Cairns Commercial Property is Gaining Serious Momentum in 2025

Once defined by its tourism sector, Cairns is now emerging as one of Queensland’s most dynamic regional commercial markets. In 2025, the city is seeing increased demand for industrial land, mixed-use projects, and strategic retail locations—fuelled by infrastructure investment, population growth, and the resurgence of international and domestic travel.

This shift is drawing attention from property owners, developers, and investors looking to capitalise on long-term economic diversification in Far North Queensland.

Logistics and industrial development is taking off

With freight volumes climbing and regional supply chains stretching north, Cairns is becoming a key logistics and industrial hub. Demand is outpacing supply in airport-adjacent zones and inner-fringe industrial pockets.

• Cairns Airport North precinct attracting warehousing and light industrial uses

• High demand for cold storage and food logistics space in Portsmith and Woree

• Owner-occupiers and developers targeting lots with easy access to highways and port

• Strata-titled industrial units selling quickly to SMEs and local investors

These trends are making industrial property one of the region’s top-performing asset classes.

CBD retail and mixed-use revival underway

Cairns’ city centre is bouncing back. Retailers, hospitality operators, and service-based businesses are returning to the CBD, supported by increased foot traffic and tourism.

• Leasing activity increasing along Lake, Grafton and Shields Streets

• Older buildings being repurposed for boutique retail, office and short-stay

• Mixed-use projects gaining DA approval with retail, commercial, and residential

• Hospitality operators upgrading or expanding into refurbished tenancies

With the right frontage and footfall, CBD assets are now offering solid lease and resale potential.

Health and education are long-term growth drivers

Cairns’ population growth is boosting demand for commercial space in the health and education sectors. These uses are extending beyond the CBD and into high-growth corridors.

• Allied health and medical suites expanding around Cairns Hospital and suburban hubs

• Early education centres, private colleges, and training organisations opening new campuses

• Service-based businesses leasing space in Smithfield, Edmonton, and Gordonvale

• Retail centres adapting layouts to cater for health and education tenants

This demand offers consistent, stable leasing for commercial landlords.

Infrastructure investment is unlocking development potential

Several large-scale infrastructure projects are creating new opportunities across Cairns, opening up land and driving confidence.

• Bruce Highway upgrades improving freight and regional connections

• Cairns Hospital redevelopment expanding health precinct boundaries

• Council-led precinct plans encouraging infill and commercial revitalisation

• Northern Beaches road upgrades supporting suburban retail and service growth

These projects are making new zones viable for commercial development, especially for owner-occupiers looking to expand.

Investors returning to the region

With yields tightening in metro markets, investors are turning their attention to high-growth regional areas like Cairns. Affordable entry points and strong tenant demand are leading to increased competition for quality commercial stock.

• Retail strips and service-based centres delivering 6–7% yields

• Industrial strata units offering high demand with low vacancy

• Owner-occupied assets being resold with uplift after minor improvements

• SMSFs and private investors targeting long-term tenants in stable sectors

Cairns is now firmly on the radar for investors seeking regional growth with real fundamentals.

How we help market commercial property in Cairns

We’ve worked on projects across regional Queensland and understand how to market commercial property effectively in Cairns—whether it’s a warehouse, mixed-use site, or a single medical suite.

• Aerial and ground 3D renders to showcase buildings and context

• Full project branding and messaging tailored to local audiences

• Interactive brochures, estate plans, and site maps for agents and buyers

• National marketing reach with Cairns-specific positioning and visuals

Our team connects local assets with national-level attention and results.

Let’s talk commercial property marketing in Cairns

If you’re preparing to sell or lease a commercial property in Cairns, we’re here to help you bring it to market with clarity, polish, and purpose. From visuals to digital rollout—we manage it all.