Forge Real Estate Logo

Forge Real Estate Insights

Stay informed with the latest real estate news, market trends, and expert insights for Melbourne City. Our blog covers everything you need to know about the property market in Australia.


Victoria rental reforms and permanent renting taskforce enforcement

What Do Victoria’s Rental Reforms and the Renting Taskforce Actually Mean for You?

Victoria’s rental reforms affect evictions, rent increases, rental applications, minimum standards and privacy. This practical guide explains what the changes and the permanent Renting Taskforce mean for Melbourne renters, landlords and investors.

Melbourne auction bidding strategy in a softer property market

How Do You Win a Melbourne Auction When Clearance Rates Are Sitting Around 60%?

When Melbourne auction clearance rates sit around 60%, preparation matters more than emotion. Learn how to assess the suburb, review the contract, secure finance, set a bidding limit and negotiate after a pass-in.

RBA rate hold and Melbourne property buy now or wait decision

Should You Buy Now or Wait in Melbourne After the RBA’s Rate Hold?

After the RBA held the cash rate at 4.35%, Melbourne buyers still face a timing decision. This guide weighs borrowing capacity, repayments, market softness, holding periods, cash buffers and property fundamentals.

Melbourne $800k mortgage affordability and home loan stress testing

Is an $800k Mortgage in Melbourne Actually Doable, or Am I Being Too Aggressive?

Is an $800k mortgage in Melbourne affordable? This guide explains repayments, APRA’s debt-to-income rules, the 3% serviceability buffer, interest-rate risk and the real costs of owning a home.

Melbourne softer property market and price negotiation by the waterfront

How Do You Read Melbourne’s Softening Property Market and Negotiate the Price Down?

Melbourne’s softer property market may give buyers more negotiating power. Learn how to read vendor discounts, days on market, auction results and comparable sales before making an offer.

Melbourne auction reserve price rules and property auction bidding

What Do Victoria’s Proposed Auction Reserve Price Rules Mean for Melbourne Buyers and Sellers From October 2026?

Victoria is proposing seven-day auction reserve price disclosure rules from October 2026. This guide explains what the proposed changes could mean for Melbourne buyers, sellers and agents—and why the Bill is not yet law.

Modern Melbourne rental home interior with keys and stronger renter rights

What Are Victoria’s New Rental Laws in 2026, and What Do They Mean for Renters and Landlords?

Victoria’s 2026 rental laws strengthen protections around no-fault evictions, rent increases, rental applications and minimum standards. This guide explains the practical implications for Melbourne renters, landlords, investors and buyers of tenanted property.

Building defects and a structural crack beside a Melbourne home

How Many Defects in a Building and Pest Report Are Too Many to Walk Away From?

A building and pest report can list dozens of items without proving a property is unsafe. This Melbourne buyer’s guide explains how to weigh severity, structural movement, repair costs and contract options before deciding whether to renegotiate, proceed or walk away.

Melbourne property market skyline with buy now or wait message

Should You Buy in Melbourne Now or Wait for Prices to Fall in 2026?

Should you buy in Melbourne now or wait for prices to fall? This guide compares market direction, borrowing capacity, rent, holding periods and property-level risks so buyers can make a decision based on their finances and long-term plans.


Looking For Your New Home?