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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 homes illustrating different property markets across suburbs

Melbourne Prices Are Down — But Not Where You Think: A Suburb-by-Suburb Reality Check

If you only look at the headline numbers, Melbourne appears to be in a broad property downturn. Look suburb by suburb, however, and the picture is much less dramatic — and much more useful for buyers. The latest Cotality data shows that the correction has been heavily concentrated at the expensive end of the market.

Melbourne apartment buildings illustrating Victoria’s new property price rules

Victoria's New Underquoting Laws Explained: What the 1 October Reserve Price Rules Mean for Melbourne Buyers

Victoria is about to make one of its biggest changes to residential property price transparency in years. From 1 October 2026, a new set of Victorian underquoting laws begins to take effect. The reforms introduce a new Property Price Statement, mandatory publication of sold prices and tighter rules around comparable sales. For auctions and fixed-date

Melbourne property and the RBA cash rate at 4.60%

Rates Just Hit 4.60%: Should Melbourne Buyers Wait, Fix, or Buy the Dip?

The Reserve Bank has just made the Melbourne property decision harder. On 29 September 2026, the RBA raised the cash rate by another 0.25 percentage points to 4.60%, effective 30 September — the fourth rate increase of 2026 and the highest cash rate in around 15 years. The RBA said inflation remains elevated and that

Melbourne apartment buildings at sunset

Buying a Melbourne Apartment? The Owners Corporation and Inspection Checks Nobody Warns You About

A fast-accepted offer on a Melbourne apartment is not automatically a red flag. Review the owners corporation certificate, meeting minutes, finances, maintenance history, title plan and inspection findings before your contract becomes unconditional.

Melbourne city skyline and new auction reserve price rules

Melbourne’s New Reserve Price Rule: Why Underquoting Is About to Get Harder to Hide

Victoria’s new reserve price rules begin on 1 October 2026, with disclosure requirements for auctions and fixed-date sales from 16 October. Learn what the changes mean for Melbourne buyers, underquoting concerns, passed-in properties and pre-auction due diligence.

Melbourne townhouses for first-home buyers

The $950k Sweet Spot: How First-Home Buyers Are Winning Melbourne’s Unit Market

For Melbourne first-home buyers, the $950,000 5% Deposit Scheme cap is a ceiling, not a target. Compare units, villas, townhouses and houses by suburb, stamp duty, ownership costs and resale demand before deciding what fits your budget.

Melbourne buyers market and competition for quality family homes

If It’s a Buyers’ Market, Where Are All the Buyers?

Melbourne may be softer overall, but quality family homes can still attract strong competition. This guide explains why suburb differences, comparable sales, school zones, scarcity and auction dynamics matter more than a broad buyers’ market label.

Due diligence for Melbourne apartments and townhouses

No Body Corporate, Cracked Towers and ‘Company Title’: A Buyer’s Due-Diligence Guide to Melbourne Apartments and Townhouses

A low-fee or unusual ownership structure does not automatically mean a better Melbourne property purchase. Learn how to investigate owners corporations, company title, defects, insurance, meeting minutes, special levies and shared-property responsibilities.

Victoria rental rules from 13 October 2026 for landlords and renters

Victoria’s New Rental Rules from 13 October 2026: What Landlords and Renters Both Need to Get Right

Victoria’s rental rules change again on 13 October 2026. This practical guide explains bond claims, gas and electrical safety checks, minimum standards, rent increases, notices, records and the compliance steps landlords and renters should get right.


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