Investment By Design

Is Cairns property still worth the risk in 2026, or has the market already run too far?

In this video, I break down the Cairns property market through the lens of risk vs reward, and more importantly, asymmetric returns.

Most investors ask the wrong question. They ask, “Will property prices keep going up?”

A better question is:

“What is the realistic downside if I am wrong, and what is the potential upside if I am right?”

Cairns has seen strong property price growth, with median house prices now around $800,000 and median unit prices around $483,000. So it is fair to ask whether the market could cool, correct or even fall in the short term.

But short-term market risk is very different to long-term investment risk.

In this episode, I look at both sides of the equation:

The downside:
Could Cairns property prices fall?
Could buyer sentiment cool?
Could tighter lending or higher interest rates put pressure on prices?
What would a 10% or 20% correction actually mean?

The upside:
Why Cairns may still have significant long-term growth potential
How population growth could affect future housing demand
Why limited land supply matters
Why construction costs and replacement value are so important
How low rental vacancy rates and rising rents support the investment case
Whether Cairns property prices could realistically double again over the next 10 to 20 years

This is not about saying Cairns property is risk-free. No investment is.

It is about understanding whether the potential reward is worth the risk.

If you are thinking about buying property in Cairns, investing in North Queensland, comparing houses vs units, or trying to understand whether the Cairns property market still has room to grow, this video will help you think through the opportunity more clearly.

The biggest risk may not be buying before a short-term pullback.

The bigger risk may be waiting for a crash that never comes while rents, construction costs and replacement values continue moving higher.

At The Buyers Co, we help buyers and investors make better property decisions across Cairns and North Queensland.

If you are considering buying in Cairns and want help understanding the market, suburbs, risks and opportunities, get in touch.

Website: www.thebuyersco.com.au

Topics covered:
Cairns property market 2026
Cairns real estate investing
Cairns house prices
Cairns unit prices
Risk vs reward investing
Asymmetric returns in property
Cairns investment property
North Queensland property market
Cairns rental vacancy rates
Cairns population growth
Property investing Australia
Buying property in Cairns
Cairns buyers agent
Cairns buyers agency

Disclaimer: This video is general information only and does not take into account your personal financial situation, goals or risk profile. Always seek independent financial, legal and lending advice before making any property investment decision.

Most property buyers think the hard part is finding the right property…

But the reality is the way you BUY property can completely change the outcome you get.

In this episode, we break down the brutal truth about:

• Private Treaty

• Multiple Offer Situations

• Property Auctions

We discuss how buyers overpay, the psychology behind real estate negotiations, auction tactics, buyer mistakes, and the strategies experienced property investors use to stay in control during negotiations.

If you’re buying property in Australia in 2026, this is essential listening.

Topics covered:

00:00 – Why Buyers Keep Missing Out On Property
00:36 – The First Step Before Buying
01:38 – Asking Price vs True Market Value
04:12 – The 3 Ways Property Gets Sold
05:05 – How Private Treaty Really Works
07:40 – The Secret To Stronger Offers
09:50 – Multiple Offers Explained
11:35 – Why Buyers Overpay In Multiple Offers
13:45 – How To Research Property Value Properly
15:20 – Why Multiple Offers Are Blind Auctions
15:40 – Why Buyers Fear Auctions
16:15 – The Biggest Advantages Of Auctions
17:55 – Auction Strategies That Actually Work
21:20 – How To Control The Auction Room
22:45 – Emotional Buying Mistakes To Avoid
25:15 – Preparation Prevents Overpaying

Whether you’re a first home buyer, property investor, or upgrading your family home, understanding how these buying methods work could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Subscribe for weekly episodes on:

• Australian property investing

• Cairns property market updates

• Real estate negotiation

• Wealth creation strategies

• Property market analysis

• Buyer psychology

• Investment property education

#PropertyInvestment #AustralianProperty #PropertyMarket #RealEstateAustralia #Auction #PropertyNegotiation #InvestmentProperty #BuyersAgent #CairnsPropertyMarket

