Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a one-off premium paid by buyers with a deposit of less than 20% to protect the lender against loss. In 2026, it affects your sale by narrowing the pool of eligible buyers, as RBA rate hikes to 4.10% (March 2026) have reduced borrowing capacity and increased the total cost of
Budgeting for a simultaneous sale and purchase in 2026 requires accounting for increased buyer price sensitivity following RBA rate hikes (Domain). You must factor in a 30–90 day settlement window, typically 60 days, and prepare for potential price volatility as median auction prices have recently trended 6.3% lower year-on-year (Cotality, April 2026). The confidence seen
In a Victorian private sale, the deposit amount and settlement terms are flexible and negotiated between the vendor and buyer. Once the contract is signed, the buyer has a 3-day cooling-off period, during which they can withdraw, though this may result in a partial loss of the deposit. Private treaty sales allow for significantly more
Yes, vendor-paid advertising (VPA) is the standard practice in Melbourne, with costs separate from the agent’s commission. A standard campaign typically costs between $6,500 and $8,000, while premium packages range from $8,000 to $12,000. While vendor confidence improved throughout late 2025, RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 have introduced new caution and dampened
Premium portal placement is more valuable in April 2026 as buyer urgency has dampened following February and March RBA rate hikes (Domain). With Melbourne clearance rates falling to 59.1% (week ending 11 April 2026) and listings up 40% since December 2025 (Raine & Horne), higher visibility is required to attract a smaller pool of cautious
Yes, agent commissions vary across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Metropolitan Melbourne averages between 1.87% and 2.1%, with a broader range of 1.6% to 2.5%, while regional Victoria rates are higher at 2.5% to 3.5% (OpenAgent, WhichRealEstateAgent). Commission rates in Victoria are not capped or regulated by law, meaning they are fully negotiable between the vendor
Capital gains tax (CGT) reduces net proceeds by adding the profit from a property sale to the owner’s assessable income, which is then taxed at their marginal income tax rate. The final liability is influenced by the ownership duration, main residence exemptions, and the specific financial year in which the contract is signed. For many
The provided market data does not indicate that conveyancing is cheaper when using a solicitor referred by an agent. Conveyancing fees are separate from real estate agency commissions, although some vendors may find administrative ease in using a recommended legal partner. Choosing a solicitor often comes down to a preference for convenience versus independent oversight.
Percentage fees scale based on the final sale price, whereas fixed fees remain constant regardless of the outcome. In metropolitan Melbourne, percentage commissions average between 1.87% and 2.1% (OpenAgent, WhichRealEstateAgent), though Victorian law requires all fees to be listed as both a percentage and an equivalent dollar amount in the Sales Authority. Choosing between fee
In Victoria, the vendor’s statement – often called a Section 32 – is a comprehensive disclosure document you must provide to potential buyers before selling your property. Preparing this statement, along with costs like land tax clearance and potential loan break fees, are key considerations when planning a sale in 2026. While vendor confidence has
