How to sell your property

Selling a house in Australia involves several key steps, starting with researching the market to understand local property trends and demand. Once you’ve assessed whether it’s the right time to sell, the next step is choosing the best sales method, whether by auction or private treaty. Finding the right real estate agent is crucial, as they will guide you through setting a competitive asking price, marketing your property effectively, and negotiating with buyers. Preparing your home for sale by making necessary repairs, staging the property, and ensuring high-quality photography can significantly impact buyer interest. Once you receive offers, negotiations take place before signing the contract and proceeding to settlement, where legal and financial requirements are finalised, and ownership is transferred. Selling a house requires careful planning and professional support to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

The best method of selling your property depends on market conditions, your property type, what market you're selling in, and your financial goals. Selling by auction can be highly effective in competitive markets, as it encourages buyer competition and often leads to a faster sale with a strong price outcome. Private treaty sales, on the other hand, offer more flexibility, allowing sellers to list their property with an asking price and negotiate directly with buyers. To achieve the best result, it’s essential to implement a strong marketing campaign with professional photos, maximise exposure through major real estate platforms, and ensure your home is presented at its best. Working with an experienced real estate agent who understands your local market can help you determine the best method and strategy to maximise your sale price.

The cost of selling a house in Australia depends on a range of factors, including real estate agent commission, marketing expenses, legal fees, auction costs, and other potential charges. Agent commission is typically the largest expense, and marketing costs vary depending on the level of advertising needed to attract buyers. Sellers may also need to budget for conveyancing or legal fees, home staging, building and pest inspections, mortgage discharge fees, and any necessary repairs or renovations to improve the property’s appeal. The final cost will depend on the sale method, location, and property type, making it essential to plan ahead. To get a clearer idea of what you’ll need to budget for based on your specific circumstances, use our Selling Costs Calculator to estimate the total expenses involved in your property sale.

The time it takes to sell a house in Australia depends on market conditions, location, and the chosen sales strategy. In high-demand markets, homes can sell within 10 to 30 days or so, while in slower markets, it can take 60 days or more. Auctions typically result in faster sales since they set a clear deadline and encourage competitive bidding, whereas private treaty sales can take longer due to price negotiations and buyer conditions. The speed of sale is also influenced by factors such as pricing strategy, property presentation, and the effectiveness of the marketing campaign. Working with a skilled real estate agent, setting a realistic asking price, and ensuring your home is well-prepared for inspections can help reduce time on the market and attract serious buyers more quickly.

Selling a house in Australia requires several important legal documents to ensure a smooth transaction. The contract of sale is essential, outlining the terms of the sale, including price, deposit, and settlement details. In some states, sellers must provide a vendor’s statement, such as the Section 32 in Victoria, which discloses property details like zoning and title information. A title deed is required to confirm ownership, and if the property is under a mortgage, a mortgage discharge form must be completed with the lender. Building and pest inspection reports may be needed to provide transparency for buyers, while council and zoning certificates confirm land use and local planning regulations. In some cases, an energy efficiency certificate is also required, particularly in the ACT. A conveyancer or solicitor can help manage the paperwork, ensuring all legal requirements are met for a successful settlement.

Real estate agent fees in Australia vary based on location, property value, and the level of service provided. Typically, agent commission is calculated as a percentage of the final sale price and can range anywhere from 1.0% to 3.6%, depending on market conditions and competition among agents in your area. Some agents offer a fixed-fee structure, while others operate on a tiered commission basis, where they receive a higher percentage if the sale price exceeds a set amount. In addition to commission, sellers may also need to cover marketing costs, auctioneer fees, and other related expenses. To understand what agent fees look like in your suburb and how much you could expect to pay, use our Real Estate Commission Calculator to compare costs in your area.

In Australia, whether you have to pay tax when selling your house depends on whether the property was your primary residence or an investment property. Most homeowners are exempt from capital gains tax (CGT) if the property was their main residence for the entire time they owned it. However, if you’re selling an investment property, a holiday home, or a property that has been rented out, you may be liable for CGT on any profit made from the sale. There are also CGT exemptions and discounts available, including the 50% CGT discount for properties owned for more than 12 months. Other potential tax considerations include GST on property sales in certain circumstances. Since tax rules can be complex and vary depending on individual circumstances, it’s best to seek professional advice from a tax accountant or financial advisor.

Beyond agent commissions and legal fees, there are several hidden costs of selling a house that can catch sellers off guard. Marketing fees for professional photography, real estate listings, and property staging can add up, and if you’re selling via auction, you’ll also need to factor in auctioneer fees. Other potential costs include conveyancing and legal fees, mortgage discharge fees, and the cost of preparing your home for sale, such as repairs, renovations, and pre-sale building and pest inspections. Some sellers may also face early exit fees from their home loan or capital gains tax if the property was an investment. To avoid unexpected expenses, it’s important to budget carefully and use tools like our Selling Costs Calculator to estimate the full cost of your sale.

Yes, you can sell your house before paying off the mortgage, but you’ll need to settle the remaining loan balance using the proceeds from the sale. When selling with a mortgage, your lender will issue a payout figure, which includes the outstanding loan amount, any early repayment fees, and potential break costs if you have a fixed-rate loan. Once the sale is finalised, your lender will receive the required amount from the sale proceeds before any remaining funds are transferred to you. If the sale price doesn’t cover the remaining mortgage, you may need to pay the difference out of pocket. It’s important to speak with your bank or mortgage broker before listing your property to understand the financial implications and ensure a smooth settlement process.