Are new builds actually the better investment… or are investors being distracted by tax benefits?In this episode we break down the REAL numbers behind established vs new build property investing in Australia, including:* negative gearing* depreciation* cashflow* construction holding costs* rental income* property growth* land value vs building value* and why location still matters more than tax deductions.With the proposed negative gearing reforms likely to push more Australians toward new builds, many investors are assuming brand new properties will automatically outperform established homes.But when you actually run the maths, the results may surprise you.In this video we compare:✅ Established property investing✅ New build investing✅ House and land packages✅ Property depreciation schedules✅ Construction costs and delays✅ Cashflow vs wealth creation✅ Renovation and value-add potential✅ Long-term capital growth strategiesWe also discuss:* why depreciation is NOT free money,* why land typically appreciates while buildings depreciate,* how negative gearing really works,* and why some investors may overpay for average new builds purely chasing tax deductions.If you’re researching:* best property investment strategy Australia* established vs new build investment* property depreciation explained* negative gearing explained* best investment property Australia* house and land package investing* investment property cashflow* Australian property market* property investing for beginners* investment property tax strategies…this video is for you.Subscribe for weekly Australian property investing content focused on:* strategy,* cashflow,* wealth creation,* and long-term investing principles.#PropertyInvesting #NegativeGearing #AustralianProperty #InvestmentProperty #PropertyMarketAustralia #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInvestmentAustralia #Depreciation #Cashflow #NewBuildVsEstablished

The 2026 Federal Budget may have just changed Australian property investing forever.

The government says these changes are designed to improve housing affordability, yet Treasury is forecasting 35,000 fewer homes as a result of the policy changes.

At the same time, Cairns has secured major infrastructure funding including upgrades to the Western Arterial Road, education investment, and regional development projects.

So what actually happens next?

In this episode of Investment By Design, Shaun Craike sits down with accountant turned financial planner Ben Cole to break down:

* The 2026 Budget changes

* Negative gearing & CGT impacts

* Treasury’s housing forecasts

* What it means for investors

* Whether renters could actually be worse off

* Why regional cities like Cairns may benefit despite the changes

* The biggest opportunities moving forward

Whether you’re an investor, homeowner, renter or simply trying to understand where the Australian property market is heading, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

If you enjoyed the episode make sure to like, subscribe and share with someone interested in property, investing and the future of housing in Australia.

Balance Wealth will be live and welcoming new clients from mid-June. If you’d like to join the waitlist ahead of launch, you can connect with Ben via Instagram @ben_money_method or email [email protected]

As always all comments in the video are general advice in nature.

#Cairns #PropertyMarket #AustralianProperty #2026Budget #NegativeGearing #PropertyInvesting #CairnsProperty #HousingCrisis #InvestmentByDesign #RealEstateAustralia

Is the Cairns property market heading for another boom, or are buyers about to get caught out?

In this episode of Investment By Design, I sit down with Cairns-based mortgage broker Stacey from Zory Financial Solutions to break down what is really happening with borrowing capacity, buyer behavior, lending conditions, and property opportunities in the Cairns property market in 2026.

With Cairns house prices rising sharply over recent years, many buyers are discovering that what they think they can borrow and what the banks will actually lend them are two very different things.

We discuss what Stacey is seeing on the ground with local buyers, why online borrowing calculators can be misleading, how bank buffers and lending policies are impacting real approvals, and why some buyers are still moving while others are stuck on the sidelines.

We also look at the risks buyers need to be aware of, the common mistakes people make when trying to enter or upgrade in the Cairns real estate market, and where the smartest opportunities may still exist for investors and owner-occupiers.

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, upgrade, invest, or understand where the Cairns housing market is heading, this episode gives a practical look at the finance side of buying property in Far North Queensland.In this episode, we cover:

– What is happening with Cairns buyers right now

– How borrowing capacity has changed in 2026

– Why buyers often overestimate what they can borrow

– The difference between online calculators and real lending outcomes

– The hidden lending buffers banks apply

– Why some buyers are still active while others are stuck

– Investor vs owner-occupier behavior in Cairns

– The biggest lending risks buyers need to understand

– Where the current opportunities are in the Cairns property market

– What buyers should think about before acting in this market

If you are watching the Cairns property market, trying to understand borrowing capacity, or wondering whether now is the right time to buy, this conversation is worth listening to.

