Selling your property? Here’s what it will really cost—and how to prepare for it.
When you’re focused on achieving the best possible price for your home, it’s easy to overlook the costs involved in getting there. From agent commissions to legal fees, presentation expenses and moving costs, selling a property in Australia can quickly add up.
Understanding these expenses upfront allows you to make smarter decisions, allocate your budget effectively, and reduce the risk of surprise costs disrupting your timeline or eating into your profit.
So before the For Sale sign goes up, let’s explore what you can expect to pay when selling a property—and why each item matters.
1. Agent Commission
This is typically the most substantial cost in the sale process—and for good reason. A skilled agent can make a significant difference to your end result by bringing strategy, buyer networks, market knowledge, and sharp negotiation skills to the table.
How it works:
- Agent commission is usually a percentage of the final sale price (commonly between 2% and 4%).
- For example, on a $750,000 sale, a 2.5% commission would be $18,750.
- In some cases, agents offer fixed-fee models, but percentage-based commission often motivates agents to maximise your result.
What to ask:
- Is the commission inclusive of GST?
- Does it include marketing or is that charged separately?
- Are there bonus structures for achieving over a certain sale price?
Tip: Don’t just go for the cheapest commission. Ask about recent sales results, marketing strategy, and negotiation experience—your return will depend on their performance.
2. Marketing and Advertising
If no one sees your property, no one can buy it. Marketing isn’t optional—it’s your chance to make a stunning first impression and stand out in a crowded market.
Expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000+, depending on your home’s value, the strategy used, and the level of presentation required.
Typical marketing costs include:
- Professional photography ($300–$800): Vital for capturing your property’s best angles.
- Real estate portal listings ($400–$4,000): Premium placements on sites like realestate.com.au and Domain boost visibility.
- Signboard and brochures ($200–$500): Still effective for local buyers and foot traffic.
- Social media ads and video ($300–$1,000+): Targeted campaigns that reach the right buyer demographic.
- 3D tours or drone photography (optional, $400+): Great for acreage properties or homes with views.
- Styling (see below): Often coordinated through your agent as part of the campaign.
Great marketing builds demand. And demand drives competition—often pushing your final sale price higher.
3. Presentation and Minor Repairs
Presentation can make or break a sale. Buyers buy with their eyes first—and a well-presented home often sells faster and for more money.
Presentation expenses might include:
- Cleaning ($200–$500): A professional deep clean adds instant appeal.
- Gardening ($200–$1,000+): Fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, and a green lawn create a strong first impression.
- Touch-ups and repairs ($300–$1,500+): Repainting scuffed walls, replacing broken fittings, patching holes.
- Decluttering or storage hire ($100–$500): Less clutter = more space.
- Home staging or furniture hire ($1,500–$5,000+): Especially impactful for vacant homes or those needing a modern lift.
Should I style my home?
Buyers often struggle to visualise a space. Staging creates an emotional connection—especially in higher-end or family homes. Ask your agent if it’s worth it in your area.
4. Legal and Conveyancing Fees
You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to prepare your contract of sale and oversee the legal side of the transaction.
Typical costs: $800–$2,000, depending on your state and the complexity of the sale.
Included services:
- Contract preparation
- Legal checks and disclosures
- Handling settlement and title transfer
- Liaising with the buyer’s legal team
Pro tip: Some agencies offer conveyancing bundled with their service or have a trusted referral partner—ask about your options.
5. Mortgage Discharge Fees
If you still have a mortgage on the property, your lender will charge a discharge or exit fee when you pay it out at settlement.
Fees typically range from $150 to $600, depending on your bank and the type of loan.
You may also be liable for break costs if you’re on a fixed-rate home loan. These can be much higher—sometimes thousands—if you’re ending the loan early.
Check your loan documents or speak to your lender well in advance to confirm your payout figure.
6. Moving and Relocation Costs
The cost of moving can vary depending on how much you’re transporting, how far, and how quickly.
Typical costs include:
- Professional removalists ($800–$3,000+): Especially if you’re moving interstate or have heavy furniture.
- Cleaning services ($300–$600): Often required under contract terms or tenancy agreements.
- Storage hire ($100–$400/month): Useful if there’s a delay between settlement and your new home being ready.
- Packing supplies, truck rental, or self-moving fuel costs
If you’re upsizing or downsizing, remember to budget for extra logistics like furniture replacements or disposal costs.
7. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – For Investment Properties
If the home you’re selling isn’t your primary place of residence, you may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the profit made from the sale.
CGT is only payable on investment properties and:
- Is calculated based on the difference between your purchase price and the sale price
- May be reduced by 50% if the property was held for more than 12 months
- Is payable when you lodge your tax return for that financial year
Get advice from your accountant well before settlement—especially if you’ve made improvements or have a portfolio to consider.
Other Potential Costs
Some sellers encounter extra costs, depending on their situation. These might include:
- Building and pest inspection (optional for sellers but can speed up buyer decision-making)
- Strata reports (for units or townhouses)
- Council or rates certificates
- Early exit fees on tenancy agreements (if tenanted)
- Bridging finance if you’re buying and selling at the same time
Planning for these contingencies ensures you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to settle.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home comes with both visible and hidden costs—but being prepared helps you manage them strategically. Rather than cutting corners, focus on spending where it adds value: marketing, presentation, and legal clarity.
Here’s a summary of what to expect:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Agent Commission | 2% – 4% of sale price |
| Marketing | $2,000 – $8,000+ |
| Presentation & Repairs | $500 – $5,000+ |
| Legal / Conveyancing | $800 – $2,000 |
| Mortgage Discharge Fees | $150 – $600+ |
| Moving Costs | $800 – $3,000+ |
| Capital Gains Tax | Varies (seek advice) |
| Miscellaneous | $500 – $2,000 (if needed) |
The good news? With expert advice, smart planning, and a well-managed sales campaign, most sellers more than recoup these costs in their final sale price—especially in competitive markets.