The real costs of selling a property in Australia

Selling a home involves more than the agent's commission. Marketing, conveyancing, presentation, moving and sometimes discharge fees all add up. Understanding each cost before you sign helps you compare proposals properly and avoid surprises partway through your campaign.

Many sellers focus on the headline commission figure and forget the rest of the budget. A clear picture of total costs, not just the commission rate, is what actually tells you whether a proposal represents good value.

Agent commission

Commission is usually the largest cost of selling and is typically calculated as a percentage of the final sale price, though some agents charge a flat fee. Rates vary by state, suburb and property type, so always ask for the rate in writing and clarify whether it is negotiable.

Ask what the commission covers. Some agents include basic marketing in their fee, others charge marketing separately. Knowing the difference matters when you compare two proposals that look similar on the surface.

Marketing and advertising

Photography, floor plans, signboards, online listing upgrades and print advertising all cost money. Campaigns can range from a modest spend to several thousand dollars depending on the property and the strategy. Ask for an itemised marketing quote rather than a single lump sum, so you know exactly what you are paying for.

Some agents ask you to pay marketing costs upfront, others roll them into the final settlement. Confirm the payment terms before you commit, so there are no surprises if your property takes longer to sell than expected.

Conveyancing or solicitor fees

You will need a conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the contract of sale and handle settlement. Fees vary by state and by the complexity of the transaction. Get a quote early so it can be factored into your overall budget, and ask what disbursements, such as title searches, are included.

Presentation and repairs

Styling, minor repairs, a general tidy up, or a fresh coat of paint can help a property present well to buyers. These costs vary widely depending on the condition of your home and how much work you choose to do. Not every property needs extensive preparation, so ask your agent which improvements are likely to matter to local buyers before you spend money on cosmetic changes.

Moving costs

Removalists, storage and connection or disconnection of utilities are easy to overlook when budgeting for a sale, particularly if you are buying another property at the same time. Get removalist quotes early, especially during busy seasons when prices and availability can shift quickly.

Possible government or discharge fees

Depending on your circumstances, you may encounter mortgage discharge fees from your lender, land titles office fees, or other administrative charges. These are usually smaller amounts, but they should still be included in your overall cost estimate so your final proceeds are not lower than expected.

A worked example on an $850,000 sale

Figures below are illustrative only, to show how the categories can add up. Always confirm actual costs and rates with your agent, conveyancer and other providers.

On an $850,000 sale, a seller might see commission in the order of tens of thousands of dollars depending on the agreed rate, marketing costs of a few thousand dollars, conveyancing fees of around a thousand dollars, some modest presentation spend, and several hundred dollars in moving and administrative costs. Added together, these categories can represent a meaningful portion of the sale proceeds, which is why it pays to understand each line item rather than focusing on commission alone.

Why the cheapest quote is not always the best value

A low commission rate can look appealing, but it is worth asking what is being traded off. Does the agent have less budget for marketing? Are they less experienced with properties like yours? Will they have the capacity to give your sale the attention it needs?

Equally, a higher fee needs a clear explanation. Ask what extra service, experience or marketing reach justifies the difference. The goal is to compare whole proposals, not just the number at the bottom of the page.

Get every cost in writing before signing

Before you appoint an agent, ask for a written breakdown of commission, marketing costs, conveyancing recommendations and any other fees that might apply. Check what happens to marketing costs if the property does not sell during the agreed campaign period. A written proposal protects both you and the agent, and it gives you something concrete to compare across different agents.

If you are unsure about any clause in the agency agreement, speak with your solicitor or conveyancer before you sign.

A simple next step

If you want a quick sense of how commission might apply to your own sale, try our free real estate agent commission calculator. It is a useful starting point before you compare agent proposals in detail.

BrokerMyAgent is an agent matchmaker, not a sales agency. We help you compare vetted local agents, and we review agents' selling proposals, commission and marketing costs, and challenge anything that doesn't stack up. Our service is free for homeowners, and your appointed agent manages the sale itself.

If you are planning to sell, book a free intro call and we can talk through the likely costs for your situation.