The Real Cost of Selling a House in Australia

By the Beat The Agent Team · 3 July 2026

When Australian homeowners ask how much does it cost to sell a house, most think first of the sale price they'll pocket. But between the "For Sale" sign going up and the settlement cheque landing in your account, a surprising slice of your equity can disappear into fees, commissions and marketing charges. Understanding the true cost of selling a house in Australia before you list is the single best way to protect your profit.

This guide breaks down every major expense you're likely to face, explains how real estate agent commission is calculated, provides a state-by-state guide to typical commission ranges, and shows exactly how a flat-fee alternative compares on real sale prices.

The main costs of selling a house

Selling costs vary depending on your property, your state, and the method of sale, but the following expenses apply to most Australian sellers.

1. Real estate agent commission

For most sellers using a traditional agent, commission is by far the largest expense. Agents typically charge a percentage of the final sale price, usually somewhere between 2% and 3.5%, though the exact figure varies by state, agency, and how hard you negotiate. On a $900,000 sale, a 2.5% commission equals $22,500 — money deducted from your proceeds at settlement.

2. Marketing and advertising

Marketing is usually charged on top of commission and is often payable whether or not your home sells. Costs typically range from around $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the campaign. This can include premium listings on realestate.com.au and Domain, professional photography, floor plans, signboards, brochures, and social media advertising. Vendor-paid advertising for premium metropolitan campaigns can climb well beyond $10,000.

3. Conveyancing and legal fees

You'll need a conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the contract of sale, handle disclosure documents (such as a Section 32 in Victoria), and manage settlement. Conveyancing typically costs somewhere between $800 and $2,500, depending on the state and the complexity of the transaction.

4. Styling, staging and presentation

Property styling (home staging) has become common in competitive markets. Hiring furniture and décor to present an empty or dated home can cost anywhere from around $2,000 for a small apartment to $10,000 or more for a large family home over a multi-week campaign. It's optional, but many sellers feel pressured into it.

5. Repairs, maintenance and pre-sale improvements

Minor repairs, a fresh coat of paint, professional cleaning, landscaping and gardening all add up. These are discretionary, but even modest presentation work commonly runs into the hundreds or low thousands of dollars.

6. Auction fees (if applicable)

If you sell by auction, expect an auctioneer's fee — often a few hundred to well over a thousand dollars — usually charged separately from commission and marketing, and frequently payable regardless of whether the property sells under the hammer.

7. Other potential costs

Depending on your situation, you may also encounter mortgage discharge fees, a lender's early-exit or break cost on a fixed loan, and (for investment properties) potential capital gains tax. These vary widely, so it's worth checking with your lender and accountant early.

How real estate agent commission is calculated

Commission is almost always expressed as a percentage of the final sale price and deducted at settlement. There are two common structures:

• Fixed percentage: a flat rate — say 2.2% — applied to the entire sale price. Simple and predictable.
• Tiered or incentive commission: a lower base rate up to a target price, then a higher rate on any amount above it, intended to motivate the agent to push for a stronger result.

Crucially, agent commission percentages are negotiable. Rates are not set by law in any state — the figures quoted by agencies are starting points, and sellers who compare multiple agents can often secure a better rate. Remember that a percentage-based fee scales with your sale price: the more your home sells for, the more you pay, even though the agent's workload is largely the same.

State-by-state guide to typical agent commission ranges

The table below shows typical commission ranges by state and territory. These are broad guides only — actual rates vary by location (metro versus regional), agency, property value, and negotiation. Always confirm the exact percentage and what it includes in writing before signing.

Across the board, remember these ranges exclude marketing and advertising, which are almost always charged separately.

Worked example: agent commission vs a flat fee

Here's where the numbers get interesting. Beat The Agent charges a single, one-time flat fee of $2,199 — with no commission at all. That fee includes professional photography, listing on both realestate.com.au and Domain, a signboard, conveyancing, and a dedicated sales concierge to guide you through the process.

To compare fairly, the table below uses a mid-range 2.5% agent commission and adds a conservative $3,000 marketing spend — a realistic, mid-campaign figure. Your actual traditional-agent costs could be higher.

The pattern is clear: because commission is a percentage, the traditional cost of selling rises with your sale price, while a flat fee stays the same. On a $1.5 million home, the difference can exceed $38,000 — money that stays in your pocket rather than your agent's. You can see exactly what's included on our pricing page.

How to reduce the cost of selling your house

1. Compare and negotiate commission. If you use a traditional agent, get quotes from several and negotiate — remember rates aren't fixed by law.
2. Scrutinise the marketing package. Ask whether advertising is refundable if the home doesn't sell, and question whether premium upgrades are worth it.
3. Consider a flat-fee, sell-it-yourself model. Private sale platforms let you list on the major portals without paying a percentage. See how it works to understand the process end to end.
4. Be selective with styling and repairs. Focus spending on high-impact, low-cost improvements — cleaning, decluttering and minor fixes — rather than expensive renovations.
5. Shop around for conveyancing. Fixed-fee conveyancing quotes vary; a quick comparison can save several hundred dollars.

For more guides on selling smarter, browse our articles and resources.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to sell a house in Australia?

With a traditional agent, total selling costs commonly land between roughly 2% and 3.5% of the sale price in commission, plus $1,000–$10,000 or more in marketing, plus conveyancing and optional styling and repairs. On a typical home, that can easily total tens of thousands of dollars. A flat-fee model such as Beat The Agent's $2,199 one-time fee removes commission entirely.

Is real estate agent commission negotiable?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law anywhere in Australia. The percentages agencies quote are starting points, and sellers who compare multiple agents and negotiate can often secure a lower rate. You can also avoid commission altogether by selling privately.

What does the Beat The Agent flat fee include?

The one-time $2,199 fee covers professional photography, listing on realestate.com.au and Domain, a signboard, conveyancing, and access to a sales concierge — with no percentage commission on your sale price. You can create an account to get started.

Do I still pay marketing costs with a flat-fee service?

With Beat The Agent, core marketing essentials — photography, portal listings and a signboard — are included in the single flat fee, unlike traditional agencies where advertising is typically billed separately and can add thousands of dollars. Optional premium upgrades may be available if you want to expand your campaign.

← Back to all guides