6 Best Property Investment Suburbs in Cairns 2026

Historically known as a tropical tourist destination, Cairns is rapidly becoming a property investment hotspot.

The city’s increasing population growth (forecasted for an additional 72,000 residents by 2050) and a shortage of rental housing have pushed housing demand upwards, creating opportunities for higher, consistent rental returns.

With an increasing number of property investors turning their sights to the city and the surrounding North Queensland region, we’ve put together a list of high-growth suburbs in Cairns to highlight investment potential.

1. Kewarra Beach

Kewarra Beach offers residents coastal living along a secluded, quiet beach that stretches 5.5km to Buchan Point in the North. Kewarra Beach is 20 km from the Cairns CBD and is connected to the city via convenient public transport buses and the Captain Cook Highway. The suburb has a mix of amenities, including a golf course, early learning centres, college institutions, and an aged-care facility.

Median house price: $810,000 (Up 14.7% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median unit price: $655,000 (Up 24.3% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median weekly house rent: $750

Median weekly unit rent: $608

Rental yield: 4.8% for houses, 5.5% for units

2. Mount Peter

Mount Peter is located 15 minutes from the Cairns CBD and features new residential developments on the southern side of Cairns. Pinecrest Estate is one of these latest developments, catering to young families, professionals, and older couples. Homes in Mount Peter have an average price of $750,000, offering an affordable option to build a new home investment.

Median house price: $750,000 (Up 21% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median weekly house rent: $700

Rental yield: 4.9% for houses

3. Manunda 

Manunda offers a rare combination of affordable property and proximity to the city. The suburb is only 3.4km from the Cairns CBD, ideal for working professionals and those looking for city convenience. Manunda offers standard amenities, including the TAFE Queensland Cairns campus, Cairns Regional Council library, and Manunda Sporting Precinct.

Median house price: $650,000 (Up 18.3% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median unit price: $332,500 (Up 34.6% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median weekly house rent: $500

Median weekly unit rent: $435

Rental yield: 4.2% for houses, 6.2% for units

4. Edge Hill

Edge Hill is an inner-city Cairns suburb located 4km from the city centre. Edge Hill borders the Cairns Airport, making it a sought-after location for high rental returns from travellers. The Cairns Botanic Gardens can be found in Edge Hill, adding to the suburb’s leafy streetscapes. With median unit prices showing a 31.8% growth over the past 12 months, there is a unique opportunity to buy in Edge Hill.

Median house price: $900,000 (Up 26.3% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median unit price: $335,000 (Down 10.4% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median weekly house rent: $673

Median weekly unit rent: $460

Rental yield: 4.6% for houses, 6.7% for units 

5. Woree

Located 6.7km from the Cairns CBD, Woree’s median property price is $635,000 for houses and $247,500 for units. Value for investment dollar is Woree’s key offering — investors will be hard-pressed to find another suburb in Cairns that can compare to Woree’s affordability, combined with the convenience of local amenities.

Median house price: $635,000 (Up 17.6% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median unit price: $247,500 (Up 9.0% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median weekly house rent: $560

Median weekly unit rent: $425

Rental yield: 4.8% for houses, 6.5% for units

6. White Rock

White Rock is located 10km from the Cairns CBD and is best known for having a family-friendly community and an abundance of local amenities, including public and private schools, a main shopping centre, and green areas (Pittsburg Street Park, Cracknell Road Park). White Rock is a mature suburb with property prices that have yet to catch up to its value for residents and investors.

Median house price: $620,000 (Up 18.1% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median unit price: $500,000 (Up 20.5% over 12 months since January 2025)

Median weekly house rent: $600

Median weekly unit rent: $550

Rental yield: 4.9% for houses, 6.0% for units

Builder Direct offers investment house and land packages in Cairns designed to simplify the process of building a new home for investment. We handle all of the market research to narrow down ideal locations for investment and work on behalf of investors to build a high-value home that maximises rental returns. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can build your next lucrative investment property.