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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.


Are Melbourne Property Investments Still Worth It Despite Victoria's High Land Tax Burden?

Are Melbourne Property Investments Still Worth It Despite Victoria's High Land Tax Burden?

Victoria now has Australia’s heaviest property tax burden, with stacked land tax, trust surcharges, absentee and short‑stay levies sharply reducing net yields for Melbourne investors. Using a Docklands apartment case study, this article shows how ownership structure and switching from short-stay to long-term rental can help preserve returns while still targeting capital growth.

How Much Can You Really Borrow in Melbourne in 2026 After the RBA Rate Rise?

How Much Can You Really Borrow in Melbourne in 2026 After the RBA Rate Rise?

Following the RBA’s March 2026 rate rise, many Melbourne buyers are discovering their true borrowing power is far lower than expected. This guide explains how higher assessment rates, APRA’s 3% buffer and the 30% affordability rule interact to shape real budgets, property choices, and loan strategies in 2026.

Auctions vs Private Sales in Melbourne 2026: How to Negotiate From Strength When the Market Shifts

Auctions vs Private Sales in Melbourne 2026: How to Negotiate From Strength When the Market Shifts

Melbourne’s 2026 market is shifting in favour of prepared buyers, not just any buyers. With auction clearance rates easing and more properties passing in, understanding how auctions and private sales work is crucial. This guide shows you how to use data, terms, and strategy to negotiate from real strength.

Should Melbourne Home Sellers Pay for Building and Pest Reports? What Victoria's Proposed Reforms Mean for Buyers and Vendors

Should Melbourne Home Sellers Pay for Building and Pest Reports? What Victoria's Proposed Reforms Mean for Buyers and Vendors

Sellers in Victoria may soon need to provide a building and pest report before listing a home. This guide explains how reports work now, what the proposed reforms could change, and what buyers and sellers in Melbourne should do to protect themselves and negotiate with confidence.

Melbourne Apartment Strata Red Flags: How to Spot Future Special Levies Before You Buy

Melbourne Apartment Strata Red Flags: How to Spot Future Special Levies Before You Buy

 Buying a strata apartment in Melbourne? Before you sign, carefully review the Section 32, Owners Corporation records, and sinking fund balance. This guide explains common defect patterns in 2000s–2010s buildings, what a healthy maintenance fund looks like, and when future special levies are a real risk.

Granny Flats, Subdivision and Townhouses in Melbourne: How to Decode Victorian Planning Rules

Granny Flats, Subdivision and Townhouses in Melbourne: How to Decode Victorian Planning Rules

Melbourne’s planning system layers zoning, council overlays and site-specific conditions, making small-scale development complex. This guide explains GRZ and NRZ zones, neighbourhood character and heritage overlays, ResCode rules for granny flats and secondary dwellings, and core feasibility, tax and GST considerations for 3–4 townhouse projects so investors avoid costly mistakes.

RBA Rate Rise February 2026: Should Melbourne Property Investors Sell, Hold, or Adapt?

RBA Rate Rise February 2026: Should Melbourne Property Investors Sell, Hold, or Adapt?

The February 2026 RBA rate rise is reshaping investor cash flow across Melbourne. This guide explains what higher rates mean for mortgage costs, land tax and rental yields, and when it may be smarter to sell, hold or restructure. Learn how to adapt your portfolio to the new rate environment.

Is That Melbourne Property Actually in Your Budget, or Is the Listing Price a Trap?

Is That Melbourne Property Actually in Your Budget, or Is the Listing Price a Trap?

In Melbourne, the price you see on property portals often isn’t the price you need to win. Underquoting laws, auction dynamics and vague labels like “Contact Agent” or “Expressions of Interest” can mislead buyers. This guide explains how portal prices are set, common traps, and how to budget realistically.

Where to Buy in Melbourne in 2026: Matching Budget, Schools and Lifestyle Across Real Suburbs

Where to Buy in Melbourne in 2026: Matching Budget, Schools and Lifestyle Across Real Suburbs

Melbourne’s 2026 property market splits into three key buyer groups: family home seekers in the south-east, investors weighing inner-south-east yield versus growth, and first-home buyers targeting affordable units. This guide compares real suburbs, school zones, transport links and state taxes to help you choose the right area for your budget.


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