The Ultimate Guide to the Sale by SET DATE® Method
A tailored, highly effective strategy to achieve the best result for your home.
Sale by SET DATE® is an exclusive Barry Plant sales method designed to create maximum competition between buyers within a clear structure and timeframe.
Deciding how to take your property to market is one of the most important decisions in your selling journey. At Barry Plant, we believe every sale method has distinct advantages depending on your property style, personal timeline, and current market demand.
While many real estate agencies present a narrow choice between traditional Public Auctions or Private Sales, Barry Plant offers a powerful hybrid alternative: our exclusive Sale by SET DATE® method.
This proven strategy combines the structured timeline and buyer urgency of a campaign with the flexibility and privacy of written offers.
Barry Plant agents will guide you on which sale method is most suitable for your specific property, your timeline, and local market conditions.
How Sale by SET DATE® Compares to Traditional Methods
Choosing the right strategy ensures you attract qualified buyers and secure an outstanding result. Here is how our exclusive hybrid method compares with Victoria’s traditional selling frameworks:
1. THE SALE BY SET DATE® METHOD (The Strategic Hybrid)
Our proprietary method creates structured campaign momentum while accommodating the widest possible pool of buyers.
Pricing Strategy: Properties are launched using a competitive price guide range on the Property Price Statement (PPS). Under Victorian CAV legislation for fixed-date sales, a single-figure Reserve Price is confirmed in writing by the seller and published across marketing materials at least 7 full days prior to the Set Date. Once published, the property cannot be advertised for less than the Reserve Price.
Market Urgency: High urgency. The campaign operates over a defined timeframe (typically 3 to 4 weeks), motivating buyers to inspect, complete due diligence, and submit formal offers before the closing deadline.
Buyer Flexibility: High flexibility. Unlike auctions, this method accepts both unconditional offers and conditional offers (such as those subject to finance or building inspections), significantly expanding your potential buyer pool.
Pricing Opportunity: Maximum outcome potential. Offers remain private, encouraging prospective buyers to put forward their absolute best price and terms rather than simply bidding small increments over a competitor.
2. THE PUBLIC AUCTION METHOD (Transparent Competition & Immediate Certainty)
Auctions are an exceptional choice for popular properties and high-demand markets, creating energetic, transparent competition on a single day.
Pricing Strategy: Properties are marketed with an indicative price range displayed on the Property Price Statement (PPS). In accordance with the Victorian property sales and underquoting laws which came into effect from October 2026, a single-figure Reserve Price is confirmed in writing by the seller and publicly displayed for at least 7 days prior to auction day.
Market Urgency: High urgency. The campaign builds towards a high-profile public event, driving active buyers to act by a fixed date.
Buyer Flexibility: Unconditional focus. Requires buyers to have pre-approved finance and deposits ready on the day, providing the seller with immediate, unconditional certainty when the hammer falls.
Pricing Opportunity: Competitive market momentum. Bidding in an open forum creates strong emotional engagement and allows competitive momentum to drive the final price higher.
3. THE PRIVATE SALE METHOD (Controlled, Flexible Negotiation)
Private sales offer a structured, comfortable selling environment, allowing sellers to negotiate terms at their own pace without a public closing deadline.
Pricing Strategy: The home is launched with a clear asking price or narrow price range displayed on the Property Price Statement (PPS), giving buyers immediate confidence in the seller's expectations.
Market Urgency: Measured pace. Without a fixed campaign closing date, buyers and sellers can conduct thoughtful, targeted negotiations.
Buyer Flexibility: High flexibility. Terms remain completely open to fluid negotiation regarding settlement dates, deposit amounts, and contract conditions.
Pricing Opportunity: Tailored negotiation. Ideal for achieving a specific target price through structured, ongoing discussions with interested buyers.