How to sell your house in Cairns

What are the steps to sell a house in Cairns?

1. Find out what it is worth. Get an appraisal from one or two local agents, and check recent sales in your suburb yourself.
2. Choose and appoint an agent. Compare results, fees and marketing, then sign the appointment form. Sole and exclusive appointments in Queensland can run for up to 90 days. (Queensland Government, Appointing a real estate agent, updated 19 July 2024)
3. Engage a conveyancer or solicitor. Since 1 August 2025, Queensland sellers must give buyers a seller disclosure statement (Form 2) before the contract is signed. (Queensland Government, Seller disclosure scheme, updated 21 July 2025)
4. Prepare the property. Fix what an inspection will find, clean, and tidy the yard.
5. Market it. Photos, portal listings and open homes. Agree on the price strategy: a price guide, a set price or auction.
6. Negotiate offers. Your agent presents each offer in writing. Watch the conditions, such as finance and building inspection, as well as the price.
7. Go unconditional and settle. Once the conditions are met, the sale is unconditional. Settlement happens on the date in the contract.

How long does it take to sell a house in Cairns?

Cairns properties took a median 57 days to sell in November 2026. (Spachus, Cairns Property Market, November 2026)

It varies a lot by suburb. On Domain, 3-bedroom houses in Mount Sheridan averaged 8 days on market over the last 12 months, while 4-bedroom houses in Clifton Beach averaged 72 days. (Domain suburb profile, Mount Sheridan, last 12 months, checked 20 October 2026; Domain suburb profile, Clifton Beach, last 12 months, checked 20 October 2026) Add the settlement period in your contract on top.

What should I fix before selling, and what can I leave?

Fix: anything a buyer’s building and pest report will list. Leaks and water damage, broken fittings, rotten timber, non-compliant smoke alarms and pool fencing. Buyers tend to deduct more than the repair would cost you.

Usually leave: big renovations such as a new kitchen or bathroom. They rarely return their cost before a sale. Paint, gardens and a deep clean usually give a better return.

Checklist for selling a house

• Two appraisals and your own research on recent sales
• Agent chosen; appointment form read and signed
• Conveyancer engaged; disclosure statement ready
• Rates notice, title details and any body corporate records
• Smoke alarms checked; pool safety certificate if needed
• Repairs done; house and yard clean
• Photos approved and listing checked for errors
• Plan for pets and valuables during inspections
• Offers compared on price and conditions
• Moving date lined up with settlement

Before you choose an agent, it helps to know your price. Tony Williamson offers free appraisals across Cairns.

Last updated 3 November 2026