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How to Property
How to Property is in Early Release. Full release 14 May 2026. Provide feedback and contact for partnerships.Contact Us

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  • Vacancy rateThe percentage of rental properties in an area that are unoccupied at a given time. A vacancy rate below 3% generally indicates strong tenant demand.
  • ValuationThe lender's independent assessment of what a property is worth, used to decide how much they will lend against it. If the valuation comes in below the agreed purchase price, the lender may reduce the loan amount, requiring the buyer to cover the gap.
  • Valuation rangeThe estimated price band a property is likely to sell within, derived from adjusted comparable sales data. A range is more realistic than a single figure because no two properties are identical.
  • Valuation ShortfallWhen a lender's independent property valuation comes in lower than the agreed purchase price. The lender will only lend based on the lower figure, meaning the buyer needs to cover the difference from their own funds or the loan may not proceed.
  • Vendor BidA bid made by the auctioneer on behalf of the seller. Used to start bidding or move the price toward the reserve when buyer bids slow. Must be announced clearly and can only be made below the reserve price.
  • Vendor Disclosure DocumentA legally required statement from the seller disclosing key information about the property before the buyer signs the contract. Known as a Section 32 in Victoria, Form 1 in South Australia, and Form 2 in Queensland. In NSW, the equivalent information is provided through prescribed documents attached to the contract.
  • Vendor RectificationAn arrangement where the seller agrees to repair specific defects identified in an inspection report before settlement. The scope of work should be documented in writing as part of the contract, and the buyer verifies completion at the pre-settlement inspection.
  • Vendor's StatementA legal document prepared by the seller before listing, disclosing material facts about the property including title details, encumbrances, zoning, and rates. Known as a Section 32 statement in Victoria. The content and timing requirements vary by state.
  • Voluntary ContributionsSuper contributions you make above the compulsory amount your employer pays. These can be salary sacrifice (deducted from your pre-tax pay) or personal contributions from your after-tax pay. Only voluntary contributions count towards the FHSSS.
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