REIV News

Auction preview for week ending 26th May

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:57:00 +1100

This weekend the REIV is expecting around 720 auctions.

Renovate or relocate

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:50:00 +1100

Home owners and buyers frequently discuss the question of whether to renovate or simply move when their home is no longer meeting their needs.

Sydney apartment prices compared to Melbourne

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:48:00 +1100

It is well known that Sydney is more expensive than Melbourne and this is highlighted by a comparison of the most expensive suburbs for units and apartments.

Budget assists property owners but at a cost to first home buyers

Tue, 7 May 2013 04:01:00 +1100

The 2013-14 Victorian State Budget helps to provide conditions for improved economic growth over the next four years.

House prices show moderate growth in April

Mon, 6 May 2013 12:31:00 +1100

The Melbourne housing market continues to slowly appreciate with another moderate rise in prices during April.

Budget an opportunity to commence tax reform

Mon, 6 May 2013 12:00:00 +1100

Tomorrow’s 2013-14 Victorian State Budget is the opportunity for the new Treasurer to make a start on tax reform.

Inner city rental homes become more available

Thu, 2 May 2013 12:00:00 +1100

The REIV’s rental market data has shown increasing vacancy rates and no overall increases in median rents in April.

Majority of first home buyers to be worse off under changes

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:54:00 +1100

The REIV has said that the abolition of the $7,000 First Home Owners Grant from 1 July is a blow for the majority of buyers planning to purchase a home.

Property ancestry

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:50:00 +1100

Who owned your house before you? How much did they pay for it?

March rental market update

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:11:00 +1100

The number of vacant rental homes in Victoria reduced over the March quarter leading to a small rise in median asking rents.

Where the young renters are

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:07:00 +1100

The Census allows the comparison of a wide range of data on housing choices and trends and analysis of this can provide very interesting information for investors.

Regional Victorian house prices rise in the March quarter

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:56:00 +1100

The median house price in Regional Victoria was $311,500 (seasonally adjusted) in the March quarter following a 2.1 per cent increase from $305,000 (seasonally adjusted) in the previous quarter.

Melbourne house prices rise in March quarter

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:49:00 +1100

The median house price in Melbourne was $561,500 (seasonally adjusted) in the March quarter following a 5.1 per cent increase from $534,000 (seasonally adjusted) in the previous quarter.

Housing affordability improves

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 10:36:00 +1100

Housing affordability has improved by 20 per cent since the prices peaked in late 2010 and this is one of the reasons why more buyers are currently active in the residential market.

House prices show moderate rise in March

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 08:50:00 +1100

The REIV’s April Research Bulletin reveals an increase in the Melbourne House Price Index (HPI) of 0.9 per cent and a 1.1 per cent rise in the Unit Price Index (UPI) in the month of March.

Pre Easter market wrap

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:32:00 +1100

Excepting for a few auctions – half of which are on the Mornington Peninsula - the month of March is largely complete and indications that the market has moderately improved are clear.

Record number of auctions this weekend

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:46:00 +1100

In what is likely to be the 5th biggest weekend on record the REIV is expecting around 1,210 auctions.

Victorian REIV Members win national awards

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:36:00 +1100

The REIV congratulates its Members who won awards at the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s 8th National Awards for Excellence.

Long term growth

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:53:00 +1100

On an annual basis the REIV releases median prices for the previous calendar year.

Rental Vacancy rates to be provided for Albury and Wodonga region

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:42:00 +1100

In a new initiative the Real Estate Institutes of Victoria and New South Wales will now provide a monthly rental vacancy rate for the Albury/Wodonga region.

The rise of the million dollar city fringe

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:53:00 +1100

Some new suburbs are regulary appearing in the list of those with a million dollar median.

Healthy start to 2013

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 09:06:00 +1100

The 2013 residential market has commenced with the same improving trend that last year ended with.

