Vacancy rates are one of the most important indicators in the rental market — but what do they really mean for property owners?
What Is a Vacancy Rate?
It’s the percentage of rental properties currently unoccupied. In Melbourne, the REIV publishes monthly vacancy rates to track market balance.
High Vacancy = Renter’s Market
More vacant homes mean more competition among landlords, which can lead to longer leasing times or lower rent offers.
Low Vacancy = Owner’s Market
When vacancy rates are low, demand outpaces supply — giving landlords stronger negotiating power and shorter downtime.
Why It Matters to You
Monitoring vacancy rates helps you adjust rent, marketing, and renewal strategies before the market shifts.
At RENTED, we track Melbourne’s vacancy data suburb by suburb — so you can make confident, informed decisions about your property.
