8 Steps to Sell Your Property Privately in the ACT (Without an Agent)

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.

see full legal guide for ACT

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.

Got specific state questions - look at our guides

See Complete QLD Private Sale Guide
See Complete NSW Private Sale Guide
See Complete VIC Private Sale Guide
See Complete SA Private Sale Guide
See Complete WA Private Sale Guide
See Complete NT Private Sale Guide
See Complete TAS Private Sale Guide
See Complete ACT Private Sale Guide
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Last updated: January 2026