Settlement day in Victoria marks the final transfer of property ownership, and as the seller, you’ll be responsible for covering certain costs associated with finalising the sale. These are typically deducted from the sale price and paid to your solicitor or conveyancer, who then distributes the funds.
As of December 2025, common settlement costs for Melbourne sellers include pro-rated council rates and water bills, adjusted to the date of settlement. Land tax, if applicable, is also payable. Your mortgage discharge fee, levied by your lender, is another cost. Currently in Melbourne, these fees can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on your lender. Estate agent commission, typically between 1.5% and 2.5% of the sale price, is also deducted. In the Eastern Suburbs, where Fletchers has a strong presence, marketing costs – usually around $3,000 to $8,000 for a comprehensive campaign – are settled at this stage, having been covered throughout the sales process. It’s important to remember that conveyancing or legal fees, already incurred, are also finalised on settlement. Allowing for these costs, and considering the median dwelling value of $823,495 as of December 2025, sellers should anticipate a significant portion of the sale price being allocated to these final expenses.
Understanding these potential costs upfront allows for accurate financial planning as you approach the completion of your property sale in 2026.