If you own a holiday house or other residential property in Victoria, it’s time to take note: Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) notifications are due by 15 February 2026.
What’s changing?
From the 2026 land tax year, the VRLT rules have been expanded. Unimproved residential land that has been left undeveloped for at least five years may now be subject to VRLT. This means more property owners could fall within the net, including those holding long term vacant blocks.
Who needs to lodge?
If your Victorian residential property was vacant for six months or more during the 2025 calendar year, you’re required to lodge a VRLT notification with the State Revenue Office (SRO). This applies to the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, and the notification must be submitted online via the SRO’s VRLT portal.
Even if you think you're exempt…
You may still need to lodge.
Owners of properties that qualify for an exemption must still submit a VRLT notification. The exemption is claimed as part of that notification. The only time you don’t need to lodge is when:
- You lodged a VRLT notification for 2025 claiming an exemption,
- The exemption was approved, and
- The way you used the property hasn’t changed.
What to do now
If you have a vacant or holiday property in Victoria, now’s the time to review your obligations and make sure everything is in order well before the 15 February deadline.
VRLT exemptions also apply to certain holiday homes, recent purchases, newly residential land, land incapable of development, work accommodation, adjoining undeveloped land, and from 1 January 2026, homes under construction, renovation, or uninhabitable.
See full details here: VRLT exemptions.
If you’d like help understanding whether your property is caught by the new VRLT rules or qualifies for an exemption, our team is here to help.
Megan Goodwin is a Partner in Specialist Medical Services, providing comprehensive advice to medical professionals to support financial clarity and confidence. Direct, genuine, and reliable, she builds strong client relationships and delivers strategies focused on achieving both personal and business objectives.
