Investment By Design

Investment By Design

By Shaun CraikeBusinessInvesting
Download on the App Store

Investment By Design episodes

  • Ep 19. Why Everyone Is Suddenly Talking About Cairns

    Over the last few years something interesting has been happening in the Cairns property market. Interstate buyers are arriving, billions of dollars are being invested in infrastructure, and property prices are beginning to move.

    So the question is: Why is everyone suddenly talking about Cairns?

    In this video we break down the real forces reshaping the city including migration trends, major infrastructure projects, and what the future could hold for the Cairns real estate market.

    If you're interested in investing in Cairns property, moving to Cairns, or understanding how regional property markets in Australia are changing, this video will walk you through the key trends driving demand in Far North Queensland.

    Inside this video we cover:

    • Why interstate buyers are moving to Cairns

    • The billion-dollar infrastructure projects reshaping the region

    • Latest Cairns property market data

    • The risks investors should understand before buying property in Cairns

    • Why Cairns could become one of Australia's most interesting regional property markets

    Cairns has long been known as an international tourism gateway, but today the city is evolving into something much bigger. With major investment in healthcare, defence, aviation, and education, the local economy is diversifying rapidly.

    As population growth accelerates and supply remains constrained by geography, many investors are beginning to take a closer look at the Cairns real estate market.

    But Cairns also has unique risks including cyclones, insurance costs, and tourism exposure. In this video we break down both the opportunities and the realities of buying property in Cairns.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Why Everyone Is Suddenly Talking About Cairns

    00:33 – The Migration Wave Driving Population Growth

    01:30 – The Billion Dollar Infrastructure Boom

    04:05 – Cairns Property Market Data & Price Growth

    05:15 – The Risks Investors Need to Understand

    06:10 – The Future of Cairns & Property Outlook


    If you're researching:

    • Cairns property market 2026

    • Cairns real estate investment

    • best suburbs in Cairns

    • investing in regional Australia

    • moving to Cairns Queensland

    this video will give you a clear overview of what is happening in the region right now.


    About the Channel

    This channel focuses on the Cairns property market, regional Australian real estate trends, and property investment insights from inside the industry.

    New videos cover:

    • Cairns real estate market updates

    • property investing strategies

    • suburb insights across Cairns and Far North Queensland

    • major economic developments impacting property markets

    Subscribe for regular insights into the Cairns property market and regional property trends in Australia.

    KeywordsCairns property market

    Cairns real estate

    investing in Cairns

    Cairns property investment

    Cairns real estate market 2026

    Cairns property boom

    regional property Australia

    moving to Cairns

    Cairns investment property

    Far North Queensland real estate

    8 min
  • Ep 18. Cairns’ Billion Dollar Transformation: The Untold Story

    In this episode of Investment by Design, we unpack the bigger story unfolding across the Cairns property market, the Cairns real estate market, and the wider Cairns economy.

    For years, Cairns has been viewed primarily as a tourism city. But is that still the full picture?

    With major investment flowing into health infrastructure, education, airport upgrades, housing growth, defence and major events, Cairns may be entering a new phase — one where the Cairns economy becomes more diversified, more resilient and more attractive to long-term business owners, professionals and property investors.

    Joining us for this conversation is Omer Bernstein, who brings a unique perspective as a local business figure, investor and someone closely connected to JCU. Together, we explore what is really happening beneath the surface in Cairns, what local operators are seeing on the ground, and what these changes could mean for the future of the Cairns property market and Cairns real estate market.

    We discuss whether Cairns is quietly transitioning from a tourism-first city into a more mature regional capital built around health, education, aviation, infrastructure, talent and long-term investment.

    If you are interested in the Cairns property market, the future of the Cairns real estate market, or the direction of the Cairns economy, this episode gives important context around where the city may be heading over the next decade.

    In this episode:

    -Is Cairns still mainly a tourism city?

