In this guide, we’ll break down the most common costs associated with selling a property, so you know exactly what to expect, and where you can potentially save.

Real Estate Agent Fees and Commissions

For most sellers, the biggest part of the cost of selling a house is the real estate agent’s commission. This is usually calculated as a percentage of the final sale price, typically ranging between 1.6% and 3.5%, depending on your location, property type, and the agent you choose.

Some agents offer fixed fees, while others charge a percentage-based commission. It’s also common for agents to offer tiered commission structures that reward them for achieving a higher sale price.

• Want to understand what a reasonable commission looks like in your area? Agent Choice lets you compare top agents, including their fee structures, so you can make an informed choice without the stress.

Conveyancing and Legal Fees

Conveyancing (the legal process of transferring property ownership) is a mandatory cost for any property sale. You’ll need either a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to handle this for you.

Typical conveyancing fees in Australia range between $700 and $1,500, depending on your state and the complexity of the transaction. Be sure to check if disbursements (like title searches or settlement fees) are included in your quote.

Government Costs: Do You Pay Stamp Duty When Selling?

One of the most common questions sellers ask is: ‘do you pay stamp duty when selling a house?’ The short answer is no, stamp duty is generally paid by the buyer, not the seller.

However, there may be other government or financial fees, such as land tax clearance certificates or mortgage discharge fees. These costs are typically small (a few hundred dollars), but they can surprise you if you’re not prepared.

Building and Pest Inspection Costs

While it’s usually the buyer who arranges inspections, some sellers choose to do a pre-sale building and pest inspection to speed up negotiations and avoid surprises.

A typical building inspection cost ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the size and location of the property. This cost is optional but can help build buyer confidence and strengthen your negotiation position.

Home Staging and Marketing Costs

Presentation matters. Professionally styled homes often sell faster (and for a higher price) than unstaged properties.

Home staging costs can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the size of the home and the length of the campaign. Even if you don’t invest in full styling, high-quality photography, video walkthroughs, and online ads are essential.

Marketing packages are often additional to your agent’s commission and can range from $2,500 to $8,000, depending on your location, the inclusions, and which platforms are used (e.g. REA, Domain, etc). Always ask for a full breakdown when comparing agent proposals.

Mortgage Discharge and Bank Fees

If you still have a mortgage on the property, you’ll likely incur discharge fees when selling. These fees cover the administrative costs of ending your home loan and can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on your lender and loan type.

If you’re ending your mortgage early (particularly a fixed-rate loan) you may also be subject to break fees. It’s worth contacting your bank before listing your property to understand what you’ll owe.

• If you’re currently on a fixed-rate mortgage, selling your home early could trigger additional break costs. These vary depending on your lender, loan balance, and remaining term. Westpac explains how break costs are calculated and what factors influence the final amount.

Breaking Down the Cost of Selling a House

Example Cost Breakdown (Based on $750,000 Sale):

• Agent commission (2.2%): $16,500
• Conveyancing: $1,200
• Marketing packages: $2,500 ~ $8,000
• Home staging: $3,000
• Mortgage discharge fee: $500
• Estimated Total: $23,700 ~$29,200

**Keep in mind that these are ballpark figures**. Your actual costs may vary based on your location, property type, agent choice, and optional services.

How to Reduce the Cost of Selling a House

There are ways to minimise the cost of selling a house without compromising on your sale price:

• Compare agent commissions and services
• Negotiate on marketing fees or bundle packages
• Style the home yourself (DIY staging)
• Choose the right time to sell to maximise demand
  

One of the most effective ways to reduce unnecessary costs is to choose the right agent from the start, and that’s where Agent Choice comes in.

Let Agent Choice Help You Sell Smarter

If you’re preparing to sell, don’t leave one of your biggest financial decisions to chance. The cost of selling a house can vary greatly and the wrong agent can end up costing you more than you expect.

Agent Choice compares thousands of agents across Australia, showing you real performance data, commission rates, and customer reviews so you can confidently choose the best agent for your property and your budget.

Compare top agents for free with Agent Choice and take the guesswork (and hidden costs) out of selling.