Keys to using a Buyers Agent

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 09:03:00 +1100

As we head into the autumn selling season buyers would be very wise to use the services of a buyer’s agent, after all vendors always have an estate agent acting on their behalf, handling inquiries, marketing the property and ensuring the best possible sale price.

Auction preview for 2 and 3 March

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:09:00 +1100

This weekend the REIV is expecting around 970 auctions.

Research shows downsizing benefits

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:21:00 +1100

The REIV has released data that reveals the amount of equity that could be unlocked through downsizing by retiree-aged home owners.

The basics of auctions and private sales

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:05:00 +1100

There are two methods of sale for residential property in Victoria: public auction and private sale.

What is a vendors bid

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:03:00 +1100

If you attend a public auction you may hear the auctioneer announce that during the auction they may make ‘vendor bids’. What is a ‘vendor bid’?

How to access property sales results

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:48:00 +1100

The REIV will again start publishing property sales results on a weekly basis this weekend. So if you ever wanted to know how much a home sold for you will find that...

Growth returns to Melbourne housing market in December quarter

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +1100

The REIV December quarter medians confirm strengthening demand and an increase in housing prices in Melbourne.

Rental market update

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:58:00 +1100

The availability of rental homes continues to improve with a vacancy rate of 2.3 per cent being recorded in Melbourne and 2.6 per cent in Regional Victoria over the month of December last year.

Schools and prestige appliances used to sell expensive homes

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 08:12:00 +1100

Analysis of the 3.78 million words used in selling property on realestateview.com.au in 2012 reveals the different approach used by real estate agents to sell expensive and affordable homes.

Residential property values exceed a trillion

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:47:00 +1100

Property is a significant part of the Victorian economy and holds a large portion of the state’s overall wealth.

REIV releases first home buyer guide

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:56:00 +1100

The REIV has released a first home buyer’s guide which highlights the average weekly repayment required to buy houses and units classified by size across Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo.

Key statistics for 2012 Victorian Property Market

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:09:00 +1100

REIV reseach indicates that there will be around 69,000 residential sales in Melbourne in 2013 with 23 per cent sold by auction compared to 72,000 sales in 2011 with 24 per cent by auction.

Residential property market ready for growth in 2013

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:03:00 +1100

REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said that 2012 was ending with the market in a better position than it was a year ago and improved levels of affordability would ensure buyers continue to be well placed in 2013.

The long term clearance rate is 66 per cent

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 09:19:00 +1100

Analysis of archived REIV data shows that in the last 31 years the average clearance rate at auction has been 66 per cent.

Melbournes auction hot spots

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:48:00 +1100

The REIV has released data that reveals, for the first time, the suburbs where auctions are the main method of sale and those where private sales are.

Section 32 Review

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:14:00 +1100

The state government has announced a review of Section 32 of the Sale of Land Act.

A comparison of income and the price of housing

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 02:43:00 +1100

According to the Census the average household income for those with a mortgage in Victoria was $1,950 per week in 2011.

Most first home buyers to benefit from 30 per cent stamp duty cuts

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 09:09:00 +1100

The next round of stamp duty cuts for first home buyers will come into effect on1 January, 2013, when the current 20 per cent discount is increased to 30 per cent.

2012 REIV Awards for Excellence winners

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:09:00 +1100

The REIV Awards for Excellence were announced at the annual real estate gala event in front of over 1,100 real estate professionals and dignitaries at the Crown Palladium Ballroom on 18 October.

Neville Sanders is the new REIV President

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 02:41:00 +1100

Neville Sanders of Whittles has been elected as the President of the REIV for 2012-2013. He is a third-generation estate agent and has been actively involved in real estate for over 45 years.

REIV rejects deregulation of commercial and industrial real estate

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:47:00 +1100

The REIV has called on the Victorian Government to reject the current proposal to remove the educational, probity and licence requirements for commercial real estate agents.

Housing market stable in September quarter with small improving trend

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 03:39:00 +1100

The REIV September quarter medians show that the residential housing market continues to remain stable with a median house price in Melbourne of $530,000 compared to the revised June quarter median of $525,000.

