Selling a property involves more than just choosing a top agent and waiting for offers. From agent commissions and marketing costs to legal fees and property preparation costs, understanding the true all up cost of selling helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
This guide breaks down the typical costs involved when selling a residential property in Australia, explains optional costs versus essential costs, and offers tips on where spending money can genuinely improve your sale price.
Typical Cost to Sell a Property
As a general rule of thumb, most property sellers can expect total selling costs to fall between:
2% to 4% of the final sale price
For example:
- On a $700,000 sale→ approx. $14,000 – $28,000
- On a $1,000,000 sale→ approx. $20,000 – $40,000
The exact figure depends on:
- Your top agent’s commission
- Marketing package chosen
- Property condition
- Legal complexity
- Location and competition
Real Estate Agent Commission
Typical Cost
- 2% to 3.5% + GSTof the sale price
- Negotiable and varies by suburb, demand and agent experience
For example:
$800,000 sale at 2.5% = $20,000 + GST
What Affects Commission Rates
- Market conditions (hot vs slow market)
- Property value and ease of sale
- Agent track record and presence in the local market
💡 Tip: Don’t choose an agent on commission alone. A skilled top agent achieving a higher sale price will more than likely offset a higher commission.
Marketing
Marketing is usually paid upfront and separate from commission, remember you can’t sell a secret, so this is a very important component of selling a property.
Typical Marketing Range
- $3,000 – $6,000+ depending on the value of property and targeted market. Sometimes a more premium property may be advertised overseas or any premium magazines, radio or newspapers etc.
- Marketing costs will also be plus GST
What Marketing Usually Includes
- Online listings (realestate.com.au, Domain, own real estate agency’s web page)
- Professional photography
- Floor plans
- Signboard
- Marketing Script
- Social media promotion
- Email marketing to buyer databases
💡 Tip: Strong marketing creates competition — and competition drives price. Cutting marketing costs can be detrimental to the final price outcome.
Professional Photography & Media
High-quality presentation is critical in a competitive property market.
Typical Costs
- Photography: $500 – $1,000
- Floor plans: $150 – $300
- Drone photography/video: $200 – $600
- Video walkthroughs: $400 – $1,000+
Not all of the above is necessary but again the better presented the property is in your marketing the more likely you are of attracting more buyers and creating competition which will push up the end price.
💡 Tip: Buyers decide whether to inspect based on photos. This is not an area to skimp.
Styling and Presentation Costs
Styling can significantly improve buyer perception and sale price. This can depend on the existing furniture and fit-out of course. It may not be needed at all, but an option worth exploring.
Common Options
- Decluttering consultation: $200 – $500
- Partial styling: $1,500 – $3,500
- Full styling: $3,000 – $6,000+
💡 Tip: Even light styling or hiring furniture for key rooms can lift perceived value far beyond its cost.
Legal Costs (Conveyancing or Solicitor Fees)
In Australia, sellers must engage a solicitor or conveyancer.
Typical Legal Costs
- $1,000 – $2,500
- Can increase if:
- There are title issues
- Special conditions or clause are added into the sales agreement
- The sale is complex or a staged settlement
- Multiple vendors, deceased estates etc
This usually includes:
- Helping to prepare the sales agreement in conjunction with the agent
- Legal advice during negotiations
- Assisting with due diligence when needed
- Settlement coordination and transferring the legal title to the new owner
Contract and Compliance Costs
Depending on your property, you may also need to pay for:
- Smoke alarm compliance certificates
- Pool safety certificate(mandatory if applicable)
- Body corporate disclosure documents(for units/townhouses)
Costs vary widely but may range from $200 – $1,000+.
Repairs, Maintenance & Pre-Sale Improvements
Not mandatory, but often worthwhile.
Common Pre-Sale Costs
- Minor repairs
- Painting
- Gardening and landscaping
- Professional cleaning
Typical spend: $500 – $5,000+
💡 Tip: Focus on first impressions — paint, flooring, lighting and curb appeal usually deliver the best return.
Mortgage Discharge Fees
If you have a mortgage:
- Lenders/bankers can sometimes charge a discharge or settlement fee
This cost will vary depending on breaking fixed terms or amount of funding owing on the property.
How to Control Costs Without Hurting Your Sale
✔ Get multiple agent proposals and compare inclusions
✔ Ask for transparent marketing breakdowns
✔ Negotiate commission rates
✔ Spend money where buyers notice it most
✔ Avoid overcapitalising on renovations
Final Thoughts
Selling a house comes with a range of costs, but understanding them upfront puts you in control. While the total outlay can feel significant, the goal is not to minimise spending, rather to maximise your net result.
Smart investment in the right top agent, strong marketing, and professional presentation often delivers a higher sale price, faster result, and smoother transaction.