Local Guide To Buying Or Renting In Cairns

Are you looking for a property here in Cairns? We have noticed quite a few people wanting to rent cars to go look at properties weather it’s to rent or buy, Cairns is a Hot Market and with Australia being in a rental crisis, the staff at Mini Car can share some tips for those wanting to make the move.

Renting is more difficult than buying and there is pros and cons for both. If you can afford it and are in a position too, I would recommend buying up here rather than renting.

Buying a property here is still cheaper than most big cities if you’re comparing to places like Melbourne as such, however prices skyrocketed during COVID times, and you are looking at now an increase of 50k – 100k on properties compared to 2021- 22.

There is plenty of Land in beautiful spots here if you have the time to wait and build, that would be the ideal situation.

There is a lot of new development in the northern beaches area and Southside, with options of 3 – 5 bedroom homes in good areas such as Smithfield, Trinity Beach, Trinity Park, Edmonton, Earlville, Gordonvale and surrounding areas.

It is slightly more affordable down south since you are not close to the beaches. Both northern beaches and the south suburbs are about 20 min drives into Cairns City.

If you are wanting to rent, get ready to compete with hundreds of other people putting in an application, get ready to place in multiple applications and a lot of paper work, along with being present and attending inspections to help the agents put a face to the application. I’m not saying it is impossible if you don’t live in Cairns, however it is an advantage to introduce yourself to the agents.

In terms of renting make sure you are apart of all the Cairns Rentals Facebook pages as sometimes even private rentals are on there. Also having no kids or pets is an advantage unfortunately, along with a good rental history. Even single parents are struggling to find a rental just because they only have the one income as opposed to the two. However don’t let all that scare you there is so many properties here for rent, my best advice is to allow for time to get one be well prepared and don’t leave your search last minute.

One of my favourite areas for both is Trinity Beach, perfect place for kids with lots of playgrounds and parks, close to the beach and a couple of great fun food and beverage venues. Good schools and soon there will be a Woolworths in a convenient location, this suburb has a great mix of newly developed houses as well some old but not dated apartments that may just need a little bit of love.

One thing to keep in mind if buying is yes, the houses here are nice and spacious, however apartments are great to be used as short-term rentals if you ever go away or air bnbs, as there is a high demand for this industry in Cairns.

Don’t forget about Port Douglas as well another little town within itself much more affordable and an even better option if you’re looking to rent out or air bnb. The City Centre can be a great option, close to the hospital therefore if you rent out you most likely will get a working professional interested.

I do suggest hiring a car and do some driving around to see all these areas first and Mini Car rentals can give you a low km rate deal for doing this in low season periods.

I can highly recommended Rebecca Butson at Ray White in the Northern Beaches and the Industry real estate agency, they both helped with great advice, creating a relationship, and helping me buy from interstate.

Over all Cairns is a great place to live if you are looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, fresh air and plenty of free activities to do with the whole family. It can be however tricky to find work, rentals or get things fixed around the house as labourers can be slack (must be the relaxed lifestyle). Australia in general are experiencing these same frustrations, and I would like to point out it is important to be kind to one another, be patient and look out for one another.

Be crocwise in croc country. Be aware that Cairns has tropical whether and be cyclone prepared.