By Mel Dennis – Property Management & Advocacy

3-Minute Read

If you’re planning to sell your investment property in the next 6 to 12 months, one common mistake could cost you thousands—renewing the lease without a clear selling strategy.

In Victoria, tenancy laws give tenants more control than you might expect. Once you enter into a fixed-term lease, you can’t simply ask the tenant to vacate when it suits your sale timeline. The lease you sign today will directly affect how and when you can bring your property to market—and whether you’ll be able to offer vacant possession.

Why Lease Strategy Matters When Selling

Most property investors want to achieve a premium result when they sell. That means getting the timing right and presenting the property under the best conditions.

Factors like spring gardens, post-summer buyer momentum, and avoiding school holiday lulls can all impact the success of your sale campaign. But none of that matters if your lease locks you into keeping a tenant—especially if your ideal buyer is an owner-occupier who expects vacant possession.

A 12-month lease signed today might mean your property can’t be sold vacant later—reducing buyer interest and ultimately your sale price.

Know Your Legal Obligations in Victoria

Selling a tenanted property in Victoria comes with strict rules:

• You can’t end a fixed-term lease just because you want to sell.

• To issue a 60-day Notice to Vacate, you must have a signed Sales Authority Agreement with your selling agent—and attach it to the notice.

• Even after notice is given, the tenant can leave with just 14 days’ notice, which may result in a vacancy before your sales campaign even begins.

These complexities are why experienced investors get advice before renewing a lease.

Combine Leasing and Sales Strategy for Better Results

At LongView, our vendor advocacy service brings your property manager and sales team together to build a strategy that supports both leasing and selling goals.

We help you:

• Review your current lease and understand how it impacts your ability to sell

• Identify the best time to list, based on market demand, property type, and buyer trends

• Avoid common lease renewal mistakes that reduce sale price or delay settlement

And the best part? This service is free for vendors.

Before You Renew, Let’s Talk Strategy

If you’re getting ready to sell your investment property, the lease terms could significantly affect your timeline and final sale price. Don’t renew before you get advice.

Speak to a usr today for an obligation-free consultation.

We’ll help you align your leasing decisions with your long-term goals.

👉 Contact us for a free consultation

👉 Learn more about our Vendor Advocacy service