Rents
The Cairns rental market
The Cairns region’s rental vacancy rate was below 1% in Q3 2026. Very few rentals are empty, which keeps rents firm.
How tight is the Cairns rental market?
The Cairns region’s rental vacancy rate was below 1% in Q3 2026. (The Buyers Co., Cairns real estate update, Q3 2026)
What are median rents in Cairns?
| Property | Median weekly rent |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom house | $580 |
| 3-bedroom house | $660 |
| 4-bedroom house | $760 |
| 1-bedroom unit | $420 |
| 2-bedroom unit | $510 |
| 3-bedroom unit | $660 |
| All new leases | $600 |
Across all new leases (1,666 bonds) the median was $600 a week in the June quarter 2026, up 9.1% on a year earlier. (Residential Tenancies Authority bond data (Cairns Regional Council area, via APRIQ), June quarter 2026) The Residential Tenancies Authority publishes these figures each quarter from bonds lodged on new leases.
What does low vacancy mean for investors?
Low vacancy means shorter gaps between tenants and less pressure to cut rent. It is one reason interstate investors have been buying in Cairns, often on rental yield rather than location. (Elite Agent, “Buying with a calculator”, February 2026)
Should I sell my investment property now?
It depends on your yield, your costs and your plans. Strong rents make a property easier to sell to investors, who will look at the lease, rent history and condition reports. A new restriction on SMSF borrowing for residential property applies from 10 August 2026; properties under about $750,000 may be most exposed. (The Buyers Co., Cairns real estate update, Q3 2026)
For the full picture, see Selling an investment property in Cairns or ask Tony for an appraisal.
Last updated 3 November 2026
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Common questions
What is the rental vacancy rate in Cairns?
The Cairns region’s rental vacancy rate was below 1% in Q3 2026, according to The Buyers Co.
Can I sell my rental property with a tenant in it?
Yes. A fixed-term lease generally carries over to the buyer. Tenants must get proper written notice before inspections. Check the current rules with the Residential Tenancies Authority. Tony’s guide: Selling an investment property in Cairns.