Far North Queensland beats the cold winter with hot seasonal market

As temperatures drop around large parts of Australia, weather and market conditions remain warm in Far North Queensland as southerners begin 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 enquiries, 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 anticipated 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 Melburnians that came but we now see just as many coming from Sydney and Brisbane.

“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.”

Unlike the southern states, where shorter daylight hours and chilly mornings can leave yards damp and flower beds looking tired, Far North Queensland’s tropical climate delivers vibrant garden blooms all year round.

“Gardens remain beautiful even during the dry season,” said Mrs Edwards. “Selling in the middle of the year also avoids the summer downpours, which can sometimes show drainage problems in properties.

“There are a lot of homeowners who are getting their properties ready for sale now to capitalise on the influx of seasonal travellers.”

LJ Hooker Cairns Edge Hill has listed a four-bedroom, absolute beachfront property at Holloways Beach for $1.7m which Mrs Edwards expects will attract significant enquiries.

“You just can’t find absolute beachfront at that price range in capital cities; it really is a rare lifestyle opportunity.”