Forge Real Estate

Before signing a Melbourne property contract, do not rely blindly on a vendor-side building report. Buyers should commission their own independent building and pest inspection, check the inspector’s qualifications and insurance, and pay close attention to waterproofing failure, structural damp, balcony leaks, and missing report pages. A small stain, vague note, or excluded area can become a costly repair after settlement.

Negative gearing and CGT changes are now a planning issue for Melbourne property owners, not just a headline. With key rules scheduled from 1 July 2027, investors should check purchase dates, understand grandfathering, model hold-versus-sell scenarios, and speak with a registered tax adviser before rushing into a decision. The best answer depends on your property’s rent, growth outlook, debt level, maintenance costs, and future resale appeal.

Buying your first home in Melbourne in 2026 may feel harder with higher rates, but the softer market can also create real opportunities. Stamp duty concessions, the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant, and the 5% Deposit Scheme can make a big difference if you plan around the right price thresholds. The key is not just buying cheaper, but buying smarter: check eligibility, compare suburbs, review building quality, and negotiate carefully before signing.

Thank you, Gaurav Kumar for leaving us a review.
Read full review: https://birdeye.cx/o6htkx

Is Melbourne’s housing market crashing in 2026? The data suggests correction, not collapse. Values have softened, forecasts are more cautious, and buyers have more negotiating room, but this is not yet a citywide crash. The pressure is uneven: houses, premium suburbs and some outer growth corridors may feel it more, while lower-priced units can still attract demand. For buyers, the key is comparing discounts against recent settled sales, not old price guides. For sellers, realistic pricing matters more than waiting for a 2025 result.

Victoria’s vacant residential land tax is expanding again from 1 January 2026, and some Melbourne owners may face higher holding costs. The big change is undeveloped residential-capable land in metropolitan Melbourne: if it has stayed undeveloped for five years or more, VRLT may apply. Vacant homes, stalled renovations and uninhabitable dwellings can also be caught. This is not aimed at ordinary owner-occupiers or genuinely rented properties, but land bankers and investors need to review exemptions, notification deadlines and cash flow carefully before assuming vacancy is harmless.

Victoria’s rental rules have changed in a major way for 2026. No-fault evictions are now banned, rental bidding is illegal, advertised rent must be fixed, and rental providers must meet minimum standards before a property is listed. Rent increase and some notice periods have also moved from 60 to 90 days, with further application, bond, safety and energy-efficiency changes rolling out through 2026 and 2027. For renters, this means stronger protection and clearer rights. For landlords, it means compliance needs to happen before problems appear.

Where can first home buyers still find real value in Melbourne in 2026? It is not always the cheapest suburb. The better question is where infrastructure, affordability, lifestyle, and future buyer demand are starting to line up. From Sunshine West, Albion, Coburg and Preston units, to outer growth corridors like Tarneit, Rockbank, Mickleham and Sunbury, each option comes with different trade-offs. Budget matters, but commute time, build quality, planning overlays, and long-term liveability matter just as much.