Forge Real Estate Logo

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.


Modern Melbourne rental home interior with keys and stronger renter rights

What Are Victoria’s New Rental Laws in 2026, and What Do They Mean for Renters and Landlords?

Victoria’s 2026 rental laws strengthen protections around no-fault evictions, rent increases, rental applications and minimum standards. This guide explains the practical implications for Melbourne renters, landlords, investors and buyers of tenanted property.

Building defects and a structural crack beside a Melbourne home

How Many Defects in a Building and Pest Report Are Too Many to Walk Away From?

A building and pest report can list dozens of items without proving a property is unsafe. This Melbourne buyer’s guide explains how to weigh severity, structural movement, repair costs and contract options before deciding whether to renegotiate, proceed or walk away.

Melbourne property market skyline with buy now or wait message

Should You Buy in Melbourne Now or Wait for Prices to Fall in 2026?

Should you buy in Melbourne now or wait for prices to fall? This guide compares market direction, borrowing capacity, rent, holding periods and property-level risks so buyers can make a decision based on their finances and long-term plans.

Forge Property team at the 2026 HKABA Victoria Business Awards

Forge Property Wins the 2026 HKABA Victoria Export of Goods and/or Services Award

Forge Property has won the 2026 HKABA Victoria Export of Goods and/or Services Award. The recognition celebrates the team’s Melbourne property expertise, cross-cultural service and growing contribution to Australia–Hong Kong business connections.

Melbourne buyer's market 2026

Melbourne's Buyer's Market 2026: How Much Room Is There to Negotiate $20k–$50k Off Asking?

Yes, in most of Melbourne's inner-city and middle-ring suburbs in mid-2026, offers $20,000–$50,000 below the asking price are realistic and often accepted—provided they're supported by comparable sales rather than guesswork. Melbourne has clearly shifted…

Melbourne auctions: beyond the bidding

Sold at Auction — or Was It? Understanding Underquoting, Dummy Bids and Your Rights at a Melbourne Auction

Buying at auction in Melbourne is governed by strict Victorian laws designed to protect buyers and promote transparency. Real estate agents must provide a Statement of Information (SOI) with a genuine estimated selling price and three comparable recent sales,…

Buying an apartment or unit in Melbourne

Buying an Apartment or Unit in Melbourne: Are Strata and Owners Corporation Fees a Trap or a Smart Entry Point?

Buying an apartment or unit in Melbourne isn't inherently a poor investment. While some apartment markets have softened, the biggest risk is rarely the property type itself—it's buying into a poorly managed Owners Corporation (OC) with inadequate financial…

Victoria rental reforms 2026

Renting in Victoria After the 2026 Reforms: What Are Your Rights on Rent Increases, Evictions and Bond Claims?

Victoria’s 2026 rental reforms strengthen tenants rights around rent increases, evictions, rental bidding and bond claims. This guide explains what Melbourne renters can demand, what landlords must document, and where deadlines matter.

Dual income property legality in Melbourne

Marketed as "Dual Income" — But Is It Legal? How to Check What a Melbourne Property Can Really Do

A Melbourne property advertised as dual income is not automatically lawful. Buyers should check council approval, Section 32 documents, planning history, small second dwelling rules and existing use rights before relying on multiple rental streams.


Looking For Your New Home?