In Victoria, the amount of notice a landlord must give a tenant to vacate a property depends on the type of tenancy agreement. As of December 2025, most fixed-term tenancies require at least 60 days’ notice, while periodic tenancies (month-to-month) generally require 90 days’ notice.
Currently in Melbourne, particularly within the Eastern Suburbs – areas like Balwyn and Doncaster where family homes are highly sought after – a property being sold doesn’t automatically terminate a tenancy. Landlords must still adhere to the notice periods outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. Often, a sale campaign will run for 4-6 weeks, and a buyer will typically require a 30-60 day settlement period. This means a tenant could potentially remain in the property for several months *after* a sale. Fletchers’ experience shows that proactively communicating with tenants is key. We often advise clients to consider offering incentives for an early, mutually agreeable exit, acknowledging the disruption a sale can cause. Preparing a property for sale, including styling (typically $2,000-$8,000) and professional photography ($500-$1,500), can be challenging with a tenant in place. In 2026, we anticipate continued strong demand for well-presented properties, making tenant cooperation even more valuable.
Understanding these notice requirements is crucial for both landlords and tenants navigating the Victorian rental market.