    -What the Cairns Hospital expansion says about the future of the Cairns economy

    -How JCU and education links into talent retention and innovation

    -Whether housing supply and infrastructure can keep pace with growth

    -How airport upgrades, major events and broader investment are reshaping the city

    -Why long-term investors are paying close attention to the Cairns property market

    -What all of this could mean for the future of the Cairns real estate market

    The Cairns property market does not operate in isolation. The long-term performance of the Cairns real estate market is deeply linked to jobs, infrastructure, population growth, liveability and the strength of the Cairns economy.

    That is why this conversation is bigger than property alone.

    If Cairns continues building out its hospital precinct, education ecosystem, aviation capability and broader infrastructure base, it may strengthen not just the city itself, but the long-term outlook for the Cairns property market and the wider Cairns real estate market.

    At The Buyers Co., we believe great property decisions come from understanding the bigger picture. That means looking beyond headlines and digging into the economic, demographic and infrastructure drivers shaping the Cairns property market and Cairns real estate market.

    If you are considering buying, investing or simply trying to better understand the direction of the Cairns economy, this episode is for you.

    Looking for help navigating the Cairns property market?

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


    Cairns property market, Cairns real estate market, Cairns economy, Cairns property, Cairns real estate, property market Cairns, real estate market Cairns, Cairns investment property, investing in Cairns, Cairns buyers agent, Cairns growth, Cairns infrastructure, Cairns hospital expansion, JCU Cairns, Cairns housing market

    21 min
  • Ep 17. Why “This Is Not Financial Advice” Is Costing Investors Millions | Financial Planner Ben Cole

    Across Cairns, Far North Queensland, and Australia more broadly, we see investors make smart moves… at the wrong time, in the wrong structure, or without a long-term plan. This episode breaks down why that happens and how strategic planning changes everything.

    In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with financial planner Ben Cole to unpack the realities behind financial advice in Australia, what it is, what it isn’t, and why misunderstanding it could quietly cost investors years of progress.

    Whether you're investing in property, building a share portfolio, considering a trust structure, or exploring SMSFs, this conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and into the strategic thinking that actually builds wealth over decades.

    No hype. No shortcuts. Just clarity.


    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    00:00 – Why “This Is Not Financial Advice” Exists
    06:58 – General vs Personal Advice Explained
    10:00 – Investing in Your 20s vs 40s (What Actually Changes)
    14:30 – The Power of Leverage in Australian Property
    20:45 – Capital Gains Tax Changes & What It Could Mean
    30:45 – The Biggest Retirement Regret (It’s Not Returns)
    44:20 – SMSFs & Property: Smart Strategy or Risky Move?


    🤔 Why Do So Many Investors Get Stuck?

    We break down the real reasons:

    • Why following “good advice” can still produce bad outcomes

    • How early structure decisions shape long-term flexibility

    • When leverage becomes an advantage and when it becomes a liability

    • Why retirement planning should start decades earlier than most people think

    • How financial strategy and property investing intersect


    If you're researching property investing, financial planning, SMSFs, or long-term wealth building in Australia this episode will challenge how you think about advice altogether.


    🔍 SEO Search Terms (Rank-Friendly)financial advice australia, what is financial advice, general vs personal advice, property investing australia, buying property in trust australia, SMSF property australia, interest only vs principal and interest, retirement planning australia, wealth building strategy, cairns property investing, financial planner australia

    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence and seek guidance from qualified financial, legal, and real estate professionals.


    Want help building a property strategy in Cairns or Far North Queensland?

    Get in touch with the team at The Buyers Co.👉 www.thebuyersco.com.au


    Get in touch with Ben Cole direct on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_money_method/

    58 min
  • Ep 16. Why Most Aussies Get Property Investing Wrong

    Why do so many property investors in Cairns and regional Australia get stuck after one or two properties even when prices are rising and rents are strong? In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Kurt from Blue Collar Money to unpack the finance mistakes we see repeatedly holding investors back across Cairns, Far North Queensland, and Australia more broadly.