International Real Estate Federation President to visit Melbourne

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 12:16:00 +1100

The World President of FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation), Judy Shenefield, will visit Melbourne from the 14–19 October to meet with the REIV and Victorian real estate agents.

Home Buyer Show Presentation

Mon, 8 Oct 2012 09:28:00 +1100

The REIV provided a presentation at the Home Buyer Show on the current state of the property market.

REIV rejects deregulation of farm sales

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 08:56:00 +1100

Under current national licensing proposals, 2,790 Victorian farm owners face the loss of consumer protections when selling or leasing.

Word of mouth the most important referral source

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:39:00 +1100

In a survey of REIV Members, it was found that the most important referral source was word of mouth.

REIV welcomes move to cut red tape

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:15:00 +1100

The REIV has welcomed the move by the State Government to cut red tape by removing the requirement for retail leases to be lodged with the Small Business Commissioner.

In 2008 the REIV said the law should change

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:55:00 +1100

Recent press about successful bidders not signing the contract of sale highlights the need for a change to the law. This article is from the REIV archives and was published in 2008.

The basics of business broking

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:03:00 +1100

The business of buying, selling and leasing of residential, rural and commercial property for investment purposes is well known and understood; the same cannot be said regarding the purchase of an operating business.

2012 Commercial and Industrial Marketing Award winners

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 09:03:00 +1100

The REIV has announced the winners of the 2012 Commercial & Industrial Marketing Awards.

Higher land tax is not the solution to more affordable housing

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:28:00 +1100

Victoria’s affordable housing issues will not be solved by increasing residential rates and reducing or removing negative gearing.

Rental vacancy rates in July

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:57:00 +1100

According to the REIV’s most recent data on the rental market, the availability of rental homes has contracted slightly in the three months ending in July.

Single person households dominate inner bayside

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:27:00 +1100

St Kilda, St Kilda West, Carlton, Elwood and South Yarra have the highest proportion of single person households in Melbourne, according to REIV analysis of the 2011 Census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

An interesting point about Portsea and Sorrento

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:21:00 +1100

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) divides housing tenure into three broad categories: those owned outright; those owned with a mortgage; and the rest, which are rented.

A more authoritative list of million-dollar suburbs

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:09:00 +1100

By reviewing the sales on a suburban basis over the previous 12 months, the REIV has been able to develop a comprehensive list of suburbs with a median house price in excess of a million dollars.

An exclusive authority

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:08:00 +1100

When appointing a real estate agent to sell a home, a vendor has a choice of two ‘authorities’: the exclusive and the general. The authority is the legal contract between the vendor and the agent.

Residential Novice Auctioneers' Competition finalists

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 04:49:00 +1100

The finalists in the Residential Novice Auctioneers' Competition have been decided.

Higher home values do not equal higher rates

Mon, 6 Aug 2012 08:37:00 +1100

With home owners receiving their annual rates bills right about now, there is a lot of attention being paid to council valuations and how much the bill itself has changed.

Vendors can choose the reserve

Mon, 6 Aug 2012 08:36:00 +1100

While more entertainment than real estate, the recent auction of The Block properties did provide a valuable lesson for buyers and sellers.

Doors open on the future of Melbourne

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:53:00 +1100

The state government is currently holding two simultaneous consultations; and the outcome of each will have a substantial impact on how the city changes for the future.

NSW and Vic CEOs discuss stamp duty replacement

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 08:51:00 +1100

On this week’s Melbourne Property TV CEO's of the REIV and REINSW discuss the topical issue of replacing stamp duty.

Jeremy Tyrrell wins 2012 Senior Auctioneer of the Year

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +1100

Jeremy Tyrrell from Fletchers Real Estate is the winner of today’s REIV Senior Auctioneers’ Competition.

Property sells in growth suburbs

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:55:00 +1100

The Sunday Age recently reported that there were large numbers of homes for sale in a range of the city’s outer suburbs.

