Negative buyer feedback in early 2026 is frequently a symptom of increased price sensitivity following RBA rate hikes in February and March (Domain). To manage this, vendors must distinguish between property-specific issues and broader market caution, ensuring price guides reflect current clearance rates, which are generally lower than 2025 levels. Buyers in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
Prioritise renovations in kitchens and bathrooms to achieve the highest ROI, and ensure car accommodation is sufficient, as double garages add meaningful value in family suburbs. Professional styling is now a market standard in Melbourne, with styled homes achieving 7.5–15% more than non-styled comparable properties (WhichRealEstateAgent). April 2026 buyers are exhibiting caution following RBA rate
Professional styling is the correct choice for most Melbourne vendors in 2026, as it is now considered standard practice rather than a luxury (Home Styling Melbourne, April 2026). Data indicates professionally styled homes achieve 7.5–15% more than non-styled comparable properties (WhichRealEstateAgent). Buyers currently have high expectations for presentation, and the perceived value of a home
The most effective way to increase perceived space is through professional property staging, which industry data indicates can achieve prices 7.5–15% higher than non-styled comparable properties (WhichRealEstateAgent). Vendors can opt for full furniture hire or partial styling to refresh existing pieces with new rugs, artwork, and lighting. By April 2026, professional staging has become standard
Proper decluttering involves removing personal effects and excess furniture to maximise perceived space and neutralise the environment. This preparation is critical in the current Melbourne market where clearance rates have dipped to 59.1% (Cotality, April 2026), making high-standard presentation essential to attract a smaller pool of active buyers. Buyers are currently more discerning, and properties
Vendors should generally not be present during open inspections. Buyer urgency has dampened following February and March 2026 RBA rate hikes (Domain), making it critical that a professional agent manages the narrative and gathers candid feedback without the owner’s presence influencing the buyer’s psychological positioning. Homeowners often feel a welcome gesture helps a sale, but
Buyers prioritising middle and outer ring properties focus on land size, bedroom and bathroom counts, and double garages for family utility. In inner areas, premiums are driven by period character and north-facing orientation, while high-ROI renovations are concentrated in kitchens and bathrooms (CoreLogic/Cotality, April 2026). We are seeing a two-speed market where affordable and outer-suburban
Professional photography is a standard requirement for Melbourne campaigns, included in standard vendor-paid advertising (VPA) packages costing $6,500–$8,000. When paired with professional styling, which can increase property achievements by 7.5–15% (WhichRealEstateAgent), high-quality imagery is essential to attract buyers in a market where urgency has dampened due to recent RBA rate hikes (Domain). Buyer behaviour has
Yes, professional styling is worth the investment as styled homes in Australia achieve 7.5–15% more than non-styled comparable properties (WhichRealEstateAgent). By 2026, staging has transitioned from a luxury to a standard requirement in Melbourne’s competitive residential market (Home Styling Melbourne). Buyer urgency has dampened following RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 (Domain). With
Street appeal is critical for establishing the broad buyer appeal necessary to drive competition in auction-favoured markets, particularly in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. In a market where buyers have become more price-sensitive, the initial visual impression directly influences the number of bidders and the final achieved price. First impressions now act as a primary filter for
