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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.


Victoria’s Rental Reforms: What Renters and Landlords Must Do

Victoria’s rental reforms from late November 2025 ban rental bidding, mandate fixed‑price ads, and require minimum standards before listing. Renters gain transparency; landlords face stricter compliance and fines for breaches. Act now: audit heating, smoke alarms and locks, update ad templates, train staff, and document processes to ensure fair, legal leasing.

Melbourne First‑Home Playbook 2025: Smart Buying When Prices Rise and Rate Cuts Might Backfire

Melbourne first‑home buyers face rising prices and crowded auctions. Growth in Heidelberg, Box Hill, and Oak Park is surging, and further rate cuts could accelerate gains. Act decisively, use clean contracts, and focus on micro‑location, cashflow realism, and offsets to protect downside while securing a home that fits your life.

Melbourne Inner City Reawakens 2025: Quality Builds, Credible Developers, Resilient Growth

Melbourne’s Inner City Reawakens: Why Quality and Developer Credibility Outshine Bargain‑Hunting in 2025

Melbourne’s inner city is rebounding in 2025. South Melbourne offices and inner‑ring suburbs are surging, rewarding buyers who prioritise ICIRT‑rated developers, quality construction, and compliance. Skip bargains with hidden defects. Choose premium builds near transport and amenities for resilient rents, lower risk, and stronger long‑term capital growth.

Ancora, Collins Wharf: The Definitive Dual-Waterfront Living Experience

Ancora at Collins Wharf offers strategic urban residential design by uniquely blending inner-city connectivity with dual-waterfront tranquility (Yarra River and Victoria Harbour). Positioned at the western end of Collins Street, Melbourne, this development is a statistically rare geographic asset that provides the energy of the CBD alongside a serene, premium lifestyle.

The 5 Renter Must‑Haves Reshaping Australian Renting in 2026

Australian renting in 2026 is built around flexibility, fast move‑ins, and sustainability. Think low bonds, furnished apartments, 6–60‑month leases, and in‑building transfers. Smart metering and solar cut bills by 15–20%. Leading Melbourne BTR communities add gyms, co‑working, pet facilities, and professional service—setting a new benchmark for stable, connected living.

Off‑Market Pitfalls: Why Melbourne’s West Is Leaving $50 k on the Table

Off‑market sales in Melbourne’s west reduce competition and transparency, leaving sellers short by about 50k. Unless privacy or niche assets demand it, public listings create urgency and true price discovery. Sellers should warm up with targeted lists and strong marketing; buyers gain advantage with early financing and agent alerts.

Melbourne’s 1000‑Day Window Has Closed

Melbourne’s year of sub‑peak pricing has ended. Demand is rising on steady rates, auctions are competitive, and tight listings meet renewed confidence. Buyers should act decisively in family-friendly or gentrifying suburbs; sellers can lift returns with premium presentation and optimal timing. The next phase rewards quality, preparation, and clear strategy.

How Melbourne’s Metro & West Gate Tunnels Impact Property Values 2025

Melbourne’s Metro and West Gate Tunnels are reshaping property values. Proximity to new stations and inner‑west amenity gains in Yarraville, Footscray, Spotswood support growth. Properties beside portals, ramps or ventilation stacks risk devaluation from noise, visual bulk and air concerns.

Discover Victoria’s top property markets to watch in 2025, including Northcote, Box Hill, Essendon West, West Melbourne and Carisbrook. See growth drivers like lifestyle, affordability and major infrastructure (Suburban Rail Loop, Metro Tunnel). Contact Forge Real Estate Melbourne for expert advice and investment guidance.

Victoria's Top 5 Property Markets 2025

Victoria’s 2025 outlook spotlights five growth markets: Bentleigh East, Spotswood, Lilydale, Golden Square, and Traralgon. Drivers include school catchments, inner‑west gentrification, lifestyle affordability, regional value, and reliable yields. Forge Real Estate Melbourne can help align your goals with smart purchases in these emerging hotspots.


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