With the federal election scheduled for Saturday 3 May 2025, vendors and buyers in Victoria are wondering whether it’s a good time to hold or attend an auction. Here’s what I’ve observed over the years and what to expect from this election weekend.

Inner Melbourne property values are climbing rapidly—but not because of natural market conditions. The Victorian Government is making matters worse by choking both land supply and rental stock through overregulation. Here's how they could ease the pressure instead.

Victoria’s 7.5% Short Stay Levy won’t solve the housing crisis—it will just tax responsible property owners for using their own homes. Here’s why this new policy is more about revenue than reform.

Victoria’s expanding Vacant Residential Land Tax is marketed as a housing fix but functions as a punitive and desperate revenue measure targeting property owners already burdened by stamp duty, land tax, and more.

Covenants play a critical role in property transactions. Sellers must disclose any covenants affecting the property, while buyers should carefully review them to avoid potential issues. Failure to disclose covenants can lead to legal disputes, financial loss, and disrupted plans. Learn the key steps for both parties in managing covenant disclosures.

Discover why Victorian Property Settlements, led by David Dawn, is Melbourne's top choice for expert property settlement services. Learn about their commitment to precision, client trust, and their no-nonsense approach to getting things done right.

The mandatory adoption of electronic settlements, particularly through PEXA, has significantly changed the conveyancing landscape in Victoria. While it promises greater security and efficiency, it has come at a substantial cost. This article delves into the regulatory framework, costs to consumers, and why competition remains limited in Australia’s electronic settlement system.

The Federal Government's ban on foreign purchases of existing dwellings will shift offshore investment towards new developments, but without major land-use reforms in Victoria, it will not ease Melbourne’s housing crisis. Victorian Property Settlements explains why real solutions must address migration-driven demand and planning restrictions.

Fridays might seem like the perfect day to settle and move into your new property over the weekend—but in practice, they are the most failure-prone day of the week for settlements.

In this article, we explore the risks of Friday settlements, especially around long weekends, and explain why early-week settlements are your best protection against delays, penalties, and unnecessary stress. Backed by industry data and decades of practical experience, this is essential reading for all property buyers and sellers.