    Working with investors on the ground in Cairns, we regularly see people with solid incomes and good assets quietly hit a borrowing ceiling, not because of the property they bought, but because of the finance decisions made early on. This episode breaks down why that happens and how it can be avoided with the right strategy.

    Whether you’re investing in Cairns, buying your first property, or trying to scale beyond your second investment, this conversation provides clear, practical insight into lending strategy, loan structuring, and long-term portfolio design, without hype or shortcuts.

    From interest-only vs principal & interest loans to serviceability traps, lender sequencing, and cash buffers, we explore how finance decisions today shape what’s possible tomorrow.


    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    00:00 – Introduction

    03:02 – From Mining Income to Property Investing Lessons

    FIFO income, early money mistakes, and mindset shifts

    07:32 – First Investment Property: Wins, Mistakes & Lessons

    What first-time investors get right — and wrong

    12:05 – Common Property Finance Mistakes

    Car loans, credit cards, consumer debt, and borrowing power

    17:38 – Interest Only vs Principal & Interest Loans Explained

    Which loan structure works best for property investors

    23:42 – Why Most Property Investors Get Stuck at Two Properties

    Serviceability ceilings and lender sequencing issues

    30:04 – Portfolio Strategy vs Buying More Property

    Why portfolio design matters more than the next deal

    35:06 – Cairns Property Case Study: Equity & Growth

    Local examples from the Cairns property market

    40:34 – What Financial Freedom Looks Like for Property Investors

    Cash flow, lifestyle, and realistic expectations

    45:28 – How We’d Build a Property Portfolio From Scratch Today

    A smarter long-term strategy for Australian investors


    🤔 Why Do Most Aussies Get Property Investing Wrong?

    We break down the real reasons investors stall:

    • Why income alone doesn’t guarantee borrowing power

    • How early loan choices quietly limit future options

    • When interest-only loans make sense and when they don’t

    • Why portfolio design matters more than chasing the next deal

    • How Cairns investors can think longer-term from property


    If you’re researching property investing in Cairns, regional Queensland, or Australia more broadly, this episode will help you avoid the mistakes that stop most investors from ever scaling.


    🔍 SEO Search Terms (Rank-Friendly):

    cairns property investing, cairns real estate, property investing australia, finance strategy property, mortgage broking investors, interest only vs principal and interest, borrowing power australia, cairns investment property, regional property investing, building a property portfolio, property finance mistakes, queensland property market


    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence and seek guidance from qualified financial, legal, and real estate professionals.


    Wanting help buying real estate or building a property strategy in Cairns?Get in touch with the team at The Buyers Co.👉 www.thebuyersco.com.au

    1 hr 4 min
  • Ep 15. Investors Get This Wrong With Tenancies (And It’s Costing Them Thousands Every Year)

    Most investors think tenancy issues come down to “bad tenants.” Experienced property managers know that’s rarely the real problem.

    In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Adam Saitta from Benchmark Real Estate Cairns, a local property manager with 20 years of hands-on experience, to unpack where investors most commonly go wrong with tenancies and how those mistakes quietly erode returns over time.

    This episode isn’t about how property management works day to day. It’s about the blind spots investors don’t realise they have: owner behaviour, vacancy decisions, property quality, pricing psychology, and why chasing “cheap” often leads to the most expensive problems.

    Whether you own an investment property, are considering buying one, or want to improve the performance of an existing portfolio, this conversation offers practical, experience-backed insights you rarely hear until it’s too late.