Melbourne residential market remains stable

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:31:00 +1100

The latest REIV house price data shows that the median price of a house in Melbourne has remained steady at $535,000 in the June quarter.

Mortgage holders exceed owners

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 09:07:00 +1100

The Census provides a good opportunity to look at how the structure of home ownership has changed over time.

Census shows more renters

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:54:00 +1100

The first release of the 2011 Census provides some interesting information about the structure of housing in Melbourne and how it has changed.

Vendors to disclose threat of bushfire to land

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:49:00 +1100

The Victorian Parliament amended the Sale of Land Act in the first week of June to give effect to a recommendation of the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday bushfires.

Increased supply eases pressure on house prices

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:57:00 +1100

The latest report by the Federal Government’s National Housing Supply Council provides one indication of the current state of the Victorian residential property market.

Background on land tax and stamp duty

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 12:40:00 +1100

With the ACT Government moving to replace Stamp Duty with Land Tax the recent article from the Estate Agent is worth reading.

REIV Senior Auctioneers Competition

Tue, 5 Jun 2012 04:48:00 +1100

The 5 REIV Members competing to be the Senior Auctioneer of the Year on 18th July have been selected.

Assistance for first home buyers from 1 July

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 +1100

Victorian Government has changed the way in which they will be assisting first home buyers so that more people benefit.

What drives investment decisions

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:01:00 +1100

The REIV regularly surveys its Members to measure market sentiment and develop a deeper understanding of what influences decisions about buying, selling or leasing.

All first home buyers to benifit

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:59:00 +1100

The Victorian Government has changed the way in which they will be assisting first home buyers so that more people benefit.

Pre-auction offers

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:56:00 +1100

Just because a home is advertised for auction does not mean you have to wait ‘til the day of the auction to bid for it.

Relative value of units and houses

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:54:00 +1100

While it is generally understood that the purchase price of a unit or apartment is significantly lower than that for a detached house, it’s interesting to review that across a range of suburbs.

State Budget focus on economic growth will help property market

Tue, 1 May 2012 04:39:00 +1100

The REIV has welcomed the priority placed on ensuring economic growth in the Victorian Budget and the provision of ongoing funding for stamp duty cuts for first home buyers.

Victorian State Budget should help all first home buyers

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:24:00 +1100

The REIV has called for a change to first home buyer’s assistance in Tuesday’s state budget.

Property market in period of stability

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:43:00 +1100

The REIV 2012 March quarter median prices show that property prices have remained flat over the quarter and year.

Auction update for March quarter

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 04:56:00 +1100

At the end of the March quarter there were 5 suburbs that have a clearance rate over 80 per cent.

House prices in 2011

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 08:59:00 +1100

The REIV has recently released the median prices for 2011.

Who pays the duty?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:01:00 +1100

As the debate continues about how to replace stamp duty...

State Budget provides opportunity for taxation reform

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:50:00 +1100

The REIV has released its State Budget submission for 2012–13, highlighting a need to continue state-based tax reform, assist first home buyers and reduce taxes to promote investment in Victoria.

The most expensive suburbs in 2011

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:45:00 +1100

The REIV 2011 median prices show that Toorak was the most expensive suburb with a median of $2,567,500.

Give investors a fairer go

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:44:00 +1100

In many parts of Victoria there is a shortage of rental homes and the only way the shortage will be fixed is if more individuals invest.

Decline in affordable rental homes

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 09:01:00 +1100

The most recent data about the cost of rental accommodation has revealed a substantial decline in the provision of affordable rental accommodation throughout Victoria.

Buyers rights to cool-off changed on 1 March

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 08:40:00 +1100

If you are a buyer of residential real estate you will find that the cooling-off rules have now changed.

February rental vacancy rates

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:43:00 +1100

The residential rental vacancy rate in Melbourne is currently 2.4 per cent, confirming that the city has moved from having a shortage of rental homes to a more balanced market.

