01 September 2026 Melbourne’s greenest suburbs are also some of Melbourne’s most expensive. REIV analysis shows that greener areas with higher tree density are associated with higher median house prices. A suburb with tree coverage 50 per cent higher than the average for Melbourne sees an increase on their median house prices of $237,000. Two of Melbourne’s greenest suburbs had a median house...

18 August 2026 August 2026 column The slowdown in the Victorian housing market is evident in the data released over the past month. Price growth continues to slow with some declines, days on market continues to rise and the number of properties for sale in Melbourne is at a record high. Since the last column, we’ve also had new data on inflation, an RBA rate decision and quarterly mortgage lending...

22 July 2026 July 2026 column The latest REIV data shows that price growth continues to stall, properties are taking longer to sell, rents are continuing to rise at a moderate pace, and vacancy rates remain relatively elevated. Over the past month we’ve also seen new data on dwelling commencements, dwelling completions and dwellings under construction. We’ve also seen the federal...

06 July 2026 New median price data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) for the June quarter 2026 (Q2 2026) shows that while Melbourne's housing market softened over the quarter, strong annual growth across outer Melbourne and regional Victoria reinforces the underlying strength of the Victorian market. Against a backdrop of macro-economic uncertainty and policy changes, REIV's median...

22 June 2026 The VCAT (Fees) Regulations 2026 have now been made and will operationally commence from 27 June 2026. The Regulations, along with a summary of the changes and consultation submissions received, are available at: Remake of Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal fees​​ | Engage Victoria. The REIV made a submission to this review.  The intended outcome of the changes...

18 June 2026 Over the past month we’ve seen new data on economic growth which shows growth slowing, the unemployment rate has continued to trend higher, inflation has eased a little but remains uncomfortably high. Let’s look at the key data over the past month. Inflation remains elevated but the rate of growth slows In April 2026, headline inflation increased by 0.4 per cent over the...

10 June 2026 The Victorian Government has tabled an omnibus bill that impacts across the real estate sector.   Principal ActReformCommencement DateConveyancers Act 2006Authorise the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) to suspend a conveyancer’s licence if they fail to comply with trust account audit requirements.The day after the Bill receives Royal AssentEstate Agents Act 1980Authorise...

03 June 2026 MEDIA RELEASEThe Victorian Government’s introduction of legislation requiring sellers to disclose auction reserve prices seven days before auction will have a counter-productive effect on price transparency and worsen the buying experience for Victorians. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is flabbergasted by the Victorian Government’s decision to introduce the...

03 June 2026 The Victorian Government has published its long-awaited OC Act Review and announced legislation based on its recommendations.  A bill to be introduced to parliament today will include mandating new rights for owners seeking hardship payment plans, clearer rules for owners corporations starting legal proceedings over non-monetary matters, and changes to the Subdivision Act to make...

19 May 2026 May 2026 column The past month has seen a jump in inflation on the back of the war in the Middle East, another increase in interest rates and fundamental changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount announced in the federal budget. Let’s look at the data. Federal budget delivers a shock to investors The federal government in their budget for 2026-27 announced...