When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Melbourne?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Melbourne?

According to Taranto, there isn’t a single “worst” time to sell in Melbourne. Instead, the current challenge is tied to buyer and seller hesitation around interest rates. “What’s happened now is the market doesn’t like the indecisiveness,” he explains. “People are waiting for something that hasn’t happened, so you have tons of buyers who are just sitting on the sidelines waiting for the rates to drop before they buy.”

This indecision has slowed the market and created conditions where homes that do sell often need aggressive pricing. That said, if interest rates fall later in 2025, demand could surge. Sellers who are prepared ahead of time may be in the best position to capitalize when that shift happens.

What seller concessions help close a sale in Melbourne?

To get deals across the finish line in Melbourne’s market, some sellers are offering concessions or extending credits to help buyers with affordability.

As Taranto notes, “Based on what buyers are asking for, I think a lot of sellers are still being asked to either pay a commission to the buyer’s agent or offer a seller concession toward the buyer’s closing costs, or to buy down the interest rate.”

However, Taranto notes that even with concessions, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for sellers to compete with new construction builds.

“That’s an interesting dynamic — buyers are often going with new construction because they’re getting such a good deal, and it’s a challenge for a normal seller who doesn’t have the ability to offer the low interest rate, the seller concession, and a commission on top of it, because in a lot of cases they would be losing money,” he says.

Below are typical seller concessions and credits you may want to consider to make your Melbourne home sale more appealing:

• Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Assist with a short-term mortgage interest rate reduction
• Provide a repair allowance to cover concerns uncovered during the inspection
• Cover the expenses for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal costs
• Pay several months of HOA dues, when applicable
• Agree to cover the commission for the buyer’s agent
• Prepay the property taxes or homeowners insurance premiums for the first year

Insider tips to help sell your house in Melbourne

As a highly-rated agent in Melbourne, Taranto specializes in guiding home sellers to success, regardless of market conditions or seasonality.

Here are some of Taranto’s insider tips to sell your home:

1. Set the right price from the beginning

Overpricing often results in your listing sitting unsold and forced price cuts. An intelligent pricing approach based on recent sales data (comparables) can generate strong initial attention and create competitive bids.

2. Select an experienced agent

Partner with a knowledgeable local professional who fully understands your market and can assist with accurate pricing, effective marketing, and strong negotiation. The top 5% of real estate agents sell properties for about 10% more than the average agent, according to HomeLight’s research.

3. Prioritize essential repairs

Address obvious issues such as dripping faucets, cracked tiles, or peeling paint — buyers may perceive minor defects as signs of bigger problems. Concentrate on repairs that yield solid returns and reassure buyers. Your Melbourne agent can also provide guidance on which repairs to avoid.

4. Boost both physical and online curb appeal

Well-maintained landscaping, a tidy exterior, and a bright entryway enhance curb appeal and create a welcoming first impression in person. High-quality photos and virtual tours help your Melbourne property grab attention as buyers browse online.

5. Clear out clutter and remove personal touches

Eliminate clutter by removing extra furniture, personal photographs, and collections to make rooms feel more spacious and inviting. A pristine, neutral environment enables buyers to envision themselves living there.

6. Provide a home warranty

Including a home warranty can ease buyers’ concerns about future repairs, particularly in older Melbourne properties, and help your listing attract more interest in a competitive environment.

7. Be accommodating with showings

Making your home available at convenient times increases the chances of a quick sale. Opening your schedule for showings during evenings and weekends is particularly beneficial for buyers who work full-time or live out of town.

8. Think about staging

Staged properties tend to sell quicker and at higher prices by helping buyers better imagine the space. Even partial or virtual staging can enhance your listing’s appeal.

In sum, Taranto’s biggest tip is to work with a real estate team made up of true sales professionals. “If you’re working with salespeople who aren’t having one hundred conversations every week — literally making hundreds of dials every day and at least twenty to thirty phone calls or conversations — then you’re probably not getting the level of effort you need,” he remarks.

Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your Melbourne Home

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Answers to other Melbourne home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Melbourne?

While some properties in Melbourne may sell quickly, there’s no certainty when it comes to a rapid sale. If you require a speedy home sale or lack the time or resources to carry out essential repairs on your property, you might want to explore obtaining an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.

Within minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale provides cash offers for homes throughout Melbourne regardless of their condition, letting you bypass staging, showings, and repairs, and finalize the sale in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Melbourne home sellers make?

Taranto points out that one of the most common errors made by sellers in Melbourne is rejecting an offer that’s close to perfect in hopes of securing something better down the line.

“I’ve seen it so many times over the last year or two where, looking back, it’s clear the sellers should have taken that first good offer, or the first decent offer. But they negotiated, and just due to how the market progressed, they’re never going to replicate that original offer, and they end up regretting it,” Taranto warns.

Find a top Melbourne agent for a successful sale

Determining the optimal time to sell a house in Melbourne depends on your individual goals. However, listing your property in a way that helps it sell faster and at a higher price doesn’t have to be complicated. With the proper knowledge, you can make well-informed choices and steer clear of common mistakes.

“If you’re thinking about selling, get your home completely ready first, and if you want to time it, you might wait until interest rates come down. But if you need to sell now, just put it on the market and work with a strong sales team to get as much as possible in this current market,” Taranto advises.

Working with a leading agent in your neighborhood ensures you have an experienced partner and advisor to support a successful home-selling journey. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, consider HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern option allows you to leverage your equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your next home and avoid moving twice. Watch this short video to learn more.

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