Melbourne Property TV returns Monday 5 March

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:36:00 +1100

New episodes of the only weekly television show about the local property market – Melbourne Property TV – commence on the 5th of March in Melbourne and Geelong and during that week in other parts of Victoria.

A view on interest rates

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:27:00 +1100

A review of the Reserve Bank decision not to change the cash rate at its most recent meeting provides a positive outlook on the Australian economy.

Supply and demand update

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:06:00 +1100

Late last year the Federal Government’s National Housing Supply Council released its 2011 State of Supply report.

Suburbs with improved affordability

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:12:00 +1100

Further analysis of the REIV December quarter median prices shows that nine out 10 suburbs have median house prices below their peak value.

December median prices by council area

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:40:00 +1100

The REIV December quarter median prices has some interesting facts about Victorian municipalities.

Vote for Melbourne Property TV in the 2012 Logies

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:52:00 +1100

Show your support by voting for Melbourne Property TV in the 2012 TV Week Logie Awards.

November market update

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:52:00 +1100

The recently released REIV median prices for the year ending 30 November show overall house prices stable in 2011 compared to 2010.

Affordability on hold

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:48:00 +1100

The affordability of housing for Victorian owner-occupiers has barely changed in the past year, according to the most recent REIA Deposit Power Housing Affordability Report.

Rental conditions ease

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:46:00 +1100

The easing of conditions in the rental market that commenced in the middle of 2008 has continued, with the Melbourne metropolitan vacancy rate exceeding three per cent in October.

Incentives for first home buyers

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 08:45:00 +1100

With house prices lower than they were at the most recent peak a year ago, now is a sensible time for those considering buying their first home to take the step into home ownership.

Negotiating your sale authority

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:14:00 +1100

Before you engage a real estate agent to sell your property, it is a good idea to consider a simple check list of the things you want to negotiate and want covered in the authority.

Less time to pay stamp duty

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:49:00 +1100

Stamp duty is an issue at the forefront of most buyers’ minds.

Buyers agents

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:35:00 +1100

Over the past decade the number or real estate agents acting as buyers agents have increased and buyers should consider using their services.

Affordable homes in expensive suburbs

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:24:00 +1100

One of the advantages of higher density housing is that if offers people the opportunity to live in inner-city areas close to the CBD, with excellent public transport and a wide range of amenities at a much lower cost.

REIV urges State Government to reform property taxes

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:22:00 +1100

The REIV has welcomed the recommendation reform state taxes from the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) Inquiry into a State-based Reform Agenda.

Regional Victoria median house prices

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 08:48:00 +1100

The REIV’s September quarter market update shows that the median house price in regional Victoria has dropped to $310,000 from $320,000 in the June quarter.

Auctions for units and apartments

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:47:00 +1100

From the broad perspective of changes in median prices, there are few differences between the market for units and apartments and houses.

Melbourne Property TV in Ballarat

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:40:00 +1100

Ballarat featured in last weeks Melbourne Property TV.

Medium term capital growth

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:19:00 +1100

The underlying message from the REIVs September quarter property update is that when 2011 is complete in two months there is unlikely to be any substantial capital growth in Melbourne compared to 2010.

Recognising the best in real estate in Victoria

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:55:00 +1100

The 2011 REIV Annual Awardsfor Excellence were held at Crown Palladium on Thursday 20 October and the best of the Victorian real estate profession was recognised.

Trevor Booth elected REIV President

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +1100

Mr Booth is a licensed real estate agent and Director of Ray White in Ballarat.

He has been on the REIV Board since 2006 and also serves as a Director of realestateVIEW.com.au.

Melbourne median house price $551,000 in September quarter

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +1100

The REIV’s September quarter market update shows that the median house price in metropolitan Melbourne has dropped to $551,000.

Loans as a market barometer

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 09:19:00 +1100

The monthly publication of housing finance data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is very useful information for those with an interest in the market.

Ten years ago

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 09:18:00 +1100

A review of some market indicators shows that a lot has changed in the past decade.

