Real Estate Agent Fees Explained Simply

Most property owners don’t realise real estate agent fees can vary significantly depending on the agent, location, and services included. This article breaks down how real estate agent fees work in Australia, what to expect, and how to make sure you’re getting the best value for money, especially if you’re selling a property.

If you want to save time, avoid overpaying, and easily compare local agents and what they charge, we’ll show you a smarter way to do it later in the article.

What Are Real Estate Agent Fees?

Real estate agent fees are the costs you pay an agent for selling your property. These are typically structured in one of two ways:

• Percentage-based commission: This is the most common, where the agent takes a percentage of the final sale price (e.g. 1.5%–3%).
• Fixed fees: Some agents charge a flat rate, regardless of how much your property sells for.
  

These fees usually cover things like:

• Open homes and private inspections
• Negotiations with buyers
• Admin and contract handling including settlements
  

What agents charge can also vary depending on the property’s location, the competitiveness of the market, and the agent’s level of service and experience.

Real Estate Agent Fees by State: What They Typically Charge

While fees can vary, here’s a general guide to agent commission rates across Australia:

• NSW (incl. Sydney): 1.8% – 2.5%
• QLD: 2.5% – 3.0%
• VIC: 1.6% – 2.5%
• WA: 2.0% – 3.25%
• SA, TAS, NT, ACT: 2.0% – 3.0%
  

Additional charges may include:

• Premium REA and Domain Listing Ads
• Advertising and marketing costs (Photography, Staging, signage and brochures )
• Auctioneer fees (if selling via auction)
  

You might be thinking, ‘Are real estate fees negotiable?’ Yes, many agents are open to negotiation, especially if your property is high-value or expected to sell quickly, so it’s always worth asking. If you want more information on how agent commission structures work in Australia, check out Canstar’s guide to real estate agent fees.

Why Comparing Agents Is So Important

There’s no set industry standard for what agents can charge, and not all agents offer the same level of service.

• One agent might charge 2.5% but include full marketing services.
• Another might charge 2% but offer very little support.
  

Higher fees don’t always mean better results, and lower fees can sometimes cost you more in missed opportunities or weaker negotiation. Without comparing agents, you risk choosing someone who isn’t the best fit, or overpaying for less-than-ideal service.

How Agent Choice Makes It Easier

Here’s where Agent Choice comes in. Agent Choice is a free platform that helps you compare top-performing agents in your area. Instead of contacting agents one by one, the platform shows you:

• Verified local agents ranked by past performance
• What they charge (and what’s included)
• Customer reviews and sales history
• Area expertise and property type specialisation
  

This takes the guesswork out of the process, saves you hours of research, and gives you confidence you’re getting fair value. Whether you’re focused on keeping agent cost low or prioritising results, Agent Choice helps you make informed decisions based on data, not guesswork. What’s even better, is that if you use Agent Choice to find and compare the top 3 agents in your area you can receive up to $5,000 cashback.

Pay Smarter, Not More

Understanding real estate agent fees is essential if you want to get the most out of your property sale. With the right agent, you can achieve a great result without overpaying. And by comparing agents before you commit, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

If you’re looking to sell your property and you’re ready to compare agent fees and services in your area, use Agent Choice today. Visit us online to find the best real estate agent for your needs, we’re fast, free, and simple with the chance to receive up to $5,000 cashback.

Agent Choice® — Australia’s only platform that rewards homeowners AND connects you with the Top 3 Agents, all at no cost to you. 👉 Compare agents now