This question relates to renting a property, not selling one. However, as of December 2025, many Melbourne homeowners considering selling may also be investors with rental properties, or may have recently been renters themselves. Understanding the rental process can be helpful when considering your next property move.
Currently in Melbourne, prospective tenants are required to pay a rental bond, typically equivalent to four weeks’ rent, and usually one month’s rent in advance. The bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) and is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. In 2026, the Victorian Government is not proposing changes to this standard practice. It’s important to note that the process for paying a bond and rent is separate from the property selling process. When selling, as Fletchers has observed over 105 years serving the Eastern Suburbs, preparation costs like styling (typically $2,000-$8,000) and marketing ($3,000-$8,000) are the primary upfront financial considerations for sellers. These costs are distinct from any rental bond or rent payments. The sales process itself, from initial appraisal to settlement, generally takes between 60-90 days.
While not directly related to selling, understanding the rental landscape in Victoria provides context for the broader property market and the financial considerations involved in property ownership.