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.


Footscray, Sunshine or Braybrook?

Footscray, Sunshine or Braybrook: Which Inner West Suburb Suits a Melbourne First Home Buyer?

Footscray, Sunshine and Braybrook all suit different Melbourne first home buyer priorities. This guide compares price, lifestyle, infrastructure, property type and long-term risk, helping buyers decide whether lifestyle, growth story or land value matters most.

Is a Buyer's Advocate Worth $15,000?

Is a Buyer’s Advocate Really Worth $15,000 in Melbourne?

A $15,000 buyer’s advocate fee can make sense in Melbourne when it delivers better access, sharper negotiation, stronger due diligence and fewer costly mistakes. This guide explains when the service is worth paying for, and when buyers may be better off doing it themselves.

Victoria's New Reserve Price Rules

What Does Victoria’s Proposed Reserve Price Disclosure Law Mean for Melbourne Auctions?

Victoria’s proposed reserve price disclosure law could change how Melbourne buyers read auctions, quoted ranges and vendor expectations. This article explains what the reform may mean, what it would not solve, and how buyers should prepare before bidding.

Melbourne's 2026 Rental Rules

What Are Melbourne’s 2026 Rental Rules—and What Can Renters Actually Demand?

Victoria’s 2026 rental rules give Melbourne renters stronger rights around no-fault evictions, rent increases, application privacy, repairs, pets and minimum standards. This guide explains what tenants can actually demand, when deadlines apply, and how evidence matters at VCAT.

Why Melbourne property agents now need your ID and proof of funds

Why Does Your Melbourne Real Estate Agent Suddenly Need Extra ID and Proof of Funds?

From 1 July 2026, Australian real estate agents became part of the AML/CTF regime for designated sales and buyer services. This article explains ID checks, proof of funds, customer due diligence and what Melbourne buyers and sellers should prepare.

Melbourne auction reserve prices could soon go public

Why Could Melbourne Auction Reserve Prices Soon Become Public Knowledge?

Victoria’s proposed reserve price disclosure reform could require Melbourne auction reserve prices to be published before auction day. This guide explains underquoting, buyer costs, likely timing, and how public reserve prices may change bidding strategy.

Negative Gearing and CGT Changes Melbourne

Negative Gearing and CGT Changes Explained: What Should Melbourne Property Owners Do Before July 2027?

Negative gearing and CGT reforms are moving toward their 1 July 2027 start date. Melbourne property owners should confirm purchase timing, model hold-versus-sell scenarios, review grandfathering, and seek tax advice before making rushed decisions.

First Home Buyer's Guide 2026 Melbourne

First Home Buyer’s Guide to Melbourne 2026: How Can a Cooling Market, Rate Hikes and Stamp Duty Concessions Work in Your Favour?

Melbourne first home buyers face higher rates but more room to negotiate in 2026. This guide explains Victorian stamp duty concessions, the First Home Owner Grant, the 5% Deposit Scheme, and how to use price thresholds carefully before signing.

Hidden Property Risks Melbourne buyers should check before signing

Doctored Building Reports, Waterproofing Failures and Structural Damp: What Must Melbourne Buyers Check Before Signing?

Melbourne buyers should not rely blindly on vendor-side reports. This guide explains how to verify building and pest inspections, check waterproofing, structural damp and balcony risks, and negotiate or walk away before a contract becomes binding.


Looking For Your New Home?