It’s a more challenging market than 12 months ago, but sellers who price accurately and present well are still achieving solid results in Melbourne’s South East. The key is understanding that this isn’t the boom of recent years, and adjusting expectations accordingly.
Why now could work for you
Competing stock levels in Officer and Pakenham remain relatively low, which is a positive for sellers. Buyers who are active right now are serious and pre-approved, meaning less wasted time. Fewer listings also mean less pressure on your price, but this advantage won’t last if interest rates stabilise and more vendors list.
Auction or private sale?
For most properties in Officer and Pakenham, private sale is currently the better option. Auction requires multiple competing bidders, and buyer depth is thinner following recent rate rises. Private sale campaigns offer more control and are consistently producing better results for properties under $900,000 in the South East.
What’s happening with the market?
Melbourne’s property market is navigating a tougher environment due to two recent RBA rate rises impacting buyer borrowing capacity. However, Officer, Pakenham, and Wantirna are proving more resilient than other Melbourne corridors, thanks to ongoing population growth, infrastructure investment, and relative affordability.
The honest reality
It is not a boom. But it is a real, working market with genuine buyers in it. Sellers who price to 2026 borrowing capacity are transacting. Those pricing to 2021 optimism are not.
Questions to consider
- What is your property *actually* worth in today’s market, not what you *want* it to be worth?
- How will a publicly passed-in auction impact buyer perception of your property?
- Are you prepared to adjust your price expectations to align with current borrowing capacities?
Talk to KR Peters for a straight-talking appraisal with no obligation.
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Market information is general in nature and reflects conditions
at the time of publication. For advice specific to your property,
contact KR Peters.