What Renters Can Do When Leases End Amid Tight Supply in Ringwood

An increasing number of renters in Ringwood are bracing for lease expiries this month with limited options for renewal, as the city’s property market continues to feel the crunch of low vacancy rates and rising rents.

The spike in demand comes as major new developments around The Gateway precinct and the ongoing upgrade of the Ringwood Station has made the area more attractive, drawing new residents while supply lags behind. Many tenants are anxious about being able to stay in their current homes or find alternatives nearby when leases expire in July and August-a historically busy moving period in the city.

Staying or Searching: Local Decisions

For residents along Wantirna Road and in the Heatherdale neighbourhood, choices are stark. Agencies like Ringwood Properties Group on Manchester Road are reporting a surge in applications for two-bedroom apartments, with waitlists at many buildings such as the Eastland Residences. With fewer than 1% of rentals advertised on local platforms such as HomeNow Ringwood last week, competition is fierce. The Maroondah Housing Support Service, based near Ringwood Lake, has reportedly seen an uptick in inquiries from tenants worried about being priced out or unable to secure new leases in the area.

According to March 2026 figures from the Victorian Residential Tenancies Database, the median weekly rent for a two-bedroom unit in Ringwood reached $495 in the last quarter, up from $460 at the start of the year. At the same time, vacancy rates for the 3134 postcode dipped below 0.9% in June, one of the lowest levels recorded since 2021. Local experts point to recent population growth and stalled apartment construction around the Town Square as factors contributing to the squeeze.

What Can Renters Do?

As lease end dates loom, renters have several options. First, experts recommend open and early communication with landlords and agents. Requesting a lease extension-even for three or six months-can sometimes buy precious time, especially if the property is not immediately set for sale or renovation. The Maroondah Housing Support Service runs free drop-in sessions on Thursdays at its South Road office, offering advice on negotiating with landlords, understanding notice periods, and navigating the Victorian bond system.

For those needing to move, consider searching in adjoining suburbs like Mitcham or Croydon North, where some properties have slightly higher vacancy rates, or smaller complexes off Mount Dandenong Road. Shared accommodation is another growing option, with listings on Ringwood Connect (the local noticeboard site) up 30% compared to last winter. Finally, the Maroondah Community Housing Register accepts applications for priority affordable rentals for eligible households-though waiting times can be significant.

With Ringwood’s next round of major apartment completions not due until mid-2027, the market is likely to remain tight for some time. Renters facing lease expiry are urged to act early, seek local support, and make contingency plans given ongoing high demand across the suburb.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.