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.
Buyers judge your Melbourne home the moment they walk in. Subtle issues like odour, mess, DIY fixes and poor presentation quietly erode confidence and sale price. Learn the seven small details buyers always notice at open homes—and how a simple pre-listing audit can protect your result.
Many Melbourne homes are relisted at lower prices, but not every discount is real. This guide explains why properties get price drops, how Victorian underquoting rules work, and how to use comparable sales and days on market data to spot genuine bargains.Many Melbourne homes are relisted at lower prices, but not every discount is real. This guide explains why properties get price drops, how Victorian underquoting rules work, and how to use comparable sales and days on market data to spot genuine bargains.
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.
Victoria’s off-the-plan stamp duty concession, extended to October 2026, can save Melbourne buyers tens of thousands of dollars on new apartments and townhouses under $1 million. We explain how the concession works, who actually benefits, real examples comparing off‑the‑plan vs established units, and key risks like sunset clauses and valuation shortfalls.
Melbourne’s property market reacts differently to RBA rate hikes. Higher interest rates reduce borrowing power, soften auction competition and increase mortgage stress, especially in outer growth suburbs. This article explains how 2026 cash rate rises may impact buyers, sellers and investors across Melbourne, with practical tips on timing, suburbs and risk management.
Melbourne’s unit market is shifting in 2026, with established inner and middle-ring apartments suddenly outperforming many houses. Tight lending, high house prices and stamp duty savings are pushing buyers toward older-style, low-rise units. We explain what makes a “good” apartment, rentvesting strategies and key risks to avoid overpaying.
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.
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.
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.