Buying a home in Central Victoria is an exciting step—whether you’re after a charming period home, a quiet rural retreat or you’re seeking the best place to raise your family. To help make your journey smooth and stress free, here are 5 key things to keep in mind.

1. The Market Moves Fast—Be Ready

Central Victoria has become a hotspot for buyers looking for more space, fresh air and a great lifestyle. Popular areas like Kyneton, Castlemaine, Woodend and Daylesford often see properties sell quickly, especially those with character, acreage or a prime location.

If you find a home you love, being ready to act is important. Getting pre-approved for finance early means you can confidently make an offer when the right place comes along. But don’t worry—if you’re just starting out, we’re happy to guide you through the process at your own pace!

2. Factor in the Costs of Buying

Buying a home involves more than just the purchase price, so it’s good to be aware of the extra costs upfront. These may include:

· Stamp duty – This varies depending on the property price, but you can estimate yours using the State Revenue Office calculator.

· Conveyancing & legal fees – Essential for checking contracts and ensuring everything is in order. Speak to us if you’d like our local recommendations.

· Building & pest inspections – A great way to avoid surprises, especially with older homes or rural properties. We also know some terrific local inspectors we can refer.

· Council rates & upkeep – Larger properties or those in rural areas may have slightly higher maintenance needs but this is part of the charm of country living! Ask for the Section 32 to understand early what these costs will be.

3. A Quick Look at Zoning & Overlays

If you’re buying in Central Victoria, you may come across zoning or overlays on a property. These simply guide what you can and can’t do with the land, and in most cases, they won’t affect your plans—especially if you’re buying an established home to live in.

Here’s some common zones:

· General Residential (GRZ) – Found in townships like Kyneton, Castlemaine, and Gisborne, allowing for homes, renovations and some small scale development.

· Rural Living (RLZ) – Perfect for those wanting more space and a peaceful lifestyle—common in places like Trentham and Newham.

· Farming (FZ) – Covers agricultural areas. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a small hobby farm or vineyard, this might be the zone of properties on your short list.

If in doubt, ask an expert. We’re here to help and a local town planner will be helpful with zoning and what you might be able to do with the property.

There are also overlays that help protect the character, environment or safety of certain areas. For example:

· Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) – Common in rural and forested areas like Daylesford or Mount Macedon. It just means some properties will need extra safety measures (like fire-resistant materials) if you plan to build or renovate.

· Heritage Overlay (HO) – Found in historical areas like Maldon and Castlemaine. If a home has this, it means any renovations need to respect its character.

· Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) – Helps protect the beautiful landscapes of the region. It might mean checking with the council before removing large trees.

4. Off Market Opportunities Exist

Did you know that some of the best homes never even make it to websites like domain.com.au & realestate.com.au? Many owners prefer to sell quietly, meaning we often have access to off market properties that aren’t publicly advertised.

If you have a dream home in mind—whether it’s a miner’s cottage, a family friendly farmlet or a weekender—let us know! We might have something perfect before it even hits the market. Leave us a message with your details and what you are looking for – Contact Us

5. Every Town Has Its Own Personality

One of the best parts about buying in Central Victoria is choosing the lifestyle that suits you best. Each town offers something unique:

· Kyneton & Woodend – Only 10 minutes apart, this area is ideal for commuters and foodies, with award winning restaurants, great schools and an easy train ride to Melbourne.

· Castlemaine & Maldon – A creative hub with art galleries, heritage homes and an eclectic community.

· Daylesford & Hepburn Springs – Perfect for a relaxed, wellness focused lifestyle, surrounded by beautiful countryside and natural springs.

· Lancefield, Pastoria, Taradale and Malmsbury – If you dream of space, privacy and fresh country air, these areas offer stunning properties with room to breathe.

· Gisborne, Romsey & Riddells Creek – A great option for families, with excellent schools, parks and things to do. Less than an hour commute and tons of growth with new estates alongside traditional homes.

· Lauriston, Tylden, Drummond, Glenlyon & Spring Hill – A sparsely populated area but some of the most fertile farms, many with bores and spring water sources.

· Redesdale, Mia Mia and Metcalfe – Remote areas, many with far reaching views of central Victoria. The temperature is warmer for home grown vegetable gardens and cracking wine varietals.

· Mount Macedon, Macedon, Trentham, Lyonville, Bullarto, Blackwood and Cherokee – Lush bush, fertile soil and cooler climate, these areas pair perfectly with a wood fire, cosy lounge and hearty cooking.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you have the right support. If you’d like help finding the perfect property, research the market or exploring off market opportunities, we’d love to chat!

No matter what your dream home looks like, there’s a place in Central Victoria that’s just right for you.