Yes. Despite statewide land tax adjustments, Carrum Downs remains a standout for its relative affordability and resilience. While inner-Melbourne yields hover around 3.0%, Carrum Downs continues to offer stronger returns, with houses averaging 3.9% – 4.4% and units reaching up to 4.7%. Its proximity to major employment hubs like Dandenong South ensures a steady, reliable tenant base.

The VRLT was expanded across all of Victoria on January 1, 2025. It targets residential properties left vacant for more than six months in a calendar year.

• The Good News: Most Carrum Downs investment properties are “active” rentals with high occupancy rates, meaning they are exempt.

• The Warning: If you are land-banking a vacant block, be aware that from January 1, 2026, VRLT also applies to unimproved land in metropolitan Melbourne held for more than five years. We can help you navigate these exemptions.

While a 20% deposit is the gold standard to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), we have access to 2026-specific investor products:

• 10% Deposit: Available for many established residential properties.

• 5% Deposit: Accessible for certain professionals (e.g., Doctors, Accountants) through specialised lenders.

• Equity as Deposit: If you own a home in a nearby suburb like Skye or Seaford, you can often use your increased property value as security, requiring $0 cash upfront.

Absolutely. In fact, this is the top “yield play” in 2026. Victorian legislation now allows for Secondary Dwellings (DFUs)in many residential zones without a full planning permit.

LoanBrix Tip: We specialise in Dual-Occupancy Finance. We can secure funding based on the future value of both dwellings, often covering 100% of the construction costs if you have sufficient equity in the land.

From July 1, 2026, the fixed charge for the Emergency Services Levy and land tax thresholds have been adjusted. To protect your cash flow, we recommend:

1. Offset Account Optimisation: Keeping your cash in a linked offset account to reduce interest and counteract tax costs.

2. Refinancing: Moving to a lower-margin “Investor Special” rate to preserve your net yield.

3. Strategic Ownership: Discussing with your accountant whether to hold new Carrum Downs assets in an SMSF or individual names to manage tax thresholds.