The Fletchers Guide

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Expert answers to every property question, from first look to final keys

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Council rates are a compulsory annual charge levied by local councils to fund essential community services. The amount you pay is determined by the property’s Capital Improved Value (CIV) – the value of the land and buildings – and a...
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In Melbourne in 2026, agent commissions typically range from 1.6% to 2.5% of the final sale price, fully negotiable and required to be disclosed in both percentage and dollar terms within the Sales Authority. This commission covers the agent’s services...
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Yes, in Victoria, you can authorise someone to bid at auction on your behalf. This is known as a ‘proxy bid’ or ‘bidding on your behalf’ and requires a specific legal process to ensure transparency and validity. As of December...
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Stamp duty, or transfer duty, is a tax payable to the Victorian State Revenue Office when you purchase property. When downsizing, it’s the duty on your *new* purchase that’s relevant, not the sale of your existing home. As of December...
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If your property is sold while a tenant is leasing it in Victoria, the lease doesn’t automatically end. The new owner inherits the existing lease agreement and becomes the landlord, assuming all rights and responsibilities as of December 2025. Currently...
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Open inspections are a crucial part of a Melbourne property sale, allowing potential buyers to view the home and assess its suitability. As of December 2025, strategically timing these inspections can significantly impact the level of interest generated and ultimately,...
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In Melbourne’s current auction market, approximately 35–40% of properties are passed in, meaning they don’t sell on auction day (CoreLogic/Cotality, April 2026). While this can be disappointing, it’s a common outcome. Most passed-in properties do sell within a few weeks...
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Conveyancing involves the legal transfer of property ownership from a seller to a buyer. It’s a crucial part of the sales process, ensuring all legal requirements are met and the title is correctly transferred. As of December 2025, conveyancing fees...
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While technically legal, paying rent in cash is becoming increasingly uncommon in Melbourne, and is rarely favoured by rental providers (landlords) as of December 2025. Most rental agreements now stipulate electronic funds transfer (EFT) as the preferred method. Currently in...
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Applying for multiple rental properties concurrently is a common practice in Victoria, and is generally accepted by rental providers. It’s a strategic approach for tenants seeking to secure a property quickly in a competitive market, particularly as of December 2025....
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