Deciding whether to sell your house with a real estate agent or privately depends on your level of experience and confidence in handling the property sales process. Selling with an agent provides professional expertise, access to marketing channels, and strong negotiation skills, often resulting in a higher sale price and a smoother transaction. On the other hand, selling without an agent—also known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO)—can save on commission fees but requires the seller to manage everything from pricing and marketing to legal paperwork and negotiations, so it's a decision that shouldn't be made lightly. Statistics show that real estate agents typically achieve better sale outcomes due to their market knowledge and ability to attract more qualified buyers. If you’re unsure which option is best, consider comparing costs, risks, and the time investment involved before making a decision.

When selling a house, you can choose between auction or private treaty, each offering distinct advantages depending on market conditions and property type. Selling by auction creates urgency and competition, which can drive the sale price higher—particularly in a hot property market with strong demand. Auctions also come with set timeframes and an unconditional sale, meaning fewer complications after the hammer falls. In contrast, a private treaty sale involves listing the property with a fixed asking price and negotiating offers with potential buyers. This method provides more flexibility in pricing and conditions, making it a popular choice in balanced or slow-moving markets. Understanding the pros and cons of auctions vs private sales will help you choose the best way to sell your house based on your circumstances.

Choosing the best real estate agent can make a huge difference in your final sale price and overall experience. Look for an agent with strong local market knowledge, a proven sales record, and positive customer reviews. Comparing multiple agents through an agent comparison service can help you evaluate their marketing strategies, commission structures, and recent sales results. It’s also important to meet with agents in person to gauge their communication style and negotiation skills. The best agent for you will be someone who understands your goals, has a clear strategy to sell your home, and can confidently handle buyer inquiries and price negotiations. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to compare and choose the right agent for your sale.

To find out how much your house is worth, start by researching recent property sales in your area and comparing similar homes to get an estimate. Many real estate websites offer free property valuation tools, but for a more accurate home value assessment, consider getting an appraisal from a real estate agent or a formal property valuation from a licensed valuer. Factors such as market trends, property condition, location, and buyer demand all influence house prices. To get a personalised estimate, try our Free property value estimate tool, which provides insights based on the latest real estate market data, or check out our What Is My Property Worth guide.

Preparing your house for sale involves cleaning, decluttering, and making strategic improvements to ensure your home appeals to the widest pool of buyers. Start with minor repairs, such as fixing leaky taps, patching holes, and repainting walls in neutral colours to create a fresh, inviting look. Home staging can help potential buyers visualise themselves living in the space, while professional real estate photography ensures your listing stands out online. Don’t forget curb appeal—a tidy garden and welcoming entrance can make a great first impression. Finally, work with a real estate agent to develop a marketing strategy and set a competitive asking price based on market trends and recent property sales.

To increase your home’s value before selling, focus on high-impact, cost-effective upgrades that deliver a strong return on investment. Simple cosmetic fixes like fresh paint, updated lighting, and modern fixtures can make a big difference. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are often the most valuable, as buyers prioritise these areas when assessing a home. Improving energy efficiency by adding solar panels, insulation, or double-glazed windows can also boost buyer interest. For a cost-effective approach, landscaping and curb appeal enhancements—like a tidy lawn and a welcoming front entry—can make a strong first impression. A building and pest inspection before listing can also help identify and address potential buyer concerns.

Deciding whether to sell your house as is or renovate depends on market conditions, property condition, and your budget. In a hot property market, you may achieve a good price without major improvements, while in a buyer’s market, updates may be necessary to stay competitive. If your home has structural issues or outdated features, small upgrades like painting, fixing minor repairs, and staging can improve buyer appeal. However, large-scale renovations may not always provide a high return on investment, so it’s essential to weigh the financial and time costs of improvements against potential sale price increases. A real estate agent’s advice and a pre-sale property assessment can help you make the right call based on current market trends and buyer expectations.

Selling a deceased estate involves several legal and financial steps before the property can be listed for sale. The process typically requires obtaining a grant of probate (if a will exists) or letters of administration (if there is no will) to ensure the executor has the legal right to sell the property. During this time, it’s important to assess whether capital gains tax (CGT) or inheritance tax may apply, as some exemptions may be available if the property is sold within a specific timeframe. Before listing, executors should work with a real estate agent experienced in deceased estate sales to determine the best method of sale and market value. Preparing the home for sale, including decluttering, repairs, and potential home staging, can help maximise the sale price while ensuring the process is handled with sensitivity and care.

Selling a home during a divorce or separation can be complex, as it often involves property settlement negotiations and legal considerations. In most cases, both parties must agree on the selling strategy, price expectations, and how sale proceeds will be divided. Engaging a real estate agent who understands the emotional and financial aspects of a divorce property sale can help make the process smoother. If there are disputes, a family lawyer or mediator may be required to assist in negotiations. Whether choosing to sell the property and split the proceeds or arranging for one party to buy out the other’s share, it’s crucial to factor in legal costs, tax implications, and the impact on your financial future before making a decision.

If you need to sell your house quickly, the key is to price it competitively, present it well, and use a targeted marketing strategy to attract serious buyers. Selling at auction can generate competition and lead to a fast, unconditional sale, while a private treaty sale with a motivated pricing strategy may also achieve a quicker outcome. Making small improvements, such as home staging, minor repairs, and high-quality photography, can increase buyer interest and help speed up the process. If time is critical, you may also consider off-market sales or selling to a property investor, though these options may result in a lower final sale price. Working with an experienced real estate agent who knows the local property market is crucial to finding the fastest and most effective selling strategy.