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.
Older Melbourne apartments from the 1960s–1980s, especially red‑brick walk‑ups, face predictable lifecycle repairs to roofs, balconies, waterproofing, plumbing, and structural concrete. Buyers should closely review owners corporation certificates, maintenance plans, fund balances, and meeting minutes to identify deferred maintenance, levy history, and upcoming capital works before committing to a purchase.
Melbourne’s 2026 auction market demands sharper strategy from buyers facing underquoting, tight borrowing capacity and volatile clearance rates. Learn how to read price guides, interpret Statements of Information, track RBA rate impacts and set disciplined walk‑away limits so you can secure quality property without overpaying at auction across Melbourne suburbs.
APRA’s new 6× debt-to-income cap and today’s higher interest rates are reshaping how Melbourne buyers and investors borrow, bid, and choose properties. This guide explains how the rules work, how they limit borrowing capacity, and the strategies to stay competitive at auctions while protecting your long‑term financial position.
Victoria’s new Commercial and Industrial Property Tax (CIPT) replaces one‑off stamp duty with an ongoing annual tax on qualifying commercial and industrial land. This article explains how CIPT works, timing of payments, transition loans, qualifying uses, change‑of‑use implications, and how the reform reshapes investment returns for owners and buyers in Victoria.
Victoria’s 2026 tenancy reforms reshape renting by removing no‑fault evictions, banning rental bidding, and requiring all advertised rentals to meet strict minimum standards. Landlords face longer rent increase notice periods, tighter bond and safety responsibilities, and new privacy rules for handling rental applications, significantly strengthening security and protections for Victorian tenants.
Victorian tax reforms from 2026 expand VRLT, raise congestion levy rates, and clarify CIPT for mixed‑use properties. Investors face higher annual holding costs, especially in new levy zones like South Yarra. Manage vacancies carefully, verify exemptions, and recalculate net yields to protect cash flow and optimize Melbourne property decisions today.
From 2026, Victoria’s auction reforms require vendors to disclose reserve prices seven days before auction. Greater transparency curbs underquoting, helps buyers assess affordability, and informs strategy. Research recent comparable sales, add 5–10% to reserves, and set firm walk‑away limits to avoid overspending when bidding reaches “on the market” status.
Melbourne house prices surged in 2025 following RBA cuts in February, May and August, while rebounding inflation capped further easing. Median values rose strongly amid tight listings and buyer competition. With cautious 2026 rate forecasts, focus on disciplined auctions, suburb value gaps, and realistic serviceability rather than timing the market.