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What’s The Best Way To Sell Your Southern Highlands Home

There are four main property sale methods in Australia: private treaty, auction, expression of interest, and off-market.

 

The best method depends on factors like urgency and privacy. Each option has pros and cons, so it’s important to understand them before choosing how to sell.

 

Compiled by Terry Biscoe

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Here’s a quick breakdown of each option:

Private treaty is Australia’s most used property sales method, where a home is listed at an asking price and buyers submit offers for negotiation. This approach suits those avoiding auctions and associated costs, giving sellers greater control in discussions.

Typically, sale prices do not exceed the initial listing, so pricing your home accurately is crucial.

Working with an experienced agent who knows local market trends and excels at negotiating helps secure the best outcome.

Auction An auction represents a transparent method of sale wherein prospective buyers compete in real time to purchase a property at the highest bid, with each participant able to observe the bids submitted.

The competitive environment of an auction not only creates an engaging atmosphere but also serves as an effective means of achieving higher sale prices. In cases where the vendor’s reserve price is not met and the property remains unsold, the agent may continue negotiations with interested bidders to facilitate a post-auction transaction.

A recent survey of over 1,000 real estate professionals in Sydney and Melbourne indicates that 90 per cent prefer auctions as they believe this approach consistently yields higher sales prices. The Southern Highlands, in comparison, has very few home auctions.

In order to secure optimal results at auction, it is essential to engage an agent who possesses comprehensive local market knowledge and expertise, and who is capable of executing a sophisticated sales strategy that maximises buyer interest on auction day.

Expression of interest (EOI) An expression of interest (EOI) is commonly utilised for properties such as high-value homes, development sites, or unique assets that may be challenging to price or have a limited target market.

In an EOI process, buyers submit offers by a specified deadline and must meet any stated conditions (e.g., settlement period duration). The vendor, together with their agent, considers these offers and can choose to accept, negotiate, or reject them.

Off-market: The off-market method allows qualified buyers to privately inspect and make offers on a property before it is publicly listed. Vendors often choose this approach to maintain privacy, especially in cases of high-profile ownership, financial issues, relationship breakdowns, or deceased estates.

Sales details are shared with selected buyers through off-market platforms or agent networks, offering more control and lower marketing costs.

This strategy helps gauge interest and set price expectations; if the property doesn’t sell, it can later be listed publicly with better pricing insight.

While there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to selling, your real estate agent should be able to recommend the best method based on your circumstances. To discover the right type of sale for you and your property, speak to a qualified and experienced real estate agent: listed here on The Fold.


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