How to Sell Property in Victoria Without an Agent (FSBO): Complete Guide

See Complete Victoria Private Sale Guide

Selling property in Victoria without a real estate agent is completely legal and, for many homeowners, a far more cost-effective way to sell.

By selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO), Victorian sellers often save $20,000–$50,000+ in agent commission, while still advertising their property on the same major platforms buyers already use.

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

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

Yes. Selling your home without a real estate agent is 100% legal in Victoria.

There is:

• ❌ No requirement to use an agent

• ❌ No law forcing you to pay commission

• ✅ A requirement to comply with Victorian property laws

When selling privately in Victoria, you must still:

• Use a compliant Contract of Sale

• Provide a Vendor’s Statement (Section 32)

• Ensure the deposit is held correctly

• Complete settlement through legal professionals

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

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

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 conveyancers or solicitors

In Victoria, legal professionals still handle:

• The Contract of Sale

• The Section 32 Vendor’s Statement

• Deposit handling

• Settlement and title transfer

The only difference is who handles marketing and buyer enquiries.

The 8 Steps to Selling Property Without an Agent in Victoria

Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements in Victoria

Before marketing your property, you must understand the key Victorian rules:

• A Section 32 Vendor’s Statement must be prepared before advertising

• A compliant Contract of Sale must be available

• Deposits must be handled correctly (usually via a trust account)

• Buyers receive a 3-business-day cooling-off period (unless an exemption applies)

• Settlement is handled by a conveyancer or solicitor

You do not hold deposits or manage legal documentation yourself.

Step 2: Engage a Victorian Conveyancer or Solicitor

This step is essential.

A Victorian conveyancer or solicitor will:

• Prepare the Contract of Sale

• Prepare the Section 32 Vendor’s Statement

• Order title searches and required certificates

• Handle the deposit correctly

• Manage settlement and transfer of ownership

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 article on how to price property here

Smart Victorian sellers use:

• Recent sold prices (last 3–6 months)

• Comparable homes in the same suburb

• Independent data, not just agent opinions

You can also:

• Obtain multiple agent appraisals as reference

• Order a professional valuation

• Use paid property data reports for accuracy

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

Step 4: Choose the Right Pricing Strategy

How you price your property directly affects enquiry levels.

Effective pricing strategies for Victorian FSBO sellers include:

Price Range
$750,000 – $820,000
Common in Victoria and works well to attract more buyers.

Fixed Price
$795,000
Provides certainty and can appeal to decisive buyers.

Avoid “Contact Agent”
It removes your listing from price filters and reduces enquiries.
Clear pricing builds trust and increases inspection numbers.

Step 5: Prepare Your Home for Sale

Presentation plays a major role in buyer perception 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 stronger buyer interest and better offers.

Step 6: List Your Property Where Buyers Actually Look

Buyers do not 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.

To buyers, your listing looks exactly the same.

Step 7: Manage Enquiries, Inspections, and Offers

When selling privately in Victoria:

• Buyers contact you directly

• You arrange and conduct inspections

• You answer questions honestly and promptly

• Offers are usually made in writing

Because you are not paying commission:

• You have more flexibility in negotiations

• You can focus on your net outcome

• There is no pressure to accept early offers

Your conveyancer or solicitor can review offers before contracts are signed.

Step 8: Sign Contracts and Complete Settlement

Once terms are agreed:

• The Contract of Sale is signed

• The deposit is paid (usually into a trust account)

• Cooling-off applies unless waived

• Settlement typically occurs 30–60 days later

Your legal professional manages:

• Transfer of title

• Adjustments for rates and outgoings

• Final funds

• Registration with Land Use Victoria

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

Common Mistakes Private Sellers Make in Victoria

• Overpricing the property

• Marketing without a completed Section 32

• Using “Contact Agent” pricing

• Mishandling deposit arrangements

• Ignoring buyer feedback

These mistakes are avoidable with the right preparation.

How AirLister Fits Into the FSBO Process

AirLister does not replace conveyancers or solicitors.

