What Are the Costs of Selling a House in Australia? A Complete Guide

Selling a home in Australia involves more than just setting an asking price—there are numerous hidden expenses that homeowners often overlook. From agent commissions and marketing fees to legal costs and settlement charges, these expenses add up quickly, cutting into your final sale profits.

Understanding these costs ensures you’re financially prepared and helps maximize your return—especially if you choose to sell privately through platforms like salebyhomeowner.com.au where sellers can avoid real estate commissions and have their homes listed Australia-wide on all leading real estate websites.

Breakdown of Costs When Selling a Home in Australia

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

✔️ Agents charge between 2%–3% in commission fees, depending on location and agency.

✔️ Selling a $1,000,000 property through an agent can cost between $20,000–$30,000 in commissions.

✔️ Some agencies also charge additional marketing fees, adding another $2,000–$6,000 to the total cost.

💡 Selling privately with salebyhomeowner.com.au eliminates these commission fees—allowing sellers to keep more of their profits!

2. Marketing & Advertising Fees ($2,000–$6,000)

✔️ Professional photography, online listings, brochures, and advertising are often bundled as extra costs.

✔️ Real estate agents charge premiums for marketing

✔️ Private sellers can list with salebyhomeowner.com.au, ensuring their homes are seen Australia-wide on all major real estate websites—without inflated fees.

💡 By managing your own listing, private sellers save thousands while still reaching serious buyers!

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

✔️ A conveyancer ensures proper legal documentation during the transaction.

✔️ Costs vary depending on complexity—but independent conveyancers often offer fixed-price services that are more affordable.

✔️ Private sellers can choose their own conveyancer, avoiding agent markups on legal services.

💡 Working with an independent conveyancer reduces costs, especially for private home sales!

4. Stamp Duty (Applies to Buyers, Not Sellers)

✔️ Stamp duty is paid by the buyer, but it affects the overall affordability of a property.

✔️ Higher stamp duty rates can slow buyer demand, impacting the final sale price.

💡 Understanding buyer costs helps private sellers negotiate more effectively!

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

✔️ Basic upgrades—painting, landscaping, and decluttering—typically cost between $500–$3,000.

✔️ Major renovations (kitchens, bathrooms) can cost $10,000+, but may improve sale price.

✔️ Homes with fresh updates appeal to buyers and attract stronger offers.

💡 Small improvements make a big impact—helping private sellers maximize their home’s value!

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

✔️ Auction marketing packages often cost between $5,000–$8,000.

✔️ Auctioneer fees range from $400–$1,500.

✔️ If a property doesn’t sell at auction, additional marketing and listing fees apply.

💡 Private sellers avoid auction costs entirely, negotiating directly with buyers for better outcomes!

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

✔️ Lenders charge a discharge fee when closing a mortgage, typically between $150–$1,000.

✔️ Fixed-rate loans may incur additional exit fees, so homeowners should check their terms.

💡 Understanding discharge fees helps sellers avoid unexpected costs!

How Much Can You Save Selling Privately?

🏡 Selling a $1,000,000 home privately can save up to $30,000 in commission fees alone.

🏡 Avoiding inflated agent marketing fees saves an additional $2,000–$6,000.

🏡 Listing with salebyhomeowner.com.au ensures homes are seen Australia-wide on all leading real estate websites—without agent markups.

💡 Choosing to sell privately can save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars while maintaining full control over the process!

Final Thoughts

Selling a home comes with multiple costs, but homeowners can significantly reduce expenses by selling privately.

✔️ Avoid paying $20,000+ in agent commissions by listing independently.

✔️ Manage your own marketing, ensuring visibility across all major real estate sites.

✔️ Choose your own conveyancer for cost-effective legal processing.

✔️ Skip auction fees and negotiate directly with buyers.

With salebyhomeowner.com.au homeowners connect with serious buyers, advertise effectively, and keep more of their sale price—without paying hefty agent fees.