In Victoria, urgent repairs are those that leave a property unsafe or uninhabitable, impacting essential services. These are legally defined and differ from general maintenance; as of December 2025, understanding the distinction is crucial for a smooth property sale.
Currently in Melbourne, urgent repairs typically include a broken heating system during winter, a gas leak, a burst water pipe causing significant damage, electrical faults posing a fire risk, or structural issues making the property insecure. When preparing a property for sale in the Eastern Suburbs, potential buyers – and building inspectors – will scrutinise these areas. While a seller isn’t obligated to rectify *all* issues discovered during a building inspection, failing to address urgent repairs can significantly delay the sale or negatively impact the final price. In 2026, we’re seeing buyers increasingly favour properties with a clear building report and demonstrated attention to safety. A pre-sale building inspection is common, and proactively addressing urgent items identified in that report can streamline the process. Typical costs for urgent repairs can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a minor plumbing fix to several thousand for electrical work or structural issues. Fletchers’ experience shows that transparency regarding repairs, even those not legally ‘urgent’, builds trust with potential purchasers.
Identifying and addressing urgent repairs upfront can minimise complications and maximise your property’s appeal in the Melbourne market.