AirLister:

• Handles marketing and portal listings

• Allows you to list on major property websites

• Sends buyer enquiries directly to you

• Keeps you in control of the sale

Legal professionals still handle:

• Contracts

• Section 32 statements

• Deposits

• Settlement

• Compliance

This is why FSBO works safely in Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions: Selling Property Privately in Victoria (FSBO)

Is FSBO legal in Victoria?

Yes. Selling property privately (For Sale By Owner) is completely legal in Victoria.

There is no legal requirement to use a real estate agent when selling residential property. Victorian law allows property owners to sell directly to buyers, provided the sale complies with all relevant legal and disclosure obligations.

Private sellers must still:

• Provide a compliant Contract of Sale

• Provide a Section 32 Vendor’s Statement

• Ensure deposits are handled correctly

• Complete settlement through a conveyancer or solicitor

When done properly, a private sale follows the same legal framework as an agent-assisted sale.

Do I need a conveyancer or solicitor to sell privately in Victoria?

While not technically mandatory, using a conveyancer or solicitor is standard practice and strongly recommended for all Victorian property sales — private or agent-led.

A Victorian conveyancer or solicitor will:

• Prepare the Contract of Sale

• Prepare the Section 32 Vendor’s Statement

• Order title searches and required certificates

• Advise on cooling-off periods and conditions

• Manage settlement and transfer of ownership

Selling without professional legal assistance exposes sellers to unnecessary legal risk and is not advised.

What is a Section 32 Vendor’s Statement and why is it required?

A Section 32 Vendor’s Statement is a legally required disclosure document in Victoria.

It provides buyers with important information about the property, including:

• Title details and ownership

• Easements, covenants, and restrictions

• Zoning and planning information

• Outgoings such as council rates and owners corporation fees

• Any notices or orders affecting the property

The Section 32 must be provided to buyers before they sign the contract.
Failure to provide a compliant Section 32 can allow buyers to withdraw from the sale or take legal action.

Can I hold the deposit myself in a private sale?

In most cases, no.

In Victoria, sale deposits are typically held in a trust account managed by:

• A conveyancer

• A solicitor

• A real estate agent

Private sellers generally do not hold deposits personally, even if both parties agree. Using a trust account protects both the buyer and seller and ensures compliance with Victorian property law.

Does selling privately actually work in Victoria?

Yes. Selling privately works very well in Victoria, particularly in standard residential markets.

Private sellers benefit from:

• Strong buyer demand through online portals

• Transparent pricing and direct communication

• No pressure to discount for a quick commission-driven sale

Many Victorian homeowners successfully sell privately each year while saving $20,000–$50,000+ in agent commission, often achieving market value.

Will buyers take a private sale seriously?

Yes. Most buyers care about:

• Price

• Location

• Property condition

They generally do not care whether a property is listed by an agent or the owner. As long as the listing is professional and the legal process is handled correctly, private sales are treated the same as agent-listed properties.

Where should I list my property when selling privately in Victoria?

You should list your property where buyers are already searching.

In Victoria, this means:

• realestate.com.au

• Domain

These are the same platforms used by real estate agents.
Private sellers can access them through private listing platforms, giving their property equal visibility without paying agent commission.

Is selling privately more risky than using an agent?

No. A private sale is not riskier when done correctly.

The legal protections, contracts, cooling-off periods, and settlement processes are the same.
Risk is managed by using a qualified conveyancer or solicitor — not by using an agent.Final Checklist for Selling Property in Victoria Without an Agent

✅ Conveyancer or solicitor engaged
✅ Section 32 Vendor’s Statement prepared
✅ Contract of Sale ready
✅ Pricing strategy set
✅ Listing live on major portals
✅ Inspection and enquiry process organised

If these are in place, FSBO works.

Bottom Line

Selling property without an agent in Victoria is:

Legal
Proven
Far more cost-effective

With correct pricing, professional legal support, and strong online exposure, Victorian 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