Housing affordability and availability

Housing affordability and availability

In September 2023, the Victorian Government released Victorian’s Housing Statement. It is an ambitious ten-year plan to build 800,000 new homes across the state to combat the current housing shortage that Victoria is experiencing. The REIV commends the government’s commitment to promoting housing provision and accessibility whilst improving housing affordability.

Key Documents

Victoria's Housing Statement

REIV response to the Housing Statement

Housing Statement

The REIV continues to be an integral advisor to the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement Industry Advisory Board. As the Housing Statement’s objectives continue to roll out alongside the Allan Government’s commitment to build 800,000 new homes across the next decade, it is key that industry figures contribute to its design and implementation.

The REIV is engaging with CAV and other stakeholders as they commence work on the design and development of Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV).

It has been confirmed a review of the RTA is due to commence soon.

Inquiry into Rental and Housing Affordability Crisis in Victoria

The REIV submission to the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee’s Inquiry into the rental and housing affordability crisis in Victoria (Inquiry) outlines the REIV’s position on this important issue. There are a large number of factors contributing to the low availability and high cost of rental properties in Victoria, and they all ultimately relate to supply and demand. The single best solution for the state’s current so-called ‘rental crisis’ is to increase housing supply. Now.

The ecosystem that the Victorian rental market currently operates in, has led to a shortage of available rental properties and increased competition. To address this, there is a need to encourage more investment and increase the supply of available rental homes to meet rising rental demand.

Rental Bonds fall significantly across Victoria

The report provides critical insights into the private rental market in Victoria through key statistics. Notably, rental bonds for new lettings have significantly fallen across the state, a concerning indicator for the rental ecosystem.

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New congestion levy announced for 2026

In December 2024, the Victorian Government announced changes to the congestion levy for parts of inner Melbourne, which will come into effect in January 2026

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Reminder that VRLT and AOS notifications are due

This is a reminder that notifications for the vacant residential land tax (VRLT) and absentee owner surcharge (AOS) are due today (15 January 2024). Further, changes have been made to the VRLT.

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Short Stay Levy in Place Effective 1 January

The SRO has issued reminders on changes to Victoria’s tax system, effective 1st January 2025. This includes changes to the short-stay levy, which passed the Victorian Parliament in October 2024.

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Rental Bonds fall significantly across Victoria

The report provides critical insights into the private rental market in Victoria through key statistics. Notably, rental bonds for new lettings have significantly fallen across the state, a concerning indicator for the rental ecosystem.

New congestion levy announced for 2026

In December 2024, the Victorian Government announced changes to the congestion levy for parts of inner Melbourne, which will come into effect in January 2026

Read more

Reminder that VRLT and AOS notifications are due

This is a reminder that notifications for the vacant residential land tax (VRLT) and absentee owner surcharge (AOS) are due today (15 January 2024). Further, changes have been made to the VRLT.

Read more

Short Stay Levy in Place Effective 1 January

The SRO has issued reminders on changes to Victoria’s tax system, effective 1st January 2025. This includes changes to the short-stay levy, which passed the Victorian Parliament in October 2024.

Read more

Annual Reports – An overview

Key updates from CAV, Tenants Victoria, SRO, and VCAT highlight compliance, taxation, and dispute resolution shaping Victorian real estate.

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Capital gains withholding: Impacts on foreign and Australian residents

Capital gains withholding changes: 15% rate applies to all property sales from Jan 2025.

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RBA Update December 2024

Statement by the Reserve Bank Board: Monetary Policy Decision

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The Senate has released its findings on Australia’s financial regulatory framework and its impacts on home ownership

A Senate inquiry calls for reforms to help first-home buyers, including changes to APRA’s lending rules and support for co-ownership lending. The report urges policies to improve homeownership access.

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Federal Parliament Legislative Changes December 2024 Update

The Albanese Government passed key bills, including incentives for build-to-rent developments, the Help to Buy scheme, and expanded anti-money laundering rules for real estate professionals.

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Key Changes in the 2024 Housing Reform Bill

The Victorian Government's 2024 Housing Reform Bill introduces new regulations for the rental market, real estate professionals, and planning processes, including stricter rent increase rules, mandatory licensing, and streamlined development approvals.

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Further proposed rental reforms risk more damage to rental market

In response to new legislation, the REIV welcomes some measures but warns that other new measures will add further strain to a rental market already under pressure.

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Real Estate Sector Raises Concerns Over AML/CTF Bill's Compliance Costs

The federal government’s AML/CTF Amendment Bill has been scrutinised by the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee through an inquiry.

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Off-the-plan stamp duty concessions sail through Parliament

The Victorian Government’s temporary off-the-plan stamp duty concession is expected to pass through Parliament without any amendments.

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