Cost to Sell Privately vs Using a Real Estate Agent in Australia (2026)
Selling a property in Australia comes with costs — but how you sell has a major impact on how much you pay.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that selling privately can save tens of thousands of dollars, while still using licensed legal professionals to handle contracts, deposits, and settlement.
This guide breaks down the true cost of selling with an agent vs selling privately, so you can make an informed decision.
Cost of Selling With a Real Estate Agent
When you sell through a traditional real estate agent, you typically pay a percentage-based commission, plus several additional fees.
Typical Agent Costs in Australia
Commission
2.5%–3.5% of the sale price
GST is added on top
Marketing & Advertising
Photography
Floorplans
Online advertising
Print and signage
Portal Listing Fees
realestate.com.au and Domain charges (often passed on to the seller)
Example: $900,000 Property Sale
Commission (3%): $27,000
GST on commission: $2,700
Marketing & advertising: $2,000–$5,000
Photography $500 - $2000
Portal listings: $4,000–$5,000 (Realestate.com.au and domain)
State specific Seller disclosure forms (~$600-$1000)
Total agent selling cost:
$36,000–$40,000+
Of note a lot of this advertising is designed to boost the agency brand, not your home.
Cost of Selling Privately (Without an Agent)
When selling privately, you avoid percentage-based commission and instead pay fixed, transparent costs.
Typical Private Sale Costs
Airlister listing fee $699 (have your property appear on realestate.com.au)
Conveyancer contract prep: $300-500
Photography: $500–$2,000
Signage and brochures: $100–$500
State specific Seller disclosure forms (~$600-$1000)
Total agent selling cost:
$1500 –$2500
Savings depend on property value, commission rate, and marketing choices, but the difference is often substantial.
Why Private Sales Cost Less
Selling privately reduces costs because:
No percentage-based commission
No incentive for agents to inflate marketing packages
You pay only for services you actually need
Legal professionals still manage the transaction
Importantly, the legal process does not change.
What Stays the Same in a Private Sale
Whether you sell with an agent or privately:
A conveyancer or solicitor prepares the contract
Deposits are held in a statutory trust account
Disclosure laws apply
Settlement is handled by legal professionals
Buyer protections remain in place
The only real difference is who handles the marketing and negotiations.
Is Selling Privately Legal in Australia?
Yes. Selling property without a real estate agent is legal in every Australian state and territory.
Private sellers must comply with:
Disclosure requirements
Contract rules
Trust account laws for deposits
Settlement procedures
These are managed by licensed legal professionals.
Is Selling Privately Right for You?
Selling privately may suit you if:
You want to reduce selling costs
You are comfortable dealing directly with buyers
You want control over pricing and negotiations
You are happy to use a conveyancer or solicitor
Many homeowners find the process simpler than expected once the legal side is handled professionally.
Final Thought
Real estate agent commission is often the largest cost of selling a property — and in many cases, it’s optional.
By selling privately, homeowners can:
Save tens of thousands of dollars
Maintain full legal protection
Retain control over their sale
Understanding the true cost difference helps you decide which option makes the most sense for your situation.
Want to Learn More About Selling Without an Agent?
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