Local Area Info

Included below is a range of information relevant to real estate in the local Cairns city area. Also included are various website links and documents providing information for frequently asked questions of local property buyers and sellers.

Cairns, North Queensland, Australia

View Cairns Area Map in a larger map

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Stamp Duty
Stamp duties on property purchases are levied by individual Australian states and the rates do vary. In Queensland first home buyers are exempt from paying stamp duty on properties up to the value of $500,000 and there is a significant difference between stamp duty rates for owner-occupier purchasers and investors purchasers. The following document provides a reference chart for the current stamp duty rates in Queensland on scaled purchase prices. Click to view chart.


Sample Contracts
Full copies of the government prescribed contracts of sale for houses and land, and also residential lots in a community titles scheme (units & apartments) can be viewed by clicking on the following links:

• House & Land
• Residential Lots in a Community Titles Scheme (Units)

About the Region
The Cairns Regional Council website offers detailed information concerning the local community including it's 2011-2031 community plan, community profiles, economic development research, photo gallery of local scenes and events, heritage and tourist information. Click here to view 'About the Region'


CairnsPlan

Click to view CairnsPlan

Cairns Regional Council has developed a Planning Scheme for the City called CairnsPlan. CairnsPlan establishes the Council’s planning intentions for the city for the next 10-15 years.


Style Design Guide

Click to view Style Design Guide

The Cairns Style Design Guide describes in words, pictures and diagrams the tropical style that is the desired design direction for the City of Cairns. Cairns Style is a broad concept ranging from the overall pattern and rhythm of streets to the detail of window awnings and balustrades.


Pool Safety
Since 2010 pool safety certificates have been required when selling or leasing a property with a pool and must be obtained by a licensed pool safety inspector. The Queensland Government operates a database to monitor all registered pools in the state and ensure their safety compliance.

Property sellers can opt to sell a property with no current safety certificate however this must be disclosed to the purchaser as it would become their legal responsibility to obtain a certificate within 90 days of the settlement of the sale. Further information including answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Department of Housing and Public Works website: Click Here to View Site

Click to View Website

Storm Tide Surge Maps
The Cairns Regional Council storm tide surge evacuation maps show areas that may be at risk of storm tide flooding associated with a cyclone. Maps for the entire Far Northern region are available on the Cairns Regional Council's website.