The post How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House? appeared first on Agent Choice®.

In this guide, we’ll explore six key warning signs to watch for when selling your house, with expert-backed tips to help you sidestep issues before they start. Whether you’re selling for the first time or the fifth, being informed gives you a serious edge in today’s market.

1. Setting an Unrealistic Price Tag When Selling Your House

It’s natural to want top dollar, but overpricing your property can seriously backfire. A listing that sits on the market too long often leads to price drops and less buyer interest. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is failing to factor in real estate agent fees, commission structures, and the true cost to sell a house. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to sell a house, it’s more than just what you walk away with, it includes agent commissions (often 2–3% in Australia), marketing expenses, legal fees, and potential staging costs. Setting a price without factoring these in can inflate expectations and turn off serious buyers.

Agent Choice can help you compare agents, commission structures, and average sale prices in your suburb, so you can price your home based on real data, not guesswork.

2. Neglecting Essential Repairs and Improvements

Another red flag: skipping over repairs and cosmetic updates. Buyers notice everything from leaky taps to peeling paint, and while small issues might seem insignificant to you, they suggest to buyers that larger problems may be lurking. Before listing, invest time in preparing your home for sale. This includes basic maintenance, minor renovations, and updates that increase appeal, like modern fixtures or fresh paint. A well-presented home not only photographs better but often leads to quicker offers and stronger negotiating power.

3. Being Rigid with Viewing Arrangements

Flexibility is a must when it comes to showings. Sellers who are overly strict with availability or unwilling to accommodate last-minute requests risk losing out on serious buyers, especially in fast-paced markets like Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne. If you’re serious about selling your house fast, make it easy for buyers to see the property. Weekend opens, midweek inspections, and even virtual walk-throughs all improve your visibility and buyer engagement.

An experienced agent, like the ones you’ll find through Agent Choice, will help coordinate inspections and guide you on the best viewing strategy based on local demand.

4. Underestimating the Power of Presentation and Marketing

Your home only gets one chance to make a first impression. Poor photos, weak descriptions, or lacklustre staging can make even the most beautiful property fall flat. To boost your sales potential, invest in professional marketing. This could include drone photography, digital floorplans, or social media ads. These tools are especially important if you’re trying to sell your house fast or attract buyers from interstate or overseas. When it comes to preparing your home for sale, how you present it online is just as important as how it looks in person. Don’t leave this to chance.

5. Partnering with the Wrong Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home

Not all agents are created equal. Working with the wrong one can affect everything from pricing to negotiation to marketing reach. A common red flag is an agent who avoids discussing real estate agent fees or offers vague answers about what’s included in their commission.

Transparency, performance, and local experience matter. You want someone who understands your suburb, has recent success in your area, and offers clear, competitive terms.

CHOICE’s guide to selling your property also highlights what to look for when selecting the right real estate agent, things like checking their recent sales and asking about their marketing strategy. However, Agent Choice takes that one step further, helping you compare local agents based on verified performance data, so you don’t have to do the legwork yourself.

6. Failing to Prepare for Negotiations

Finally, many sellers aren’t ready for the negotiation stage. Whether it’s holding firm on price or refusing to consider buyer requests, being inflexible can scare off potential offers. When selling your house, preparation is key. This means understanding your bottom line, knowing how much wiggle room you have after fees, and being open to discussion, especially if your goal is a timely sale. A great agent will coach you through this stage, helping you strike the balance between protecting your interests and closing the deal.

Don’t Miss These Warning Signs When Selling Your House

Avoiding these warning signs can help you sell with less stress, fewer delays, and better financial outcomes. From preparing your home for sale to pricing, promotion, and negotiation, each step plays a vital role in how your property performs on the market.

But the most important decision you make? Choosing the right agent. Don’t leave it to chance, use Agent Choice to compare the top-performing agents in your area based on real results, not paid placements. It’s free, unbiased, and puts you in control of your property journey. Contact us today or visit us online, sell smarter with Agent Choice!

The post 6 Warning Signs to Watch Out for When Putting Your Home on the Market appeared first on Agent Choice®.