In Victoria, a purchaser’s offer isn’t simply a price; it can include conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. These conditions protect the buyer and allow them to further investigate the property or secure financing.
As of December 2025, common conditions encountered in Melbourne include subject to building and pest inspections, subject to finance approval, and subject to the sale of an existing property. Currently in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs, we’re seeing a slight increase in ‘subject to finance’ conditions as buyers carefully manage interest rate fluctuations heading into 2026. A ‘sunset clause’ – a date by which the sale must be finalised – is also frequently included. It’s important to realise that the complexity and number of conditions can influence a seller’s willingness to accept an offer. In a competitive market, offers with fewer conditions often favour strongly. Fletchers’ experience across the Eastern Suburbs shows that properties in high-demand school zones, like Balwyn and Doncaster, often attract offers with minimal conditions. The standard Victorian contract of sale provides a framework, but conditions can be tailored. Buyers typically allow a 14-21 day period for inspections and finance, though this can vary. Expect a campaign to run 4-6 weeks, followed by a 30-60 day settlement period.
Understanding these conditions is crucial for sellers, as they represent potential hurdles to a successful sale and can impact the timeline.