Agent commission
The largest cost in a traditional sale. Rates vary by state and competition, commonly 1.5% to 3.5% of the sale price, sometimes with a tiered bonus structure above a target price.
Commission is negotiable, and it disappears entirely if you sell privately.
Marketing and photography
Professional photography, floor plans, copywriting, signboards and portal advertising. Agent-run campaigns are frequently quoted between $1,500 and $8,000 depending on the property and the portals used, and are usually payable whether or not the property sells.
Selling privately you control this line item directly — many owners spend only on photography.
Conveyancing and legal fees
Contract preparation, disclosure documents, searches and settlement. Usually $800 to $2,500 including disbursements.
Mortgage discharge and break costs
Lenders charge a discharge fee (commonly $150 to $400). If you are on a fixed rate and exit early, break costs can be significant — ask your lender for a written figure before you list.
Capital gains tax
Your main residence is generally exempt. Investment properties are generally subject to CGT on the gain, with a 50% discount where the asset was held for more than 12 months. Get advice from your accountant — the rules around partial exemptions, the six-year rule and cost base are detailed.
Styling, repairs and moving
Furniture hire for a campaign commonly runs $2,000 to $6,000, plus repairs, cleaning and removalists. These are optional but affect both price and speed.
A worked example
On an $800,000 sale with a 2.2% commission and a $4,000 campaign, selling costs land around $25,000 before repairs and moving. Sold privately with $1,500 conveyancing and $700 photography, the same sale costs roughly $2,500 plus your time.