Selling a home in Australia can involve substantial expenses—often adding up to tens of thousands of dollars. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what sellers typically pay, based on the LocalAgentFinder guide and other reliable sources across 2023–2025
1. Real Estate Agent Commission (1–4% of Sale Price)
Agent fees are usually the single largest cost. Across the country, commissions typically range between 1% and 4% of the final sale price—with an Australian average at about 2.23% Which Real Estate Agent+2localagentfinder.com.au+2localagentfinder.com.au+2.
| State / Territory | Average Commission |
|---|---|
| South Australia (Adelaide) | ≈ 1.90% ($9,700) |
| New South Wales | ≈ 2.01% ($10,050) |
| Queensland | ≈ 2.56% ($12,800) |
| Tasmania | ≈ 2.71% ($13,550) |
| Other regions | 2.2%–2.5% on average localagentfinder.com.au+1localagentfinder.com.au+1Localsearch+13localagentfinder.com.au+13Realestate.com.au+13localagentfinder.com.au+15networkexchange.com.au+15Which Real Estate Agent+15 |
Agent fees may be structured as:
- Flat fee: Set dollar amount regardless of sale price.
- Percentage fee: A fixed percentage of the final sale.
- Tiered/bonus-based: E.g. a higher percentage on amounts sold above a reserve threshold Localsearch+15localagentfinder.com.au+15localagentfinder.com.au+15localagentfinder.com.au.
You can negotiate commission rates—especially in competitive metropolitan markets—and clarify whether quoted fees include GST (~10%) localagentfinder.com.au+1localagentfinder.com.au+1.
2. Marketing and Advertising ($1,000–$10,000+)
Marketing efforts may include listings, signboards, brochures, photography, floor plans, video tours, social media promotion, and print ads.
- Typical marketing campaigns range from $1,000 to $10,000+, depending on property and media strategy localagentfinder.com.au.
- Some agencies include marketing in their commission; others charge separately localagentfinder.com.au.
3. Conveyancing / Legal Fees ($700–$2,200)
You must engage a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal transfer of ownership.
- Costs range from $700 to $2,200, varying by state and complexity localagentfinder.com.au+4Realestate.com.au+4localagentfinder.com.au+4.
4. Mortgage Discharge / Lender Fees ($150–$1,500)
If you have an existing mortgage, your lender typically charges a discharge fee between $150 and $1,500, depending on the bank and the type of loan Realestate.com.au+1networkexchange.com.au+1.
5. Auctioneer Fees (if Selling by Auction): $400–$1,000+
Selling via auction attracts a separate fee for auctioneer services—usually between $400 to $1,000, occasionally more.
- Auction marketing campaigns alone can cost $500 to $2,500, especially for higher priced homes localagentfinder.com.au+3localagentfinder.com.au+3Upmove+3.
6. Home Staging and Styling (up to $10,000)
Styling enhances appeal and often boosts sale price.
- Costs range from minimal (decluttering, cleaning) to $10,000 or more for full styling, particularly for empty or upscale homes Realestate.com.au+1networkexchange.com.au+1.
7. Other Potential Costs
- Building and pest inspections (optional but can pre‑empt buyer hurdles): ~ $300–$1,000 Upmove.
- Council rates, water charges, strata fees (still payable until settlement): roughly $750 to $2,000 depending on timeframe and location Upmove.
- Minor repairs or pre‑sale renovations: costs vary by property condition and local advice localagentfinder.com.auWhich Real Estate Agent.
8. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
- Applies only if the property is investment-derived, not your principal home.
- CGT is calculated on the profit after deductible expenses (e.g. legal fees, agent commissions, marketing), and you may be eligible for a 50% discount if the property was held for over 12 months and you’re an Australian resident localagentfinder.com.au.
Estimated Total Cost to Sell
Combining standard fees, most sellers can expect to pay about 3% to 5% of the final sale price for the full package of costs—even more in regional or less competitive markets networkexchange.com.auWhich Real Estate Agent.
Final Takeaways & Tips
- Location matters: Commission and marketing rates vary by city, suburb, and competition.
- Negotiate wisely: Especially in metropolitan markets, agent commission and marketing scope are negotiable.
- Prepare smartly: Simple styling and repairs often make a big difference.
- Use tools: Online calculators (e.g., LocalAgentFinder’s selling-cost calculator) help estimate your total budget Upmove+13localagentfinder.com.au+13Realestate.com.au+13Which Real Estate Agent+2Realestate.com.au+2networkexchange.com.au+2.
- Understand taxation: If you’re selling an investment property, capital gains tax can significantly affect your net proceeds.
Selling a house is more than a price tag—it’s a collection of planned and hidden expenses. With a clear breakdown and realistic budget, you can market your home effectively and maximize your outcome.
