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.

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