The short answer is no, in most cases, sellers do not pay stamp duty. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other important fees and responsibilities to be aware of. In this article, we’ll explain how stamp duty works, who pays it, and what costs sellers do need to plan for, along with how the right real estate agent (found through Agent Choice) can help you avoid surprises.

What Is Stamp Duty and Who Pays It?

Stamp duty is a government tax applied to certain transactions, most commonly property purchases. The rate and rules vary from state to state, but the purpose of stamp duty is to cover the administrative and legal costs of changing ownership.

So, do you pay stamp duty when selling a house? No, buyers are responsible for stamp duty, not sellers. This is true across all Australian states and territories. However, stamp duty can significantly affect the overall cost of buying a property, which means it may influence buyer demand and budget, and indirectly affect your sale.

Do You Pay Stamp Duty When Selling a House? 

Let’s say it again clearly: Sellers do not pay stamp duty. That responsibility sits with the buyer. But while you won’t be charged this tax directly, selling still comes with a range of legal and financial costs you’ll need to plan for.

This includes things like:

• Conveyancing and legal fees
• Mortgage discharge fees (if you’re still paying off the home)
• Marketing and photography
• Real estate agent commission
• Capital gains tax (if it’s an investment property)
  

In short: while stamp duty isn’t your burden as a seller, the process is far from free and having an experienced agent to guide you is key.

What Costs Do Sellers Actually Pay?

Here’s a breakdown of typical seller-side costs:

• Conveyancing Fees: Most sellers will pay between $700 and $2,000 to have a solicitor or conveyancer handle the legal paperwork and settlement process.
• Mortgage Discharge Fees: If you have a home loan, your lender may charge a discharge or early termination fee when you sell often between $300 and $1,000.
• Agent Commission: The biggest cost is usually your real estate agent’s commission, which typically ranges between 1.6% and 3.3% of the final sale price.
• Marketing and Photography: Marketing packages vary but often cost between $2,500 and $8,000. This includes listings on sites like realestate.com.au and Domain, floorplans, signboards, and styling.
• Capital Gains Tax (if applicable): If the property was an investment, capital gains tax (CGT) may apply on any profit. CGT rules are complex, your accountant can advise you based on your situation.

Is Stamp Duty Tax Deductible?

Not for sellers. Since you’re not paying stamp duty when selling, there’s nothing to claim. For buyers, stamp duty is also generally not tax-deductible. However, if you’re an investor, stamp duty may be claimable as part of your property’s cost base when calculating capital gains tax. It’s a common area of confusion especially when selling investment properties.

• If you want to dig deeper, check out this guide from Hardman Associates on: “Is Stamp Duty Tax Deductible?”

Why It Still Matters to Sellers

Even though sellers don’t pay stamp duty, it still plays a role in the selling process:

• It affects how much buyers can afford
• It influences buyer behaviour and demand
• It can impact your sale price indirectly, especially in slower markets
  

That’s why it’s important to work with an agent who understands local buyer sentiment including how stamp duty thresholds or exemptions might impact demand in your area.

Why the Right Agent Makes All the Difference

A great agent doesn’t just market your property they guide you through every step, including:

• What documents and disclosures you need to provide
• When to expect your settlement date
• What costs apply, and how to minimise them
• How to time your sale based on local buyer activity
  

Agent Choice helps you compare top-performing agents in your area, based on real data including fees, reviews, and results so you can make an informed choice without the guesswork.

Stamp Duty May Not Be Your Cost, But Selling Still Comes at a Price

To wrap it up: do you pay stamp duty when selling a house? No, but that doesn’t mean selling is free of cost or complexity. From legal paperwork to choosing the right marketing approach, there’s a lot to consider.

That’s where Agent Choice makes the process simpler. We help you compare top-performing agents across Australia based on reviews, fees, and actual performance so you can sell smarter, not harder.

Compare top agents now and feel confident in every step of your sale.

The post Do You Pay Stamp Duty When Selling a House? appeared first on Agent Choice®.

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®.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get your property market-ready and why preparation matters more than ever in today’s real estate climate.

Why Preparing Your Home for Sale Matters

Buyers form opinions within seconds of walking through the front door. According to Domain, well-presented homes can sell up to 10% faster than those that are poorly presented. Beyond visual appeal, small upgrades can psychologically signal that your home has been well cared for, making it more desirable. In a competitive market, sellers who take time to properly prepare their home for sale are more likely to attract multiple offers and avoid unnecessary price negotiations.

Declutter and Depersonalise

Decluttering is the first and arguably most important step in preparing your home. Clutter makes spaces look smaller and distracts buyers from seeing the potential of each room. Start by:

• Removing excess furniture
• Clearing benchtops and surfaces
• Packing away personal photos and mementos
• Organising storage areas (yes, buyers open wardrobes)
  

The goal is to create a neutral space that allows buyers to visualise their own life in the home, not yours.

Stage Each Room with Purpose

Staging is no longer a luxury, it’s an expectation. Professionally styled homes often sell faster and at higher prices. But even if you’re styling the home yourself, presenting each space with a clear purpose is crucial.

• Make the dining area feel inviting
• Ensure the living room is open and comfortable
• Showcase bedrooms as relaxing retreats
  

According to the Housing Industry Association, strong buyer demand combined with limited housing supply has intensified expectations around home presentation especially in competitive regional and metro markets. Buyers are more discerning than ever, making it crucial to prepare your home for sale with care and attention to detail.

Address Repairs and Maintenance

Before listing, do a full walk-through of your home and take note of anything broken, worn, or outdated. These might seem minor to you, but to buyers, they raise red flags.

Key areas to check:

• Leaky taps or loose fixtures
• Cracked tiles or damaged flooring
• Peeling paint or stained walls
• Outdated lighting or electrical issues
  

Addressing these ahead of time ensures buyers don’t overestimate renovation costs which can affect your offers.

Enhance Your Street Appeal

Street appeal can make or break a sale before buyers even enter the home. You don’t need to fully landscape the front yard, but a tidy, well-maintained exterior sets the right tone.

Tips to boost curb appeal:

• Mow lawns and trim hedges
• Clean windows and gutters
• Repaint the front door or fix up fencing
• Add a potted plant or two for a welcoming touch
  

Think of it as setting the stage for a positive first impression.

Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

Every property has something worth highlighting. Whether it’s a large backyard, natural light, high ceilings, or a renovated kitchen — make sure those features are presented at their best.

Open blinds, clean windows, and arrange furniture to maximise space and light. If your home has energy-efficient features (like solar panels), make sure these are noted in your listing and marketing material. In fact, data from YourHome.gov.au shows that orientation and passive design are key selling points for energy-conscious buyers in Australia.

Final Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Let’s recap the key areas you’ll want to focus on as you prepare your home for sale:

• Declutter and remove personal items
• Fix any obvious issues or damage
• Style each room to show its purpose
• Boost street appeal
• Showcase your home’s best features
• Ensure everything is clean, tidy, and inviting

Preparation isn’t about spending big, it’s about making smart improvements that deliver returns.

Ready to Sell? Agent Choice Can Help

Once you’ve done the hard work to prepare your home for sale, the next step is finding the right real estate agent to represent it. That’s where Agent Choice comes in.

Whether you’re preparing early or constantly researching ‘how to sell my house fast’, Agent Choice makes it easy to find the right agent. We compare thousands of agents across Australia to help you find the best one for your location, property type, and sales goals all in one place, and completely free to use. Don’t leave your sale to chance. Let Agent Choice help you make an informed, confident decision.

Compare top agents now

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