The sector urges the Government to review the regulations to allow students to undertake practical work under supervision while undertaking a Certificate IV in Property Services, without impacting the recently elevated training standards.
The REIV applauds the Victorian government for lifting entry standards, however, the unintended consequence is that it has significantly slowed the new talent coming through the sector.
The real estate profession is a leading economic contributor, currently employing thousands with almost 73 per cent (2021 ABS Census of Population and Housing) of all rental properties are managed by a real estate agent.
Since 2017, Victoria has seen an increase of 53 per cent to 56,000 people employed in the property sector. Its potential to employ thousands more is in front of government and industry, and a few simple changes could see the state attract more professionals, including many from interstate.
The Victorian Government needs to help attract new talent to work in the real estate industry, as the sector is experiencing significant staffing shortages, especially in residential property management and junior roles.
September 2026 Column by Cameron Kusher
Read moreFrom 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 moreFrom 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 moreUnder 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 moreREIV 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 moreFollowing 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 moreThe 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 moreAugust 2026 Column by Cameron Kusher
Read moreThe REIV, is today taking the unprecedented step of standing with the Opposition to urge major amendments to Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.
Read moreJuly 2026 Column by Cameron Kusher
Read moreThe 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 moreIf 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.
Read more