12 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask the Selling Agent
When you walk through an open home in Melbourne, many buyers forget the most important questions for the selling agent. With inspections moving quickly and competition high, knowing exactly what to ask helps you assess value, uncover risk and understand how much interest a property is really attracting.
The selling agent acts for the vendor, not the buyer. That makes asking the right questions essential if you want clarity before committing.
For buyers who want guidance through this process, working with a buyers agent in Melbourne can help level the playing field and remove much of the guesswork.
1. Why is the owner selling?
Understanding the seller’s motivation provides important context. A vendor working to a deadline, whether due to relocation, upsizing or settlement timing, may be more flexible on price or terms.
2. How long has the property been on the market?
Time on market often tells a story. Properties that linger can indicate pricing resistance, presentation issues or buyer hesitation. It is worth asking why previous interest has not converted.
You can also cross check this against recent Melbourne property market data to see how comparable homes are performing.
3. Have there been any offers so far?
This helps you understand where other buyers see value. It also gives an indication of competition and whether urgency is real or being implied.
4. What price would buy it today?
Agents will not always give a direct figure, but their response usually sits somewhere between the advertised range and the vendor’s expectation. This is often the clearest insight into where the deal may land.
This is where experienced negotiation can make a meaningful difference, particularly in private sale or pre auction situations.
If you are buying at auction and want professional representation, our auction bidding service Melbourne gives you strategic support from experienced buyer advocates on the day.
5. Are there any known issues with the property or building?
Ask this question directly. Past repairs, water ingress, structural movement or owners corporation issues should be disclosed early. Anything uncovered later can delay or derail a purchase.
6. Has the vendor completed a building and pest inspection?
If not, you will need to arrange your own before proceeding. This step is essential for houses and townhouses and should never be skipped due to time pressure.
Many buyers underestimate how much risk sits in rushed or incomplete due diligence, especially in competitive markets.
7. Are there any upcoming owners corporation works or special levies?
For apartments and townhouses, upcoming works can significantly affect holding costs and future value. Ask what is planned, when it is scheduled and how it will be funded.
This is particularly important when buying an apartment in Melbourne, where owners corporation decisions can materially impact returns.
8. What are the typical outgoings?
Council rates, insurance and owners corporation fees all contribute to your ongoing costs. These figures matter when comparing properties and assessing affordability beyond the purchase price.
9. Are the tenants staying, or will the property be vacant at settlement?
This affects both investors and owner occupiers. Tenancy arrangements can influence settlement timing, rental income and your ability to move in.
10. How many buyers are showing interest?
While the answer may be broad, it gives you a sense of market heat. This helps inform whether a more assertive strategy is required or whether patience may work in your favour.
11. What has the selling agent indicated about the auction reserve?
Agents will not disclose the reserve, but how they answer often reveals the vendor’s confidence and expectations. It can also indicate how realistic the quoted range is.
If you are unfamiliar with the process, it is worth understanding how auction reserves work in Victoria so there are no surprises on the day.
12. Is the seller open to pre auction or private negotiation?
This question helps you assess whether acting early could reduce competition or secure better terms. Timing, when handled well, can save both money and stress.
Conclusion
Buying property is rarely about asking more questions, but asking the right questions for the selling agent at the right time. These conversations give you clarity on price, condition and competition, allowing you to make informed decisions rather than emotional ones.
If you want support with due diligence, negotiation or access to off market opportunities, working with a buyers agent can reduce risk and help you secure the right property at the right price.