For help buying the right property in Cairns, visit: www.thebuyersco.com.au

#CairnsProperty #CairnsRealEstate #CairnsPropertyMarket #CairnsHousingMarket #MortgageBroker #PropertyInvestingAustralia #AustralianPropertyMarket #FirstHomeBuyerAustralia #InvestmentByDesign #TheBuyersCo

Everyone says we just need more housing… but in Cairns, there are already approved developments that never get built. So what’s actually stopping them?

In this episode, I sit down with James McPeak from McPeak Town Planning to break down the Cairns housing market, land supply, and the real reasons developments stall—even after council approval.

If you’ve ever wondered:

-Is there really a land shortage in Cairns?

-Why isn’t new housing being delivered?

-What’s stopping developers from building?

-Is Cairns property still a good investment?

This episode answers it.

What we cover:

-The truth about Cairns land supply (and why it’s misunderstood)

-Why “available land” isn’t actually build-ready

-Infrastructure constraints: sewer, roads, and services

-Subdivision vs strata: how developers create housing supply

-Why approved developments don’t get built

-The real costs behind construction, finance, and feasibility

-What actually needs to change to improve housing affordability

This is the reality most buyers, investors, and even developers don’t fully understand. Because the issue isn’t just approvals…It’s feasibility, infrastructure, and a system that doesn’t stack up.

Timestamps: TBC

If you’re looking to buy or invest in Cairns property, we help clients secure the right property with a clear strategy and full due diligence.

https://www.thebuyersco.com.au/cairns-buyers-agent

If you’ve ever wondered how to buy property with your super in Australia, this episode breaks down the process in a clear, practical way.

In this episode of the Investment By Design Podcast, we unpack the 5 key steps to buying property with super, including how an SMSF property investment works, the structures involved, the common mistakes people make, and what you need to understand before taking action.

For many Australians, superannuation becomes one of the biggest pools of wealth they will ever build — yet most people never fully understand their options. If you’ve been asking questions like can I buy property with my super, how does an SMSF work, or what is the process for SMSF property investment in Australia, this episode is designed to help you understand the bigger picture.

Inside this episode, we cover:

• How to buy property with your super in Australia
• The 5-step process for SMSF property investing
• What an SMSF is and how it works
• How an SMSF home loan or limited recourse borrowing arrangement may fit into the structure
• The role of trustees, bare trusts, and lending when buying property through super
• The biggest mistakes people make when setting up an SMSF for property
• The pros and cons of buying property in super

• What to consider before using your superannuation to invest in property
• Why more Australians are looking at self-managed super fund property investment as part of their long-term wealth strategy

Whether you’re a first-time investor, already building a property portfolio, or simply looking to better understand your options around SMSF property, this episode will give you a strong foundation.

This conversation is especially relevant if you are searching for:
buy property with super, buy property with SMSF, SMSF property Australia, self managed super fund property, how to use super to buy investment property, SMSF property loan, buying investment property through super, property investment Australia, and superannuation investment strategies.

At The Buyers Co., we spend a lot of time helping Australians think more strategically about property, wealth creation, and long-term decision making. This episode is not about hype — it’s about helping you understand the structure, the risks, and the opportunity so you can make more informed decisions.

If you enjoy practical conversations around property investing in Australia, buyers agents, wealth creation, SMSF investing, and real estate strategy, make sure you subscribe to the channel.

If this episode helped you, let us know in the comments:
Would you ever consider buying property with your super?

#SMSF #PropertyInvestmentAustralia #BuyPropertyWithSuper #SelfManagedSuperFund #SMSFProperty #Superannuation #InvestmentPropertyAustralia #WealthCreation #AustralianProperty #InvestmentByDesign

Most property investors think wealth is built when the market is rising… But the truth is, real wealth can be built in any real estate market.

