An unconditional sale means the contract of sale has no further requirements needing to be met before the property transfer can occur. A conditional sale, conversely, includes clauses – or ‘conditions’ – that must be satisfied before the sale becomes final.
As of December 2025, conditional sales are common in Melbourne, particularly relating to building and pest inspections, and sometimes subject to finance approval. In the Eastern Suburbs, where competition for family homes is strong, we’re currently seeing fewer conditional offers, especially in the $1.5 million+ price range. Buyers, recognising the market, are often prepared to waive conditions to secure a property. However, a ‘subject to sale’ condition – where the buyer needs to sell their existing property – remains relatively frequent. The standard Victorian contract of sale includes a 14-day cooling-off period, allowing buyers to withdraw, though this incurs a penalty. Currently in Melbourne, the typical inspection period is 2-4 weeks, allowing time to fulfil these conditions. Fletchers’ experience shows that well-presented properties, prioritising light and renovation potential, attract fewer conditional offers in 2026. The prevalence of conditional offers can also influence pricing strategies; a property with multiple conditions attached may be priced accordingly.
Understanding the difference between unconditional and conditional sales is crucial for sellers to navigate the Victorian property market effectively.