    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    00:00 – Introduction & Adam Saitta’s Background
    00:44 – Why Owners Are Often the Biggest Risk in a Tenancy
    07:02 – How Property Quality Shapes Tenant Quality
    11:04 – The Hidden Cost of One Extra Week of Vacancy Each Year
    15:56 – Why Cheaper Properties Create the Most Management Problems
    23:13 – Tenant Demand Signals Investors Ignore Until Prices Move
    27:15 – What Adam Would Tell His 18-Year-Old Self


    📉 The Real Cost of Getting Tenancies Wrong

    We break down how small, seemingly minor decisions can compound into:

    Higher vacancy than expected

    Poor tenant retention

    Increased maintenance and conflict

    Lower long-term returnsUnnecessary stress for owners

    And why many of these outcomes are completely avoidable with better decision-making upfront.


    🤔 Who This Episode Is For

    This episode is for:

    • Property investors who want stronger, more consistent returns

    • Homeowners considering turning their property into an investment

    • Buyers who want to understand the real risks beyond the purchase price

    • Anyone investing in markets like Cairns where tenant demand, pricing, and property quality matter more than ever


    🔍 SEO Search Terms (Rank-Friendly)

    property management australia, investment property tenancies, rental property mistakes, investor mistakes australia, cairns investment property, rental vacancies australia, property investing mistakes, landlord mistakes, cairns property investors, managing investment property, australian property podcast, real estate investing australia


    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence and seek guidance from qualified financial, legal, and real estate professionals.


    Want help buying or reviewing an investment property in Cairns?Get in touch with the team at The Buyers Co today.👉 www.thebuyersco.com.au

    29 min
  • Ep 14. 5 Property Mistakes Most Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

    Are you at risk of making an expensive property mistake? In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Keegan Lake, a Cairns-based real estate sales expert with 8 years of industry experience and lifelong local knowledge, to break down the 5 biggest mistakes buyers make when purchasing property and how to avoid them.


    Whether you’re buying your first home, investing interstate, or researching regional property markets across Australia, this episode goes beyond surface-level advice. We unpack the real reasons buyers overpay, miss opportunities, or unknowingly take on risk — especially in nuanced markets like Cairns, where street-by-street differences matter more than most people realise.This is a practical, honest discussion grounded in real transactions, real buyer behaviour, and lessons learned from years on the ground, not just what the data says in hindsight.


    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    00:00 – Introduction: Meet Keegan Lake (Cairns Local Expert)

    00:28 – Mistake #1: Buying the Suburb, Not the Street

    03:18 – Mistake #2: Misunderstanding Risk (Cyclones & Flooding)

    04:57 – The Insurance Trap Most Buyers Miss

    07:38 – Mistake #3: Data vs Local Knowledge: Where Growth Really Comes From

    14:29 – Mistake #4: Letting Emotion Drive the Purchase

    20:28 – Mistake #5: Analysis Paralysis & The Cost of Waiting

    24:27 – Market Insights & Advice Keegan would give to his younger self 🤔 Who Is This Episode For?

    This conversation is especially valuable if you are:

    • Buying property interstate or remotely

    • Investing in regional Australian markets

    • Unsure how to assess risk beyond headlines

    • Stuck waiting for the “right time”

    • Confused by conflicting data and opinions

    While we use Cairns real estate as a case study, the principles discussed apply to property markets across Australia.

    🔍 SEO Search Terms (Rank-Friendly)

    property investment australia, buying property mistakes, real estate buying tips, cairns real estate, cairns property market, regional property investing australia, buying a house in cairns, property due diligence australia, flood risk property australia, property investment mistakes, queensland real estate, interstate property buying, buyers agent cairns


    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence and seek guidance from qualified financial, legal, and real estate professionals.


    Want help buying property in Cairns or navigating a complex regional market?Get in touch with the team at The Buyers Co today.👉 www.thebuyersco.com.au

    31 min
  • Ep 13. 5 Steps Every Aussie Property Investor MUST Know Before Buying Real Estate

    Buying an investment property can feel like an emotionalroller coaster… good properties move fast, the market feels competitive, and by the time you find “the one,” it’s already under offer.


    In this episode, I break down the 5 essential steps everyAustralian investor needs to follow to buy smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and set themselves up for long-term wealth, regardless of whether you’reearning $100k or $400k per year.


