Something unusual is happening in Victoria’s rental market, and it has no historical precedent in over two decades of recorded data. For the first time since the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority began tracking bond lodgements, more rental bonds are being refunded than lodged. Put simply, rental properties are leaving the market faster than they’re entering…
The 1970s may have been known for flamboyant clothing, but their architecture was somewhat less exciting. In fact, property from that time period could almost be described as quite “bland” – at least from the outside. Inside, of course, was a different story with the wallpaper often featuring paisley motifs and the floors festooned with…
Everyone’s been talking about what the federal budget means for property investors, and what it might do to house prices and affordability. But very few people are asking what it means for the millions of Australians who rent. Renters have been largely invisible in this conversation, and that’s a problem, because they’re the ones who…
The most successful property investors have a number of tools in their landlord kit bags. One of the most important of them all is using professional property managers to do the heavy lifting for them. That’s because, to create significant wealth, investors not only need to be strategic with their property purchases, but they also…
Every few months, the debate about short-term rentals flares up again. Policymakers point the finger at Airbnb and similar platforms, hoping that stricter regulations will somehow free up more homes for long-term renters. But a new survey has revealed something that may surprise many: the overwhelming majority of short-term rental hosts have no intention of…
Tight rental markets don’t automatically mean rising rents forever – and that’s exactly what we’re seeing play out right now across Australia. The Domain Rental Report – March 2026 shows national vacancy rates have fallen to a record low of 0.7%, yet rent growth has stalled in several cities. The reason comes down to one…
I get this question all the time. Most property investment commentators will tell you that a vacancy rate under 2–3% is a sign of a strong rental market. That answer, however, is incomplete, and in some cases, dangerously misleading. Relying on vacancy rates alone has cost many investors significant money, particularly in inner-city apartment markets…
Property management used to be about collecting the rent, fixing leaky taps, and making sure the lawn got mowed. That’s what we hired managers for, wasn’t it? But fast-forward to 2025, and we’re looking at a whole new ball game. Today’s property managers are part strategist, part tech-whiz, part asset manager – and all of…
For the past few years, Australia’s rental market has been in overdrive. Investors have seen record returns, renters have felt the pinch, and headlines have been dominated by “crisis” talk. But now, as we begin a new year, something’s shifted. No, rents haven’t crashed. In fact, they’re still sitting near record highs in most capital…
If you thought buying property was getting harder, try renting the dream lifestyle. Across Australia, rents have skyrocketed so fast that simply living where you want is becoming a luxury for some people. New research from Domain paints a stark picture of our rental future, one where proximity, prestige and even basic comfort come with…
