Buying Before Auction In Victoria: What Unconditional Really Means
- Aly Walsh
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Buying a property prior to auction can be an excellent strategy – but in Victoria, it comes with very specific rules that buyers must fully understand before making a move.
Every week I speak with buyers who are attracted to the idea of securing a property before auction: avoiding competition, locking in a price early, and reducing the stress of auction day. While all of that can be true, in Victoria a pre-auction offer is always made under auction conditions. That means the offer is unconditional.
Understanding what “unconditional” really means – and preparing properly – is critical.
What does buying prior to auction mean?
When a property is being marketed for auction, the vendor is working towards an auction campaign. If they are willing to consider an offer before auction, it is typically because:
The offer is strong enough to stop the campaign
The terms are attractive and low risk
The buyer is prepared to proceed on the same terms as auction day
In Victoria, those terms mirror auction conditions.
Unconditional means no safety net
An unconditional offer means there are no “subject to” clauses, including:
❌ No finance clause
❌ No building and pest condition
❌ No cooling-off period
Once contracts are signed and the deposit is paid, you are legally committed to the purchase.
This is why pre-auction buying is not something to rush into. Everything that would normally be done after an offer is accepted must be done before you sign.
What must be organised before making a pre-auction offer?
If you are considering buying prior to auction in Victoria, preparation is everything.
1. Finance fully approved
You should have unconditional finance approval in place, not just a pre-approval. Your lender or broker needs to have reviewed the property and confirmed that funds are ready to go.
2. Contract reviewed by a conveyancer or solicitor
The Section 32 and contract of sale must be reviewed before signing. Any red flags, special conditions, settlement terms or unusual clauses need to be understood upfront.
3. Building and pest inspection completed
If you want a building and pest inspection, it must be done prior to making the offer. This includes reviewing any existing reports provided by the agent, but ideally commissioning your own.
4. Due diligence completed
This includes understanding zoning, overlays, council restrictions, comparable sales, market value, and any risks specific to the property or location.
Why vendors prefer unconditional pre-auction offers
From a vendor’s perspective, an unconditional offer prior to auction is appealing because:
There is certainty of sale
There is no risk of finance falling over
There are no post-offer negotiations or delays
This is why conditional offers prior to auction are not accepted in Victoria, particularly in competitive markets.
Once the offer is accepted and contracts signed, there is no going back.
Is buying prior to auction the right move?
Pre-auction purchases can work very well when:
The price reflects fair or strong market value
Competition is increasing
You want certainty rather than auction risk
However, it is not always the best strategy. Sometimes allowing the campaign to run, gathering more information, or competing at auction can lead to a better outcome.
The key is knowing when to act – and when not to.
Buying prior to auction in Victoria is not about being quick – it’s about being ready.
An unconditional offer can be a powerful tool when backed by thorough preparation, clear advice and calm decision-making. Without that groundwork, it can also be one of the riskiest ways to buy property.
If you are considering a pre-auction purchase, make sure you understand exactly what you are committing to and have everything organised before you sign. In this market, preparation isn’t optional – it’s essential.
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*** Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, it should not be considered as personalised or professional advice. The homebuying process can vary based on individual circumstances, property types, and location-specific regulations.
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