8 Steps to Selling Your Home Privately in Australian Capital Territory
8 Steps to Sell Your Property Privately in the ACT (Without an Agent)
See Complete ACT Private Sale Guide
Selling your property without a real estate agent in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is completely legal and increasingly common. Many Canberra homeowners choose to sell privately to stay in control of the process and avoid paying $20,000–$50,000+ in real estate agent commission.
Below are the 8 clear steps to selling your property privately in the ACT, including legal requirements, pricing, marketing, negotiations, and settlement — written so you can copy and paste directly.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements in the ACT
The ACT has some of the strictest disclosure requirements in Australia, and these apply whether you sell privately or through an agent.
When selling privately in the ACT:
A compliant Contract for Sale must be prepared
A full Seller Disclosure Statement is mandatory
All required reports must be available before marketing
Deposits must be handled correctly
Settlement must be completed by a solicitor or conveyancer
A private sale follows the exact same legal process as an agent sale — just without the commission.
Step 2: Engage an ACT Solicitor or Conveyancer Early
This step is essential in the ACT.
An ACT solicitor or conveyancer will:
Prepare the Contract for Sale
Prepare and assemble the mandatory Seller Disclosure Statement
Order all required reports and certificates
Hold the buyer’s deposit in a trust account
Manage exchange and settlement
Because ACT disclosure rules are strict, legal support is non-negotiable.
Step 3: Prepare the Mandatory ACT Seller Disclosure Statement
In the ACT, you cannot market your property without a complete disclosure statement.
This typically includes:
Title search
Crown lease
Building and compliance reports
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) report
Asbestos assessment (where applicable)
Rates, land tax, and outgoings
Your solicitor or conveyancer coordinates this process. Incomplete disclosure can allow buyers to terminate the contract.
Step 4: Work Out What Your Property Is Worth
Correct pricing is critical to a successful private sale.
Smart ACT sellers use:
Recent sold prices in the same suburb
Comparable properties with similar features
Independent data, not just one agent appraisal
You can also:
Obtain multiple agent appraisals for reference
Order a professional valuation
Use paid property data reports
Overpricing is the most common reason properties fail to sell.
see full article on how to price property when selling privately - here
Step 5: Choose the Right Pricing Strategy
How you present your price directly affects enquiry levels.
Effective pricing strategies in the ACT include:
Fixed Price
$950,000
Clear and transparent. Works well in Canberra’s informed buyer market.
Price Range
$920,000 – $980,000
Attracts a wider pool of buyers and encourages competition.
Avoid “Contact Agent”
Buyers dislike it.
It removes your listing from price filters and reduces enquiries.
Clear pricing builds trust.
Step 6: Prepare and Present Your Property
Presentation has a major impact on buyer interest and final price.
Before listing:
Declutter and deep clean
Fix minor maintenance issues
Consider professional photography
Present the home as move-in ready
Well-presented properties attract more inspections and stronger offers.
Step 7: List Your Property Where Buyers Actually Look
To sell privately in the ACT, your property must be visible where buyers search.
This means listing on:
realestate.com.au
Domain
Private sellers can access these portals through private listing platforms, allowing their property to appear alongside agent-listed homes with the same exposure.
To buyers, your listing looks exactly the same.
Step 8: Manage Enquiries, Negotiate, and Complete Settlement
When selling privately:
Buyers contact you directly
You arrange and conduct inspections
You negotiate price and terms directly
Offers are usually made in writing
Once terms are agreed:
Contracts are exchanged
The deposit is paid into a trust account
Settlement typically occurs 30–60 days later
Your solicitor or conveyancer manages:
Transfer of title
Adjustments for rates and outgoings
Final funds
Registration with Access Canberra
On settlement day, funds clear, keys are handed over, and the sale is complete.
Common Mistakes Private Sellers Make in the ACT
Marketing without a complete disclosure statement
Overpricing the property
Incomplete or outdated reports
Poor presentation
Mishandling deposit arrangements
These mistakes are avoidable with the right preparation and legal support.
Final Checklist for Selling Privately in the ACT
✅ Solicitor or conveyancer engaged
✅ Seller Disclosure Statement completed
✅ Contract for Sale prepared
✅ Pricing strategy set
✅ Listing live on major portals
✅ Inspection and enquiry process organised
If these are in place, selling privately works.
Bottom Line
Selling property privately in the ACT is:
Legal
Common
Safe when handled professionally
Far more cost-effective than using an agent
With correct pricing, full disclosure compliance, and strong online exposure, ACT homeowners can sell confidently — without paying tens of thousands of dollars in commission.
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Last updated: January 2026
