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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.


Melbourne buyer's market 2026

Melbourne's Buyer's Market 2026: How Much Room Is There to Negotiate $20k–$50k Off Asking?

Yes, in most of Melbourne's inner-city and middle-ring suburbs in mid-2026, offers $20,000–$50,000 below the asking price are realistic and often accepted—provided they're supported by comparable sales rather than guesswork. Melbourne has clearly shifted…

Melbourne auctions: beyond the bidding

Sold at Auction — or Was It? Understanding Underquoting, Dummy Bids and Your Rights at a Melbourne Auction

Buying at auction in Melbourne is governed by strict Victorian laws designed to protect buyers and promote transparency. Real estate agents must provide a Statement of Information (SOI) with a genuine estimated selling price and three comparable recent sales,…

Buying an apartment or unit in Melbourne

Buying an Apartment or Unit in Melbourne: Are Strata and Owners Corporation Fees a Trap or a Smart Entry Point?

Buying an apartment or unit in Melbourne isn't inherently a poor investment. While some apartment markets have softened, the biggest risk is rarely the property type itself—it's buying into a poorly managed Owners Corporation (OC) with inadequate financial…

Dual income property legality in Melbourne

Marketed as "Dual Income" — But Is It Legal? How to Check What a Melbourne Property Can Really Do

A Melbourne property advertised as dual income is not automatically lawful. Buyers should check council approval, Section 32 documents, planning history, small second dwelling rules and existing use rights before relying on multiple rental streams.

Footscray, Sunshine or Braybrook?

Footscray, Sunshine or Braybrook: Which Inner West Suburb Suits a Melbourne First Home Buyer?

Footscray, Sunshine and Braybrook all suit different Melbourne first home buyer priorities. This guide compares price, lifestyle, infrastructure, property type and long-term risk, helping buyers decide whether lifestyle, growth story or land value matters most.

Victoria's New Reserve Price Rules

What Does Victoria’s Proposed Reserve Price Disclosure Law Mean for Melbourne Auctions?

Victoria’s proposed reserve price disclosure law could change how Melbourne buyers read auctions, quoted ranges and vendor expectations. This article explains what the reform may mean, what it would not solve, and how buyers should prepare before bidding.

Why Melbourne property agents now need your ID and proof of funds

Why Does Your Melbourne Real Estate Agent Suddenly Need Extra ID and Proof of Funds?

From 1 July 2026, Australian real estate agents became part of the AML/CTF regime for designated sales and buyer services. This article explains ID checks, proof of funds, customer due diligence and what Melbourne buyers and sellers should prepare.

Melbourne auction reserve prices could soon go public

Why Could Melbourne Auction Reserve Prices Soon Become Public Knowledge?

Victoria’s proposed reserve price disclosure reform could require Melbourne auction reserve prices to be published before auction day. This guide explains underquoting, buyer costs, likely timing, and how public reserve prices may change bidding strategy.

First Home Buyer's Guide 2026 Melbourne

First Home Buyer’s Guide to Melbourne 2026: How Can a Cooling Market, Rate Hikes and Stamp Duty Concessions Work in Your Favour?

Melbourne first home buyers face higher rates but more room to negotiate in 2026. This guide explains Victorian stamp duty concessions, the First Home Owner Grant, the 5% Deposit Scheme, and how to use price thresholds carefully before signing.


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