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.
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’s inner‑city rental stock has shrunk since 2017, with Port Phillip, Boroondara and Stonnington losing thousands of active RTBA bonds. Rising land tax, compliance upgrades and short‑stay conversions push investors to sell or exit. Outer growth and BTR help, but supply remains tight, driving low vacancies and rapid rent increases.
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.
Considering a Melbourne studio or PBSA? Understand lender size limits (45–50m²), LVR/LMI implications, owners corporation fees, special levies, resale liquidity, and location near universities and transport. Prioritise larger internal areas and standard strata for better financing and exit options. Smart investors weigh yield against financing risk and costs.
Rentvesting in Melbourne lets professionals live in inner-east suburbs while investing in affordable areas. This case study shows cash flow shortfalls, tax benefits, and the impact of interest-only versus principal-and-interest loans. Learn stress-testing for rate rises, offset strategies, and suburb selection to balance capital growth, yield, and lifestyle.