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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.


How Do Victoria's 2026 Vacant Land and State Tax Changes Affect Melbourne Investors?

Victoria’s 2026 tax changes are reshaping Melbourne property investment. Statewide Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT), tougher land tax rules, and restrictions on passing land tax to buyers all squeeze returns on land banking and investment properties. Learn what these reforms mean for your cashflow, selling strategy, and future acquisitions.

How Can You Actually Secure a Rental in Melbourne's 2026 Market?

Melbourne’s 2026 rental market is the toughest in decades, with low vacancy rates, intense competition and strict documentation rules. This guide explains why the market broke, what documents landlords really want to see, and practical strategies for local renters, international students and visa holders to finally secure a lease.

What Do Victoria's 2026 Rental Reforms Actually Mean for Melbourne Renters and Landlords?

Victoria’s 2026 rental reforms reshape the balance between Melbourne renters and landlords. From the ban on no‑fault evictions and illegal rent bidding to stricter minimum rental standards and data‑privacy rules, we break down what these changes mean for lease security, rent increases, repairs, mould, noise disputes and applications.

How Vacant Land Tax and New Levies Affect Melbourne Property Investors in 2026

Victorian property investors face significant tax changes from 2026, including expanded Vacant Residential Land Tax on empty homes, higher land tax rates, a new 7.5% Short Stay Levy, and increased congestion and emergency services charges. Melbourne landlords must carefully manage vacancy, structure and strategy to protect yields and long‑term returns.

What Melbourne Renters and Landlords Need to Know About 2025-26 Rental Law Changes

Recent and upcoming Victorian rental reforms are reshaping how Melbourne renters and landlords navigate leases, rent increases and evictions. This guide explains bans on rental bidding and no‑fault evictions, stricter rent-in-advance rules, extended rent increase notice periods, and new minimum standards so you can stay compliant and protect your rights.

What to Check Before Buying Older Melbourne Apartments to Avoid Special Levies

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.

How to Navigate Melbourne Auctions in 2026 Despite Underquoting and Rate Uncertainty

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.

How APRA's DTI Cap and Current Interest Rates Affect Melbourne Property Buyers

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.

How Victoria's Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Changes Investment Returns

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.


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