Before you sign the contract, there's one critical step that could save you thousands of dollars....and most buyers don't understand it.
In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Melbourne buyer advocates Lisa Parker (Parker Buyer Advocates) and Cate Bakos (Cate Bakos Property) unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of Melbourne real estate: property overlays.
From heritage and flood overlays to bushfire, environmental, vegetation and public acquisition overlays, Lisa and Cate explain what these hidden planning controls actually mean, which ones deserve your attention, and which are often far less concerning than buyers think.
With more than 40 years of combined experience in the Melbourne property market, Lisa and Cate share practical examples, real client experiences and expert due diligence tips to help you make smarter buying decisions, avoid costly mistakes and purchase with confidence.
If you're buying, renovating or investing in Melbourne, this episode is essential listening.
🏡 Key Lessons & Actions for Listeners
- 🗺️ Understand what property overlays are and why they matter when buying Melbourne real estate.
- 🚩 Learn which overlays are genuine red flags—and which are often misunderstood.
- 🌊 Discover the differences between flood overlays, Land Subject to Inundation (LSIO) and Special Building Overlays (SBO).
- 🏛️ Understand how heritage overlays really work and why they don't always restrict renovations.
- 🔥 Learn when bushfire overlays are low risk and when they can significantly increase building costs.
- ⚠️ Recognise why Public Acquisition Overlays are one of the biggest warning signs for buyers.
- 💰 Understand how overlays can affect insurance premiums, future renovations and redevelopment potential.
- 🔎 Learn simple due diligence techniques, including insurance benchmarking and planning report reviews.
- 👩⚖️ Know when specialist advice from solicitors, town planners and buyer advocates is essential.
- ✅ Buy with greater confidence by understanding the hidden risks that aren't visible during an inspection.
Lisa and Cate