Victoria’s rental laws are changing dramatically from November 2025. The reforms, in the Housing Statement Reform Act 2024, bring longer notice periods for evictions, the abolition of ‘no-fault’ evictions and tighter restrictions on rental bidding and payments. The changes will transform the rental market and open up a whole new playing field for home buyers and landlords.
Under the new laws, landlords must give tenants 90 days’ notice to vacate, up from 60 days. They also need a genuine reason to end a tenancy – ‘no reason’ evictions are outlawed. Agents and owners can no longer accept rent bids above the listed price, and tenants cannot prepay more than one month’s rent. Every rental property must meet mandatory safety standards before it’s advertised, and authorities will use a new framework to scrutinise rent increases. All these measures add compliance work for property managers and landlords.
Fewer landlords, tougher market – Smart Buyers Act Early
The tougher laws are already prompting many small investors to reassess. Industry sources say rising compliance costs have “forced many investors to look to sell their properties in Victoria”. Official data backs this up: Victoria lost about 24,700 rental homes in 2024 as landlords exited. With fewer landlords, rental vacancies shrink and rents continue to climb. In practice, that means tenants face higher rent growth and more competition for every new listing.
Homebuyers and investors should be mindful of these trends. Our buyer’s agents guide clients to suburbs with solid fundamentals where the effect of rental reforms is softened. Since they are taking action now and securing a place at today’s prices, buyers can potentially save on rent payments in the future and reap the rewards of price growth. In other words, the proactive purchase supported by expert advice is still the best buy in this market on the move. Planning for the future is important and Key2Dreamz is with you all the way.
Key Takeaways for Buyers and Investors
➤Tighter supply boosts value: Fewer rental investors mean tighter vacancy and higher rents which tends to push property prices.
➤Buyers take advantage as investors sell: With some landlords brokerdaily.au selling off their properties, there could be a little more breathing space for buyers as more homes meet the market. Strategic buyers can exploit this shift to find value, specifically in off-market opportunities.
➤Monitor yields and risk: Robust rental demand means yields can remain attractive, but the new rules bring additional costs (long-term vacancies, compliance). Buyers should incorporate these regulatory risks into their investment strategies and budgets.
➤First-time buyers: Buy now, get an incentive New deluge of ramping rents, enhanced incentives (such as low deposit schemes) could see tenants purchasing earlier. A buyer’s agent can also help first-home buyers find affordable suburbs and maximise government schemes to buy.
➤Professional help reaps dividends: In a shifting market, a good adviser is everything. We leverage local market data and our network to uncover the best deal and negotiate effectively so you don’t pay too much.
At Key2Dreamz, we help buyers and investors make smart, well-timed property decisions. Our team studies local trends, analyses upcoming reforms, and finds opportunities before others do. Whether you’re buying your first home or expanding your portfolio, we guide you through every step, from research to negotiation, so you can buy with confidence. For expert guidance, call +61 439 260 917 or book a free consultation with our buyer’s agents today. Don’t wait too long, the best opportunities are already moving fast. The right time to act is now.