November 2025 Newsletter
HEY NEIGHBOUR!
Can you believe we’re only seven weeks out from Christmas? With the sun lingering a little longer and the scent of BBQs (and summer plans) in the air, Melbourne is finally shaking off its winter blues and easing into that familiar holiday mode.
It’s also a time for reflection — on a personal note, I’ve recently become a Nonna to beautiful twin babies, born just seven weeks ago. A new era for our family, filled with love, joy, and more nappies it seems than I care to count! It’s a reminder that life keeps moving — full of growth, change, and new beginnings.
2025 has brought its share of challenges and shifts across the property landscape, but also plenty of resilience and momentum. As we look ahead to 2026, the outlook is bright — for buyers, sellers, renters, and the people who support them every step of the way.
We’re also thrilled to share some exciting news from our team: The Neighbourhood Property Collective has partnered with Claremont Financial — a collaboration designed to help renters and aspiring homeowners take confident steps toward ownership.
As part of this initiative, we’ll be running free finance seminars in the new year to help you understand your borrowing potential and the path to homeownership. In the meantime, Claremont is offering complimentary financial health checks so you can assess your current position and explore your options.
If you're curious or ready to take the next step, just let us know — we’d be happy to connect you with the Claremont Financial team.
Here’s to a strong finish to the year and an even stronger start to the next one.
Warm regards,
Carmela
MARKET INSIGHTS
We strive to stay up to date on the latest market trends. Here are a few articles we think are worth reading.
Claremont Financial x The Neighbourhood (claremontfinancial.com.au)
Spring has brought renewed energy to the property market, and the outlook is bright for both homeowners and buyers. With interest rates holding steady and property values continuing to climb, now is a fantastic time to explore your options, whether you're looking to refinance, invest or unlock equity.
How Can You Take Advantage?
With rates holding steady and property values on the rise, now’s a great time to take control of your financial future:
- Refinance with confidence – Review your current loan and make sure you're getting the best possible rate and structure.
- Tap into your equity – Rising property values may allow you to unlock funds for renovations, investments, or other goals.
- Take advantage of strong lender competition – With banks actively vying for new business, there’s never been a better time to secure sharper rates and better deals. Speaking with a broker now could help you unlock the most competitive options available.
Inheritance and Property: What Heirs Need to Know (directlawyers.com.au)
-
- Australia is facing a massive inter‑generational wealth transfer: property inheritances are increasingly common.
- Inheritance of property comes with key tax considerations – including how the Australian Taxation Office treats inherited dwellings for CGT purposes.
- For recipients of inherited property, decisions include: keep and rent out, sell, or occupy – each option has legal and tax implications.
The “6‑Year Rule” for Property Investors: Why It’s So Loved (thetaxation.com.au)
-
- The “6‑year rule” allows a former main residence to be treated as such for CGT purposes for up to six years while rented out.
- It remains one of Australia’s most effective tax breaks for property investors who plan strategically with occupancy and rental periods.
- To leverage it properly you must: live in the property first, apply the rule within the correct timeframe, keep records, and understand resets.
- From a management perspective: investors who understand this rule may choose to retain older homes, rent them out, and time sale events for tax efficiency — a useful conversation starter when advising clients.
Melbourne Vacancy Rates Climb, Sales Activity Picks Up (realestate.com.au)
-
- Vacancy rates in Melbourne rose to around 1.67 % in the year to September, the largest annual rise among major capital cities.
- Sales volumes in Melbourne jumped by approximately 8% year‑on‑year for October, and the median days on market fell to ~32 days.
- The lower vacancy and faster turnover suggest tightening rental market and renewed buyer confidence.
- With these dynamics, property managers and investors should monitor yield implications and capital growth potential in Melbourne suburbs.
