The slowdown in the Victorian housing market remains evident although there was a surprise price increase
September 2026 Column by Cameron Kusher
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Next Victorian Government must adopt fairer property sector policy settings to address market headwinds
Next Victorian Government must adopt fairer property sector policy settings to address market headwinds
Bond and Compensation Applications – Upcoming Changes
From 13 October 2026, evidence will be required to be submitted at the time a bond and/or compensation application is lodged with VCAT. Updates to the myVCAT portal to support this change are expected to go live on Monday, 5 October 2026.
Read moreFurther Tobacco regulations are now in force in Victoria
From 9 September 2026, new provisions under the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) (Tobacco Act) give Tobacco Licensing Victoria and the Victoria Police significant powers to close premises involved in the sale, supply or possession of illicit tobacco, including where tobacco is sold without a licence. The types of premises may include convenience stores, petrol stations, supermarkets and bottle shops, not just tobacconists. Significant penalties also apply including substantial fines.
Read moreBusiness Licensing Authority (BLA) Registration for Agents Representatives – An Update
Under new legislation relating to Mandatory CPD, Agents Representatives will also be required to be registered with the BLA. Agents Representatives should create a MyCAV account by November 24, 2026, to be automatically registered from November 25, 2026, onwards and will not be required to pay the initial registration fees. Registrations after that day will be required to pay registration fees.
Read moreThe value of green suburbs on house prices
REIV analysis shows that greener areas with higher tree density is 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 price of over $2.5m in the most recent June quarter with Balwyn and Canterbury ranking seventh and eighth respectively for tree density.
Read morePassing of flawed auction and property sale reforms leaves real estate industry with urgent questions on how transactions will work
Following the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 passing both houses of Parliament, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has written to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tim Richardson MP, seeking urgent clarity on aspects of the legislation which comes into effect on 1 October 2026.
Read moreGovernment must pause flawed auction reform amid confusion over how new rules will work
The REIV is calling for a pause to proposed changes under the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 following Friday’s Upper House debate, which raised serious concerns about how the Government’s proposed auction reforms would operate in practice.
Read moreThe national market is seeing weaker growth in dwelling values and Victoria is not immune
August 2026 Column by Cameron Kusher
Read moreREIV stands with Opposition to urge redrafting of impractical Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
The REIV, is today taking the unprecedented step of standing with the Opposition to urge major amendments to Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.
Read moreVictoria sees weaker growth and remains more affordable than other states
July 2026 Column by Cameron Kusher
Read moreREIV Response to the Premier's Open Letter
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has responded to the Premier’s open letter to CEO Toby Balazs, which was published on social media accounts over the weekend and appeared to misrepresent the REIV’s stance on property price transparency.
Read moreReform without reality threatens poorer property outcomes
If good legislation in the property sector is measured by its ability to deliver meaningful consumer protections and improve outcomes for all parties, then the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 falls short on all fronts.
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Real Estate Matters - A podcast by the REIV
The REIV provides a platform for informed, expert led conversations on the topics that matter to real estate professionals and enthusiasts.
A new episode of the REIV-owned podcast will launch every six weeks. The podcast will feature interviews with property sector experts and will include guests from the REIV membership, kindred bodies, policy makers and regulators.