Use of the term discounting

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:25:00 +1100

There has been an increase in the use of the term ‘discounting’ to describe the local property market. Unfortunately, it is a term that fundamentally misunderstands the notion of value and price in residential real estate.

Rental affordability

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:23:00 +1100

Recent data about the availability of rental homes in Melbourne may provide an indication that the tight conditions of the past six years are beginning to ease.

Mark Sumich wins NAB Australasian Auctioneering Championship

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:51:00 +1100

Mark Sumich from New Zealand has won the 2011 NAB Australasian Real Estate Institutes’ Auctioneering Championship. The runner up was Andrew North, also from New Zealand.

Melbourne Property TV extends transmission area

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:47:00 +1100

Starting 19 September Melbourne Property TV will be broadcast outside Melbourne and Geelong.

Commercial and Industrial Marketing Award winners

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 03:25:00 +1100

The REIV has announced the winners of the 2011 Commercial & Industrial Marketing Awards.

Availability of rental homes continues to improve in Melbourne

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +1100

The July rental vacancy rates show that the availability of rental homes in Melbourne continues to improve.

Spring statistics

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:56:00 +1100

On the eve of spring it is useful to reflect on the suburbs that are performing well at auction and those where buyers may find some value.

Green stars for existing homes?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:51:00 +1100

Will green stars for existing homes make a difference to buyers?

A definitive number of private sales

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:51:00 +1100

A review of the suburbs that showed the most sales by auction and most by private sale can tell you a lot about the Melbourne property market.

Property provides solid returns

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:52:00 +1100

The recent falls in the stock market, both here and overseas, are a timely reminder about the benefits of diversified investment portfolio which includes property.

Metropolitan units and apartments

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:49:00 +1100

The REIV recently released its June quarter median prices in which the health of various segments of the market is looked at.

NBN trial shows opt-in needs to be considered

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 07:27:00 +1100

The launch today of the NBN test site in Brunswick is a reminder of the need for the State and Federal Governments to consider an opt-out system rather than relying on home owners to opt in to this essential service.

2011 Novice Auctioneers finalists

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 03:52:00 +1100

The finalists in the REIV 2011 Novice Auctioneers' Competition are...

Commercial and industrial market forecast to improve

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 10:46:00 +1100

The annual REIV Commercial & Industrial Economic Forecast Luncheon was held on Friday 22 July and attendees listened to a detailed discussion about the economy and property market.

June Quarter rental update

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 09:25:00 +1100

It would appear that the shortage of rental homes faced by the Melbourne market over the past 6 years has begun to ease.

How the clearance rate is calculated

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:39:00 +1100

Over the last three weeks a number of articles have been published which have raised some questions about the integrity of our collection method, the clearance rate and the number of sales.

Regional Victoria median house prices

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:01:00 +1100

The REIV June quarter median prices reveal that the median price of a house in regional Victoria has increased by 1.6 per cent to $325,000 from $320,000 in the March quarter. Over the past 12 months the increase has been 8.5 per cent.

What is all the fuss about auction clearance rates?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:25:00 +1100

For the last two Sundays The Age has published articles questioning the REIV’s collection and reporting of auction and private sales results.

What is the median price?

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:37:00 +1100

On the REIV website the most recent median prices can be found. To fully appreciate the information it is important to know what the ‘median’ is.

Matthew Young wins REIV Senior Auctioneers’ Competition for 2011

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:55:00 +1100

REIV President John Grabyn congratulated Matthew Young on his high degree of technical proficiency, professionalism and skill in conducting an entertaining auction.

Dwelling types over time

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:44:00 +1100

Next weekend the REIV will release its June quarter median prices for houses, units and apartments.

Clearance rates since January

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 08:22:00 +1100

In the first six months of the year there were a number of suburbs that recorded clearance rates well in excess of the city-wide 59 per cent.

