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.

RDRV is a free VCAT service designed to assist renters and rental providers as part of the Victorian Government’s broader efforts to strengthen mutual accountability and support a fairer, more stable rental market for rental providers and renters as outlined in the Housing Statement.

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.

The REIV’s submission to the Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee’s Inquiry into the Supply of Homes in Regional Victoria highlights the urgent need to increase housing supply as the most effective solution to regional affordability and availability challenges. Regional Victoria is experiencing a significant mismatch between housing demand and supply, driven by rising development costs, planning delays, inadequate infrastructure, and increasing property taxes. These structural barriers have discouraged investment, reduced rental stock, and driven up prices for both buyers and renters.

To address this, the REIV recommends targeted tax reform, streamlined planning processes, balanced tenancy legislation, and greater infrastructure investment. Private investment, particularly through small-scale “mum and dad” providers, plays a vital role in the housing market and must be supported through consistent, fair policy settings. The REIV welcomes the opportunity to advise the committee and is actively presenting the real estate sector’s position to the inquiry.