In this episode of the Investment By Design Podcast, we sit down with Todd Sloan from Pizza and Property to break down exactly how investors can continue to grow their portfolio, create equity, and build long-term wealth even in a slowing or declining property market.

With uncertainty around interest rates, global events, and government policy, many investors are sitting on the sidelines waiting for “clarity.” But historically, these are the moments where the biggest opportunities are created, if you know what to look for.

🎙️ In this episode, we cover:

-Why “buy and hold” alone may not be enough in today’s market

-How to manufacture equity through smart property selection and renovation

-Todd’s real-world renovation example (and the ~$70K equity created)

-The biggest mistakes investors make when trying to add value

-What happens if the property market slows (or drops) from here

-How experienced investors think differently during uncertain times

Whether you’re buying your first investment property or trying to break past 1–2 properties, this episode will give you a clear framework for building momentum, regardless of market conditions.

🔗 Work With Us – The Buyers CoIf you're looking to invest in Cairns and want access to off-market opportunities, street-level insights, and a clear strategy:👉 https://www.thebuyersco.com.au/cairns-buyers-agent

🎥 Watch More Cairns Property Content

👉 Subscribe for weekly insights on property investing, market trends, and real client deals.

⏱️ TimestampsTBA

🧠 Final Thought

Most people wait for the market to make them money. The best investors learn how to make money regardless of the market.

In this episode of the Investment by Design Podcast, we sit down with Alesha Wilson from Ray White Cairns to unpack her journey from army life to building a property portfolio in one of Australia’s most talked-about markets.

After moving to Cairns in 2020, Alesha didn’t just settle into a new lifestyle — she took action. Within just 3 years, she secured 3 investment properties and built a strong foundation for long-term wealth.

We break down exactly why she chose Cairns, what she bought, how those properties have performed, and why opportunities still exist in today’s market — even under $500,000.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering if you’ve “missed the boat,” this episode will challenge that thinking.

• Transitioning from army life into real estate

• Why Cairns stood out as an investment location

• Her first investment property (and what she learned)

• How her portfolio has performed over the last 3–4 years

• Whether she would buy the same property again today

• Can you still buy property in Cairns under $500k?

• Best suburbs to watch right now

• Common mistakes investors make in affordable price points

• What buyers consistently get wrong about the Cairns market

• Where the Cairns property market is heading next

The opportunity in Cairns hasn’t disappeared — it’s just shifted.
The investors who adapt are the ones still getting ahead.

At The Buyers Co., we help you:
✔️ Source off-market opportunities
✔️ Inspect and assess properties
✔️ Negotiate the best possible price
✔️ Settle with confidence

👉 Enquire here: www.thebuyersco.com.au

The Investment by Design Podcast is built for Australians who want to take control of their financial future through smarter property decisions.

No hype. No shortcuts. Just proven strategy.

In this episode of the Investment by Design Podcast, I sit down with Natasha Whalley‑Thompson — one of Cairns’ leading real estate agents who has sold over 130 properties in the past 12 months and consistently ranks among the top Ray White agents in Australia.

Natasha shares what she’s seeing on the ground in the Cairns property market right now — from first home buyers turning to units, to auction strategies that actually work, and the big mistakes buyers make when purchasing real estate.

If you're wondering whether units or houses will perform better in the next property cycle, this conversation breaks down the real dynamics shaping the market in 2026.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why units are gaining attention from first home buyers

• Whether units could outperform houses in the next property cycle

• The biggest mistakes home buyers make when purchasing property

• The advantages of buying at auction

• Why many buyers overpay or miss opportunities

• The reality of the Cairns property market in 2026

• The psychology of buyers and sellers in competitive markets

Topics Covered:

Property investing Australia

Buying units vs houses

First home buyer advice Australia

How to win at auction

Property market predictions 2026

Cairns real estate market insights

Real estate investing strategy

Property mistakes to avoid

If you're interested in:

• Property investing Australia

• Market trends and strategy

• Real estate buying tips

• Building long-term wealth through property

Subscribe to the channel and join us each week for conversations with investors, economists, developers and real estate professionals.

👍 If you found this helpful, like the video and share it with someone looking to buy property.