Standards must remain high in real estate

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 11:58:00 +1100

The REIV has called on the Victorian Government to ensure that licensing and educational standards for Victorian real estate agents are maintained in the move to national licensing.

Auctions in Winter and Spring

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:47:00 +1100

It is traditionally the case that auction volumes reduce over winter in Melbourne and that is expected to be the case again this year.

Housing affordability update

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:53:00 +1100

The most recent release of the REIA Housing Affordability Report shows that there was a very minor improvement in affordability in the March quarter this year.

Conditions differ across Melbourne

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +1100

Research is critical when making decisions on what to buy and how much to pay at auctions.

Finalists in 2011 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:36:00 +1100

The finalists in the 2011 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year competition have been announced.

National Housing Supply Council

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +1100

The recent announcement by the Federal Government that the National Housing Supply Council has been reformed with new members is good news for all involved in the buying, selling and construction of homes.

April rental update

Mon, 30 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

The REIV April vacancy rates report reveals little improvement in the state of the rental market during the past 12 months.

Population growth and housing issues

Mon, 30 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

Accomodating our growing population is one of our community’s most pressing concerns.

Take a medium term view

Mon, 23 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

The constant debate about whether there is a bubble in the local housing market and if it has burst consistently fails to take into account the long term performance of the real estate market.

Seniors benefit from lower duty

Mon, 16 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

There has been a lot of discussion about reductions in stamp duty being offered to first home buyers after 1 July, and the improved and increased assistance for seniors is equally significant.

First home buyers can benefit from stamp duty cut this weekend

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

A factor of the recently announced 20 per cent discount on stamp duty for first home buyers that could easily be overlooked is that it may apply to homes purchased now...

REIV welcomes stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners

Tue, 3 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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Metropolitan rental market March quarter

Mon, 2 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

News Description

Medium-term returns by distance from CBD

Mon, 2 May 2011 12:00:00 +1100

News Description

Affordability worsens

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +1100

News Description

REIV releases median prices for March quarter 2011

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +1100

Recent statistics on numbers of first home buyers

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +1100

The number of Victorians buying their first home has been reducing over the last year.

Reading results? These are important terms

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +1100

Each weekend hundreds of homes are bought and sold at auction, with results reported in newspapers and at www.reiv.com.au. If you are attending an auction or reviewing the results there are some important terms you need to understand.

Ian McDonald and Tim Heavyside win national awards

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 04:33:00 +1100

Sales method - auction v private sale

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +1100

If you are planning to place your property on the market this year you will need to decide which method of sale will best suit your property.

Is there a standard commission?

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:22:00 +1100

For their services a great majority of real estate agents charge a success-based commission.

Financial matters to consider when buying your first home

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +1100

First home buyers and assistance have dropped recently as interest rates and prices have risen.

Attending an open

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:18:00 +1100

Open houses are a great way to see first-hand a home you are interested in buying, and they provide a good opportunity to find out more details.

What happens when a property is passed in at auction?

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:22:00 +1100

The last few months have seen clearance rates in the mid- to low 60s, which means there is a higher proportion of homes being passed in than there was 12 months ago.

First home buyers in need of a boost

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 10:42:00 +1100

According to data available from the Victorian Government, the number of first home buyers has reduced substantially in the past year.

Melbourne records six years below three per cent

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 10:42:00 +1100

After a minor improvement last month, the level of rental vacancies decreased again in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

Placing a value on property

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 04:08:00 +1100

Professional valuers play an important role and can be of assistance to sellers and buyers.

Melbourne residential vacancy rate below three per cent since 2005

Wed, 2 Mar 2011 10:22:00 +1100

The vacancy rate for residential properties has now been below three per cent for six years, according to the REIV January vacancy rate release.

Auction v private sales in 2010 December quarter

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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REIV releases median prices for 2010

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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Median prices by bedroom

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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Property ancestry

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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Units and apartments in the December quarter

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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November REIV rental vacancy rates

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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Melbourne median house price tops $600,000 for the first time

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +1100

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