Melbourne Property Buyers Blog
Property market commentary and buyer advice for Melbourne's west
Honest market commentary and buyer advice for Melbourne's property market. Written by Trish and the Hidden Gems team based on what we're actually seeing, not what the headlines say.
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Relocating to Melbourne: where to live, what it costs and how to settle in
Moving to Melbourne starts with one decision: where to live. Inner suburbs cost the most, the east carries the prestige, and the west offers the best value, with median house prices from $577,500 in Melton to $950,000 in Footscray (December quarter 2025). This guide covers suburbs, living costs, transport and the mistakes newcomers make.
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Off-market property in Melbourne: how to find and buy homes that are never advertised
An off-market property is a home for sale that is not advertised on realestate.com.au or Domain. There is no signboard and no open home. The selling agent offers it quietly to buyers they know are ready. This guide explains how to find off-market properties in Melbourne and the checks Victorian buyers still need to make.
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House inspection checklist: the questions that matter at an open home
At an open home, ask the agent four things: what has been renovated and approved, whether there are known structural problems, why the owner is selling, and how long the property has been listed. Then check the house yourself. I've seen buyers fall in love with a kitchen splashback while completely missing the crack in the foundation.
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How much does it cost to buy a house in Victoria?
Buying a house in Victoria costs far more than the price. Stamp duty is the largest extra: $46,070 on an $850,000 home at general rates. Add conveyancing, building and pest inspections, government fees and, with a deposit under 20%, lenders mortgage insurance. First home buyers pay no stamp duty up to $600,000.
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Downsizer contribution rules: how selling your home can boost your super
A downsizer contribution lets Australians aged 55 and over put up to $300,000 from the sale of their home into superannuation, or $600,000 for a couple. It sits outside the usual contribution caps. You must have owned the home for 10 years and contribute within 90 days of settlement.
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