FREQUENTLY ASKED BUYER QUESTIONS
Buying a home in the Dandenong Ranges is quite different to buying in the suburbs. We have quirky things that are common up here and completely foreign downtown.
Included in the FAQ are other topics that are relevant wherever you buy such as Stamp Duty.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
These are the most asked however we will add to the list over time.
If you have a question about buying a home in the Dandenong Ranges and becoming a local then please ask
To maintain our beautiful natural environment, the plan outlines how we are protecting it against urban development.
A Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) applies to many properties in the Hills area and helps to protect and manage our significant landscapes.
The SLO means that you require a permit to construct a building or construct or carry out works, construct a fence, and remove, destroy or lop any vegetation.
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The purpose of the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) ;is to:
ensure that the development of land prioritises the protection of human life and strengthens community resilience to bushfire.
ensure that the location, design and construction of development appropriately responds to the bushfire hazard.
ensure development is only permitted where the risk to life, property and community infrastructure from bushfire can be reduced to an acceptable level.
specify location, design and construction measures for a single dwelling that reduces the bushfire risk to life and property to an acceptable level.
The BMO requires a planning permit for certain developments and subdivision, bushfire hazards to be assessed and implementation of bushfire protection measures
The purpose of the EMO is to protect areas prone to erosion and landslip by minimising land disturbance and inappropriate development. If your land is covered by this overlay, it is likely that you will need to apply for a planning permit before you can construct any new buildings or carry out works including earthworks and tree removal. In some cases parts or sections of properties may be unsuitable for development.
The Hills from Kalorama through to Ferny Creek are predominately on septic systems and not the sewerage system that Melbourne Metropolitan generally has. What does this mean? It means that the sewerage for each Hills home is contained on the property usually via septic tank and realm drains.
Septic systems usually should be pumped out every 3- 5 years depending on usage. It’s simple – you ring the Septic Tank people and they come and do it. It costs a few hundred dollars however you are not paying the sewerage fees that you would if you were connected to the metropolitan sewer system.
Private trunk lines are very common in the Hills. Many properties that are on mains are actually via private trunk. It goes back to when the water was first connected on the Hill. Technically, if you are on a private or temporary trunk you are responsible for any repairs.
Marketbuy was created by a Victorian real estate agent. He wanted a more transparent private sale system that was similar to an Auction.
As a buyer it is disappointing to miss out on a property by as little as $500 and not know about it. Marketbuy can change that.
Imagine an online offer management process that is fair.
You like the home, you want to buy the home.
Step 1 Register, then accept the invitation you will be sent.
Make your offer.
You can make another offer.
Your offer can be subject to finance, building and pest
It’s simple and you can participate from any internet connected device.
Stamp duty is payable when you buy a home in Victoria.
Check for yourself rather than relying on information from someone who may not know your situation exactly.
www.sro.vic.gov.au is the website
There are different amounts based on whether you intend living there (Principal Place of Residence), whether you intend renting it out, if it is your first home or you are a ‘foreign purchaser’ etc.
There are concessions depending on your situation – again, check it out for yourself or seek advice from an independent professional.
There are three local councils operating in the Dandenong Ranges.
Yarra Ranges: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cardinia: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au
Knox: www.knox.vic.gov.au