How to Sell Property in NSW Without an Agent (FSBO): 8 Step Complete Guide

See Complete New South Wales Private Sale Guide

Selling property in New South Wales without a real estate agent is completely legal — and for many homeowners, it’s the most financially sensible way to sell.

By selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO), NSW sellers regularly save $20,000–$40,000 or more in real estate agent commission, while still advertising their property on the same major portals buyers already use.

This guide explains exactly how to sell your property privately in NSW, step by step. It covers the legal requirements, pricing strategies, where to list your home, how to handle buyers, and how to complete the sale safely.

Is It Legal to Sell Property Without an Agent in NSW?

Yes. Selling your home without a real estate agent is 100% legal in New South Wales.

There is:

• ❌ No requirement to use an agent

• ❌ No law requiring you to pay commission

• ✅ A requirement to comply with NSW property law

When selling privately in NSW, you must still:

• Use a compliant Contract for Sale of Land

• Meet NSW disclosure obligations

• Ensure the deposit is held in a trust account

• Complete exchange and settlement through a solicitor or conveyancer

A private sale follows the exact same legal process as an agent-led sale — just without the commission.

What Does “For Sale By Owner” Mean in NSW?

For Sale By Owner means:

• You manage the sale yourself

• Buyers deal directly with you

• You control pricing, inspections, and negotiations

It does not mean:

• You prepare legal documents yourself

• You hold buyer deposits

• You bypass solicitors or conveyancers

In NSW, legal professionals still handle:

• Contracts

• Deposits

• Exchange of contracts

• Settlement

The only difference is who handles the marketing and buyer enquiries.

The 8 Steps to Selling Property Without an Agent in NSW

Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements in NSW

Before you market your property, you must understand the core NSW rules:

• A Contract for Sale of Land must be prepared before advertising

• Deposits must be paid into a statutory trust account

• Exchange of contracts makes the sale legally binding

• A cooling-off period applies unless waived

• Settlement is handled by a solicitor or conveyancer

You do not hold deposits or manage legal documents yourself.

Step 2: Engage a NSW Solicitor or Conveyancer

This step is essential.

A NSW solicitor or licensed conveyancer will:

• Prepare the Contract for Sale of Land

• Order title searches and required certificates

• Ensure compliance with NSW disclosure laws

• Hold the buyer’s deposit in trust

• Manage exchange and settlement

This is the same process used when selling with an agent.

Step 3: Work Out What Your Property Is Worth

Pricing is the most important decision you’ll make. - See How to Price you property Article Here

Smart NSW sellers use:

• Recent sold prices (last 3–6 months)

• Comparable homes in the same suburb

• Independent data, not just agent opinions

You can also:

• Get multiple agent appraisals for reference

• Order a professional valuation

• Use paid property data reports for accuracy

Overpricing is the most common reason properties fail to sell — private or agent-listed.

Step 4: Choose the Right Pricing Strategy

How you present your price directly affects buyer enquiries.

Effective pricing strategies for NSW FSBO sellers include:

Offers Over
Offers Over $950,000
Works well in strong markets and captures buyers searching below the threshold.

Price Range
$950,000 – $1,020,000
Sets clear expectations and attracts a wider pool of buyers.

Avoid “Contact Agent”
Buyers dislike it.
It removes your listing from price filters and reduces enquiries.
It benefits agents — not private sellers.

Clear pricing builds trust and drives more inspections.

Step 5: Prepare Your Home for Sale

Presentation directly impacts buyer interest and final price.

Before listing:

• Declutter and clean thoroughly

• Fix minor maintenance issues

• Consider professional photography

• Present the home as move-in ready

Well-presented homes generate more enquiries and stronger offers.

Step 6: List Your Property Where Buyers Actually Look

Buyers don’t search private-sale websites. They search:

• realestate.com.au

• Domain

Private sellers can access these portals through private listing platforms, allowing your property to appear alongside agent-listed homes with the same exposure.

Your listing looks the same to buyers — because it is.

Step 7: Manage Enquiries, Inspections, and Offers

When selling privately in NSW:

• Buyers contact you directly

• You arrange inspections at suitable times

• You answer buyer questions honestly

• Offers are usually made in writing

Because you’re not paying commission:

• You have more flexibility in negotiations

• You can focus on your net result

• You are not pressured to accept early or lower offers

Your solicitor or conveyancer can review offers and contracts before exchange.

Step 8: Exchange Contracts and Complete Settlement

Once terms are agreed:

• Contracts are exchanged

• The deposit is paid into a trust account

• A cooling-off period applies unless waived

• Settlement usually occurs 4–6 weeks later

Your solicitor or conveyancer manages:

• Transfer of title

• Council and water adjustments

• Final funds

• Registration with NSW Land Registry Services

On settlement day, funds clear, keys are handed over, and the sale is complete.

Common Mistakes Private Sellers Make in NSW

• Overpricing the property

• Using “Contact Agent” pricing

• Marketing before the contract is prepared

• Holding deposits personally

• Ignoring buyer feedback

These mistakes are avoidable with the right process.

How AirLister Fits Into the FSBO Process

AirLister does not replace solicitors or conveyancers.

AirLister:

• Handles marketing and portal listings

• Allows you to list on major property websites

• Sends buyer enquiries directly to you

• Keeps you in full control of the sale

Legal professionals still handle:

• Contracts

• Deposits

• Exchange

• Settlement

• Compliance

This is why selling privately works safely in NSW.

Frequently Asked Questions: Selling Property Privately in NSW

Is FSBO legal in NSW?
Yes. Selling property privately is completely legal in New South Wales. There is no requirement to use a real estate agent.

Do I need a solicitor or conveyancer to sell privately?
It is strongly recommended. They prepare the contract, hold the deposit, manage exchange, and complete settlement.

Can I hold the deposit myself?
No. Deposits must be held in a solicitor or conveyancer’s trust account.

Does selling privately actually work in NSW?
Yes. Thousands of NSW homeowners sell privately every year and save significant commission while achieving market value.

Where should I list my property?
On realestate.com.au and Domain — the same platforms used by real estate agents.

Final Checklist for Selling Property in NSW Without an Agent

✅ Solicitor or conveyancer engaged
✅ Contract for Sale prepared
✅ Pricing strategy set
✅ Listing live on major portals
✅ Inspection and enquiry process ready

If these are in place, FSBO works.

Bottom Line

Selling property without an agent in NSW is:

Legal
Proven
Far more cost-effective

With correct pricing, professional legal support, and strong online exposure, homeowners can sell confidently — without paying tens of thousands in commission.

That’s exactly what AirLister is built for.

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Last updated: January 2026