January 24, 2026 — 6:00am
A political fight is looming over Victoria’s landmark auction laws after the real estate lobby announced its strong opposition to the plan and unveiled alternative reforms.
A demerit point system to punish recidivist agents, free building inspection reports and a ban on withholding sale prices are among the changes proposed in the blueprint by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).
Real Estate Institute of Victoria chief executive Toby Balazs is hopeful the Victorian government will seriously consider the group’s blueprint. Arsineh Houspian While the eight-point plan would significantly water down the Allan government’s bid to force sellers to disclose their exact reserve price before the auction, industry leaders argue their blueprint goes further in reforming the sector.
“We really do believe this is a very fair and equitable and workable solution,” said REIV chief executive Toby Balazs. “What they’re doing at the moment is counterproductive … the question we’re asking is, are they trying to diminish or kill off auctions?”
The case against the government’s plan Late last year, Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said his government would introduce Australia-first laws to address rampant underquoting by requiring agents to publish the owner’s reserve price at least seven days before auction day or fixed-date sale.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos prepares to announce landmark auction laws in November. Eddie Jim Staikos has also indicated the government could be open to further reforms.
The “massive” change followed this mas
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