    No hype, no theory, just clear strategy, practical frameworks, and the exact process I use with clients every single week.

    Whether you're buying your first investment property or planning to scale a multi-property portfolio, this video gives you the roadmap to invest with clarity, confidence, and speed.

    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    00:00 – Why Buying Property in Australia Is So Hard
    00:23 – The 5-Step Framework to Buying Real Estate

    00:33 – Step 1: Define Your Property Strategy
    01:35 – Step 2: How to Finance Investment Properties

    04:13 – Step 3: Create a Clear Acquisition Plan

    04:46 – Step 4: Executing the Purchase
    05:18 – The 3 Keys to Buying Successfully: Speed, Budget & Confidence

    07:07 – Step 5: Rinse, Repeat & Scale Your Portfolio

    07:52 – How We Help Investors Buy With Confidence


    🧭 Who This Video Is For

    This episode will help you if you’re:• A first-time investor unsure where to start• An existing investor wanting a clearer, more scalable plan• Someone who wants to invest beyond their local market• Anyone who wants to avoid the common mistakes most buyers make


    📈 Why These 5 Steps Matter in Today’s Market

    The Australian property market has changed dramatically over the last decade.
    Success now requires:• Clear strategy• Smart finance structure• A precise acquisition plan• Speed and confidence when making offers• And a repeatable process

    Follow these five steps and you’ll be better prepared, betterpositioned and far more likely to build real long-term wealth.


    🤔 Your Turn

    Do you believe it’s still possible to build a property portfolio intoday’s market?
    Drop your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your take.


    🔍 SEO Search Terms (High Ranking)

    property investing australia, australian real estate investing, how to buy investment property 2025, first investment property australia, property investing steps, investment property strategy, how to start investing realestate australia, buying property australia, aussie property investing, passive income property australia, real estate portfolio australia, australian housing market investing


    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice.
    Always do your own research and seek advice from qualified financial, legal, and real estate professionals.


    👇 Want Professional Support Buying Real Estate?

    Work with our team at The Buyers Co.
    We help first-home buyers through to investors with double-digit portfolios.👉 www.thebuyersco.com.au


    9 min
  • Ep 12. Commercial & Residential in Cairns: Where the Smart Money Is Going in 2026

    In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with David Murphy, Director at Ray White Cairns & Cairns Beaches, to unpack what’s really happening across the residential and commercial property markets in Far North Queensland.


    With an economics degree, decades of industry experience, and an office that manages over 2,000 properties while selling both residential and commercial real estate, David brings a rare data-backed perspective on where Cairns has been and where it’s heading next.

    Whether you're a national investor, first-time buyer, commercial operator, or simply want clarity on the Cairns property outlook for 2026, this episode breaks down the risks, opportunities, and strategic thinking you needto understand the market with confidence.


    From commercial property opportunities and auction strategy, to residential investment trends and long-term economic outlook, this conversation delivers grounded,practical insight from inside one of Cairns’ most active real estate offices.


    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    0:00 – Intro & who is David Murphy?
    0:26 – From property economics to valuation in Cairns
    1:40 – Using an economics lens to read the market
    2:27 – Moving into commercial real estate in Cairns
    3:22 – Industrial sheds boom & owner-occupiers driving prices
    5:55 – Commercial yields & what investors should look for
    8:39 – Where the Cairns market is heading into 2026
    10:01 – What’s an “affordable” house in Cairns now?
    11:18 – Apartments, replacement cost & lack of new supply
    13:02 – Land constraints, town planning & key industrial pockets
    15:39 – What David would buy in Cairns today (and where)
    17:01 – Suburb mismatches: Edmonton vs Trinity Beach, Manunda vs Cairns North
    18:56 – Auctions: transparency and how they really work
    21:52 – Tips for buying at auction (finance, valuations & strategy)
    24:52 – First home buyers, 5% schemes & auction deposits
    26:46 – Advice David would give his 18-year-old self


