strong demand for properties, which is always a positive signal for potential investors.

    In addition to property value increases, Cairns North has also seen a notable rise in rental prices, with house rents going up by 4.8% and unit rents by a significant 10.7%. This suggests a healthy rental market, making it an attractive option for investors looking for rental income. The suburb's appeal is likely driven by its proximity to the city center, beautiful natural surroundings, and a lifestyle that attracts both locals and tourists.

    Overall, Cairns North presents a compelling case for investment with its combination of strong property value growth and rising rental yields. While it may not be the fastest-growing suburb in Australia, its steady performance and attractive lifestyle offerings make it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to invest in the real estate market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Cairns North

There are 77 real estate agents in Cairns North, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 41.6% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Cairns North typically range from 2.5% to 3.13%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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