2 days ago
Melbourne sellers: What's hot and what's not
Melbourne sellers heading to auction this spring have been warned outdated or poorly-presented fittings and styling could be costing them thousands.
According to PropTrack 712 Melbourne homes are set to go under the hammer this week ahead of the Reserve Banks decision on interest rates, due after their Tuesday meeting.
With spring auction volumes building and buyer expectations rising, even small styling missteps are enough to knock tens of thousands off a campaign, according to Melbourne property experts.
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Whitefox Bayside director and style expert Lana Samuels said buyers were becoming more design literate, and less forgiving.
'The drama is out the door,' Ms Samuels said.
'Dark feature walls, moody wallpaper, over-the-top kitchens, buyers just don't want it.
'They want light, bright, and move-in ready.'
Ms Samuels said styling was now less about trends and more about trust.
'Everything from your lighting to your window coverings sends a signal to the buyer,' she said.
'If it feels cheap, dark, cluttered or chaotic, they can't imagine themselves living there, and if they can't picture it, they won't buy it.
'Making a decision like that could cost sellers thousands.'
The Whitefox Bayside director said the most successful listings and sales across Melbourne leaned into soft lighting, calming textures, clean finishes and subtle emotional hooks.
Belle Property and Hockingstuart Victoria director Anthony Webb said simple updates still delivered the best return.
'Even if a home is dated, fresh paint, decluttering and good lighting go a long way,' Mr Webb said.
'Presentation is everything, buyers are looking for emotional connection, not just layout and price.'
At the top end of the market, Kay & Burton Bayside director James Driver said proportion and layout flaws were more likely to kill competition than finishes alone.
'The main (bedroom) is always great,' Mr Driver said.
'But when the secondary bedrooms are too small, even by a metre, buyers notice.
'If you've only got one serious buyer, you can't drive the price.'
Mr Driver said high-end buyers expected cohesion and restraint, not just luxury.
'We're seeing the strongest results in homes that feel complete, calm and carefully considered,' he said.
M R Advocacy director and buyers agent Madeleine Roberts said properties under $2m were particularly vulnerable to dated or divisive design.
'Grey-wash floors, black tapware and brown marble tiles all scream 'cheap reno' now,' Ms Roberts said.
'Buyers want homes that feel fresh, calm and high-end, not rushed or overly styled.
'I've seen $3m homes with bright red kitchens sit on the market for weeks, while neutral, well-styled homes around the corner sell within days.'
Ms Roberts said emotional attachment to bold features was common among vendors, but rarely paid off at auction.
'I always tell sellers, pop those pieces in a box and save them for your next home.
'The goal is broad appeal, if a buyer gets a bad first impression, it sticks.'
The M R Advocacy director said budget styling was another frequent issue.
'Everyone knows when you've Kmart-styled your house,' she said.
'Spend the $5000 on professional styling, it's worth it every time.'
Auctions To Watch
9A Curtin Ave, Hadfield
Premium finishes and architectural flair have made this two-level home a standout in Hadfield. Featuring a bold stone kitchen with butler's pantry and integrated appliances, it also boasts a ground-floor guest suite and polished interiors throughout.
Price guide: $1.05m-$1.15m
Agent: Roy Khoder, Barry Plant Glenroy
138 Marshall St, Ivanhoe
This renovated Edwardian residence blends heritage charm with contemporary luxury. A modernised kitchen with European appliances, period details, study, in-ground pool, and solar panels are drawing strong interest from upsizing families.
Price guide: $3.13m-$3.23m
Agent: Stewart Oldmeadow, Miles Real Estate Ivanhoe
14 Grima Cres, Wyndham Vale
Young families and first-home buyers are flocking to this Metricon-built four-bedder, drawn to its separate rumpus room, open-plan layout and stone kitchen. Walking distance to schools, shops and train.
Price guide: $600,000-$660,000
Agent: Bilal Ali, Reliance Wyndham Vale
25 Bond St, Ferntree Gully
A peaceful parkland backdrop and spacious layout have made a standout among young families and upgraders. The home backs onto Lake Knox and includes two living zones, with more than 40 groups touring the home.
Price guide: $1.1m-$1.2m