    📈 Cairns Property Market Snapshot (2025–2026 Outlook)

    Here’s how the Cairns market is shaping up based on current trends and on-the-ground activity:

      • Strong Investor Demand: Tight rental conditions and rising population continue to underpin buyer interest.
      • Commercial Market Momentum: Increased demand for retail, industrial, and mixed-use assets as the local economy diversifies.
      • Residential Supply Pressure: Limited stock levels supporting price resilience across key suburbs.
      • Economic Diversification: Tourism, health, education, defence, construction, and aviation continue to drive long-term growth.

    🤔 Is Cairns a Smart Investment for 2026?

    In this episode, we break down:
    • How David uses economic data to assess property cycles• Where commercial investors are finding opportunity right now• The biggest risks first-time commercial buyers overlook• Why auctions can be a powerful buying strategy (when used correctly)• Which property type and suburb David would personally invest in today• How Cairns compares nationally for long-term growth potential

    If you’re researching Cairns real estate, commercial property investing, or regional property opportunities in Queensland, this episode will give you genuine, practical insight, not just headlines.


    🔍 SEO Search Terms (Rank-Friendly):

    cairns real estate, cairns property market, cairns commercial property, cairns residential property, cairns investment property, cairns real estate 2026, buying propertyin cairns, commercial property australia, regional property investing, far north queensland property, property investment australia, queensland real estate, cairns auctions, ray white cairns, cairns economic outlook


    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence and seek guidance fromqualified financial, legal, and real estate professionals.


    Want help buying real estate in Cairns?

    Get in touch with the team at The Buyers Co today:www.thebuyersco.com.au


    29 min
  • Ep 11. $74,892 in 12 Months From a $420k Cairns Unit

    How I Made $74,892 Profit in 12 Months from a $420K Cairns Unit | Full Breakdown

    What does a real investment return look like in the Cairns property market right now?
    In this episode, I break down one of my own recent property purchases—a $420,000 Cairns apartment that produced $74,892 profit in the first 12 months.

    I walk through the numbers, the strategy, the cash flow, the set up, the yield, and exactly how this deal came together. No theory, no hype, just a transparent, step-by-step breakdown of the asset, the market conditions, and the decisions that drove the result.

    Whether you're investing in Cairns, researching Queensland property, or simply want to understand how to identify these types of opportunities, this video gives you a clear, practical, and data-backed look at what’s possible in FNQ right now.

    We cover everything:
    From the suburb choice and rental strategy to the purchase negotiation, value-add improvements, rental uplift and final 12-month return.


    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    • 00:00 - Introduction: Analysing a real Airbnb property purchased 12 months ago to see its real performance.

    • 01:06 - Property Description & Appeal

    • 03:59 - Purchase Details

    • 05:10 - 12-Month Holding Costs Breakdown

    • 07:42 - 12-Month Income & Net Profit

    • 09:56 - Capital Growth

    • 10:25 - Total First-Year Gain.

    • 11:06 - Future Growth Projections.

    • 13:11 - Key Lessons/Conclusion

    📈 Cairns Market Snapshot (2025)Here’s where the Cairns market currently sits:

    • Strong Price Growth: ~Average of 18% pa growth over the past 3 years.

    • Extremely Tight Rental Market: Vacancy around 0.7% and yields regularly above 5%.

    • High Demand, Low Supply: Less than two months of stock on market.

    • Diverse, Resilient Local Economy: Health, defence, aviation engineering, tourism, and construction continue to drive employment and migration.

    This environment creates a unique window for well-selected, cash-flow-positive, high-yield property.

    🤔 Is This Kind of Return Achievable Again?

    In this episode, I break down:• Why this property worked• The exact factors that drove the return• What to look for if you're trying to repeat this strategy• The biggest risks investors overlook• Whether the Cairns market still offers similar upside

    If you're looking at investing in Cairns, FNQ, or regional Queensland, this video will give you clear guidance on the types of properties performing best today.

