Real estate market fires up at Easter

HOW good has it been to finally see restaurants packed, streets full of people and some real activity happening across the CBD and shops again?

With the Easter school holidays in full swing, it has been absolutely fantastic to see people once again flocking to Cairns and the Far North for their holidays, many returning for the first time in a year after lockdowns and the hesitancy around Covid over Christmas.

Among those holiday makers, we have also been seeing an influx of inquiry as

Sydneysiders, Melbournites and others look at Cairns homes.

In the 24 hours prior to writing this, I found myself meeting one couple on their way to picking up a campervan for the road trip, and another fresh from the airport and on a taxi tour of homes on a whirlwind visit.

Prior to the pandemic, this time of year traditionally came with a big declaration of “open for business” in real estate here in Cairns – so it’s very encouraging to see some traditions still ringing true, especially after so many norms have been thrown out the window.

The positioning of Easter this year however, with three long weekends in a row, is a godsend for those looking for an opportunity to relax, but can throw a couple of challenges in the way of prepping a home for sale and getting on market in the next four weeks.

Long weekends mean short weeks – and tighter availability of tradies and photographers to get the last-minute jobs done and things looking as sparkly as they should be.

For those working to a deadline, this is the time to make sure you are booking people in as far in advance as you can.

Painting, flooring and gardening remain the best bang for your buck activities, though a free, thorough declutter does wonders.

Once on market, you might also find things a little different as long weekends aren’t typically as open-home friendly as your average Saturday.

On the flip side, expect to see private inspection requests as people take the time to check things out online and make inquiries to suit more flexible schedules.

Keep in mind, agents are as likely as anyone to put their feet up on public holidays, so stay patient.

Tom Quaid is the REIQ Zone Chair for Cairns