The Victorian Government has flagged a potential shift in how properties are brought to market, with proposed reforms that would require vendors to include building and pest inspection reports as part of the Vendor Statement.
While still in the proposal stage, the intent is clear. Increase transparency, improve buyer confidence, and reduce the risk of unexpected issues post-purchase.
What is being proposed
Under the current system, buyers typically arrange their own building and pest inspections during the due diligence phase, often under time pressure.
The proposed change would shift that responsibility to vendors, requiring reports to be prepared upfront and included in the Section 32 documentation. Buyers would then have a clear understanding of the property’s condition before making an offer.
Why this matters
For buyers, the benefits are immediate.
Clearer insight into the condition of a property from the outset
Reduced need for conditional offers or rushed inspections
Greater confidence when making decisions
For vendors, the implications are broader and more strategic.
Upfront transparency can help build trust and streamline the sale process
Campaigns may run with fewer surprises or renegotiations
The condition of the home becomes more central to pricing and positioning
The shift toward preparation
This proposal reinforces a trend we are already seeing across the market.
Well presented, well maintained homes are consistently outperforming. Buyers are more considered, more informed and less willing to take on unknowns. When the condition of a property is clear and strong, confidence follows.
What this legislation does is formalise that dynamic.
Preparation no longer starts at the point of listing. It starts years earlier, through consistent maintenance, thoughtful upgrades and a clear understanding of how the home is performing over time.
A freshly styled campaign can create impact, but it cannot replace underlying quality.
What it could mean for vendors
For owners who have invested in their homes, this is a positive shift.
A clean building and pest report becomes a powerful part of the campaign
Quality improvements and ongoing care are validated in a tangible way
Buyers can engage with confidence, often leading to stronger competition
For others, it introduces a need for earlier planning.
Identifying and addressing issues ahead of time
Making considered decisions about repairs versus disclosure
Aligning price expectations with the true condition of the property
Our view
This is ultimately a move toward greater transparency, but also toward greater accountability in how properties are prepared for sale.
The current market is already rewarding homes that present well and perform well. These proposed changes simply bring that into sharper focus.
For vendors, the takeaway is clear. The best results are not created in the final weeks before a campaign. They are built over time through consistent care, smart improvements and a proactive approach to maintenance.
As the details of the legislation become clearer, we will continue to guide our clients on how to prepare, position and present their homes to achieve the strongest possible outcome.