A private sale, also known as a private treaty sale, involves negotiating the sale of your property directly with a buyer, typically facilitated by a real estate agent. As of December 2025, it remains a common method in Melbourne, offering a potentially less stressful alternative to auction.
Currently in Melbourne, the process usually begins with setting a price range, informed by a comprehensive property appraisal – a service Fletchers has refined over 105 years. Buyers submit offers through your agent, who presents them for your consideration. Negotiation then unfolds, potentially involving counter-offers, revised conditions (like building and pest inspections, standard in 2026), and adjustments to the settlement period (typically 30-60 days). In the Melbourne Eastern Suburbs, where family homes near schools are in high demand, buyers may be willing to compromise on minor issues, but presentation, light and renovation potential remain key priorities. Expect a campaign period of 4-6 weeks, allowing time for buyer interest to build. While agent commission remains typically between 1.5-2.5%, marketing costs (around $3,000-$8,000 for a full campaign) are also a factor to consider when evaluating offers. It’s important to realise that a well-presented property, professionally photographed (costing $500-$1,500) and potentially styled ($2,000-$8,000) can significantly influence the final sale price.
Private sales in Melbourne involve a back-and-forth process, guided by market conditions and the specific attributes of your property, ultimately aiming to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.