What Are the Costs of Selling a House in Australia? A Complete Breakdown for Homeowners

Selling your home in Australia can be a profitable move—but only if you understand the full range of costs involved. From agent commissions and marketing expenses to legal fees and mortgage discharge charges, these hidden costs can quickly eat into your final sale proceeds.

By choosing to sell privately through platforms like salebyhomeowner.com.au, you can avoid agent commissions and still list your property on Australia’s top real estate websites—saving thousands while staying in control.

Key Costs to Expect When Selling a Property in Australia

1. Real Estate Agent Commission (2%–3% of Sale Price)

• Agents typically charge between 2% and 3% of the final sale price

• On a $1 million home, that’s $20,000–$30,000 in commission alone

• Some agencies also add marketing fees of $2,000–$6,000

💡 Selling privately eliminates commission fees—keeping more money in your pocket.

2. Marketing and Advertising Costs ($2,000–$6,000)

• Includes photography, online listings, brochures, and signage

• Agents often charge premium rates for bundled marketing packages

• Private sellers can list on realestate.com.au, Domain, and more—without inflated fees

💡 DIY marketing through private sale platforms can save thousands while reaching the same buyers.

3. Conveyancing and Legal Fees ($1,000–$3,000)

• Covers the legal transfer of property ownership

• Costs vary depending on complexity and location

• Private sellers can choose their own conveyancer—often at a fixed, lower rate

💡 Independent conveyancers offer transparent pricing and help you stay compliant.

4. Stamp Duty (Buyer Expense)

• Paid by the buyer, not the seller—but it affects buyer affordability

• Higher stamp duty can reduce buyer demand and impact your sale price

💡 Understanding buyer costs helps you price and negotiate more effectively.

5. Property Presentation and Renovations ($500–$15,000)

• Minor upgrades like painting and landscaping cost $500–$3,000

• Major renovations (e.g. kitchens, bathrooms) can exceed $10,000

• Well-presented homes attract more interest and higher offers

💡 Small improvements can deliver a big return on investment.

6. Auction Costs ($5,000–$8,000, If Applicable)

• Auction marketing campaigns can cost $5,000–$8,000

• Auctioneer fees range from $400–$1,500

• Unsold properties may incur additional re-listing fees

💡 Private sellers avoid auction costs and negotiate directly with buyers.

7. Mortgage Discharge Fees ($150–$1,000)

• Lenders charge a fee to close your mortgage account

• Fixed-rate loans may include early exit penalties

💡 Check your loan terms to avoid unexpected charges at settlement.

How Much Can You Save by Selling Privately?

• Selling a $1 million home privately can save $20,000–$30,000 in commission

• Avoiding agent marketing fees saves an additional $2,000–$6,000

• Listing with salebyhomeowner.com.au gives you national exposure—without the markup

💡 Private selling is a smart, cost-effective alternative for Australian homeowners.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home doesn’t have to be expensive. By understanding the true costs and choosing to sell privately, you can:

• Avoid agent commissions and keep more of your sale proceeds

• Manage your own marketing and legal process with expert support

• Reach serious buyers through Australia’s top real estate websites

• Stay in control of pricing, negotiations, and settlement terms