Buying property in Victoria? Here’s why new builds and off-the-plan homes often fall short of expectations—while established homes offer certainty and peace of mind.
Read MoreThinking of purchasing property near the Suburban Rail Loop? Understand the risks of acquisition and future taxation under government infrastructure plans
Read MoreThere are a lot of dodgy real estate agents out there who just want a signed contract. Before you put pen to paper, take the time to properly understand what you're buying into. Here's a breakdown of what to check before you commit.
Read MoreSection 27 deposit releases are often promoted as a solution for sellers needing cash before settlement. But in most cases, the agent benefits more than the vendor, and a deposit bond offers a faster, smarter alternative.
Read MoreVictoria’s property settlement numbers are up, but the true story lies beneath. With rising holding costs, are these transactions masking declining investor confidence? We compare Victoria to Queensland and NSW to uncover the real market trends.
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreInner 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.
Read MoreVictoria’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.
Read MoreVictoria’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.
Read MoreCovenants 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.
Read MoreDiscover 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreFridays 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.
Read MoreMany conveyancers are quietly sending your personal information—including your date of birth and contact details—to private water authorities without your knowledge, simply because it's easier. At Victorian Property Settlements, we believe this is an unacceptable shortcut. In this opinion piece, David Dawn explains why we don’t compromise on data security—and why you should be asking your conveyancer exactly what they’re sharing after settlement.
Read MoreAt Victorian Property Settlements, we make no apology for protecting our clients’ legal rights—even when that means issuing default notices or claiming costs from the other side. Many negative online reviews we receive are not from our clients at all, but from individuals represented by low-cost conveyancers who failed to do their job. We don’t work for free, and we won’t let our clients pay the price for someone else’s cheap choices
Read MoreConveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one party to another, governed by key legislation in Victoria, including the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic) and the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic). A licensed conveyancer handles essential tasks such as preparing and reviewing contracts, conducting due diligence on the property title, coordinating settlement, and lodging documents with Land Use Victoria.
However, it's important to understand what conveyancing is not. It does not include offering financial advice, such as guidance on taxes, mortgages, or investment strategies. These services must be sought from qualified professionals in those fields, such as accountants or financial advisers. Similarly, a conveyancer is not authorised to mediate property disputes or provide building inspections.
A good conveyancer ensures that all legal requirements are met with accuracy and efficiency, while a great conveyancer goes beyond by proactively identifying potential issues and offering tailored, strategic advice. If your conveyancer is communicative, transparent, and educates you throughout the process, you are likely receiving high-quality service.
Read MoreDiscover how Victoria’s new Commercial and Industrial Property Tax replaces traditional stamp duty with a perpetual annual tax. Victorian Property Settlements explains why this reform may cost property owners more in the long run—and what you need to know before buying commercial real estate.
Read MorePlanning to Rent Out a Property in Victoria? Know the New 2025 Compliance Standards
If you're buying property in Victoria with the intention to lease it, make sure it meets the legal minimum standards under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. From October 2025, all rental homes will also require ceiling insulation, efficient heating and cooling, draught-sealing, and modern appliances. Many older or strata-titled properties may be non-compliant due to structural or Owners Corporation restrictions. At Victorian Property Settlements, we review contracts and assess compliance risks before you buy. Avoid costly mistakes—speak with David Dawn, Licensed Conveyancer, for expert advice and tailored due diligence.
Read MoreA sellers advocate is a person who is hired by a home seller to represent their interests during the sale of their property. They are typically former real estate agents who have turned to the advocacy side of the business.
There are a number of reasons why home sellers in Victoria should not use a sellers advocate.
Unlike real estate agents, sellers advocates are not legally required to act in your best interests. This means that they can put their own interests ahead of yours, such as by recommending a real estate agent who will pay them the highest commission.
Many sellers advocates are former real estate agents who have only been in the business for a short period of time. They may not have the experience or knowledge to properly represent you in the complex and ever-changing real estate market.
Sellers advocates typically charge a fee of 1-2% of the sale price of your property. This can add up to a significant amount of money, especially if your property is worth a lot of money.
Sellers advocates and real estate agents often have different goals. Sellers advocates want to get the highest possible price for your property, while real estate agents want to get the property sold as quickly as possible. This can create conflict between the two parties, which can make the selling process more difficult.
There is no need to use a sellers advocate. You can do everything yourself, including finding a real estate agent, setting a price, and negotiating offers. This will save you money and give you more control over the selling process.
If you are considering using a sellers advocate, I urge you to reconsider. There are many reasons why you should not use one. Instead, I recommend that you do your research and find a reputable real estate agent who will work hard to get you the best possible price for your property.
Get multiple appraisals from different real estate agents. This will give you a good idea of the market value of your property.
Set a realistic price for your property. Don't overprice it, or you may scare away potential buyers.
Stage your property to make it look its best. This will attract more buyers and help you get a higher price.
Be prepared to negotiate. Buyers will often try to negotiate the price of your property. Be prepared to compromise in order to get a deal done.
By following these tips, you can sell your home for the best possible price without using a sellers advocate.