    🔍 SEO Search Terms (Rank-Friendly)

    cairns real estate, cairns property investment, cairns apartment returns, cairns unit market, cairns rental yield, cairns property market 2025, high yield property australia, regional investment property, queensland real estate investing, cairns housing market, property investing case study, positive cash flow property australia, how to invest in cairns, cairns population growth, far north queensland property investing

    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always do your own research and seek advice from qualified financial, legal, and real estate professionals.

    Want help buying real estate in Cairns?
    Get in touch with the team at The Buyers Co today.👉 www.thebuyersco.com.au


    15 min
  • Ep 10. Is Cairns About to BOOM? Economist Pete Faulkner's Real Outlook

    Is Cairns heading for a decade of growth or are major structural constraints beginning to bite?
    In this deep-dive episode, we sit down with Economist Pete Faulkner of Conus Business Consultancy to unpack the real forces shaping the Cairns economy today and into the future.


    With decades of experience analysing regional markets, working with councils, industry groups, and major businesses, Pete provides rare clarity on what’s actually happening underneath the headline numbers.
    Whether you’re an investor, business owner, or someone who wants to understand where Cairns is heading, this conversation breaks it all down in a clear, data-backed way.


    From industry growth and AI disruption, to population forecasts, labour force dynamics, housing pressure and long-term economic resilience — this is one of the most comprehensive walkthroughs of the Cairns economy you’ll find.

    🔑 Key Topics Covered

    00:00 - Introduction

    00:32 - Pete Faulkner's Career Background

    04:08 - The State of the Cairns Economy Today & Its Evolution

    05:11 - Cairns' Top Industry Sectors

    08:08 - The Construction Sector & Housing Crisis

    17:18 - Economic Diversification & Future Growth Sectors

    19:36 - Cairns' Resilience: Pilot Strike vs. COVID-19

    21:44 - The Impact of AI on the Economy & Regional Australia

    29:32 - Population Growth Forecasts & Infrastructure Challenges

    39:48 - Skilled Migration & Regional Development

    45:55 - Final Advice: Antifragility & Embracing Change

    📈 Cairns Economic Snapshot (2025)Recent data paints a picture of a region experiencing strong demand, tight labour conditions, and structural housing constraints, including:

    • Solid population growth driven by migration and lifestyle factors

    • Extremely tight rental market and limited housing stock

    • Expanding sectors including health, aviation, defence, education, and construction

    • Productivity pressure as labour shortages challenge business capacity

    • Increasing importance of data, digital tools, and AI in regional competitiveness

    🤔 What Does This Mean for Investors & Business Owners?In this episode Pete breaks down:

    • The industries that will shape the next decade• How AI may transform regional job markets• Why population forecasts matter — and what happens when governments get them wrong• The economic risk of underbuilding housing• Where the biggest opportunities lie for investors in Cairns and FNQ• The critical policy decisions that will influence long-term growth

    If you’re researching the Cairns economy, the FNQ labour market, or are considering investing in regional Queensland, this episode gives you clarity, context, and confidence.


    🔍 SEO Search Terms (Rank-Friendly)cairns economy, cairns economic outlook, cairns real estate, cairns property market, cairns jobs market, cairns labour force, far north Queensland economy, cairns population growth, cairns housing supply, cairns business growth, cairns investment property, fnq economy, regional queensland jobs, pete faulkner conus, conus business consultancy, cairns ai impacts, cairns economic forecast


    📚 Disclaimer

    This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research and seek guidance from qualified financial, legal, and economic professionals.


    🏡 Need Help Buying Property in Cairns?

    Chat with the team at The Buyers Co today.
    www.thebuyersco.com.au



    49 min

About Investment By Design

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Investment By Design Podcast, where we sit down with successful and up-and-coming real estate investors from Cairns and across Australia.