Selling your home in New South Wales is one of the biggest financial steps you will ever take, and the costs involved can make a massive difference to how much money you end up with in your pocket. For decades, homeowners had no choice but to go through traditional real estate agents. That usually meant paying large commissions and inflated marketing fees, which could strip tens of thousands of dollars away from your final sale price. Today, things are very different. With HomeWest, you can sell privately, without an agent, and dramatically reduce the cost of selling. This shift has made the entire process far more affordable, transparent, and empowering for everyday Australians.
View Our Sales Package FeesThe Traditional Cost of Selling in NSW
If you have ever worked with a real estate agent in New South Wales, you already know the first major cost: commission. In Sydney, where competition is fierce, commission rates often sit between 1.8 and 2 per cent of the final sale price. In regional and coastal areas of NSW, the figure is usually closer to 2.5 per cent. That might not sound like much when you hear it as a percentage, but when you apply it to property values in the state, the numbers quickly become eye-watering.
For example, on a $1 million property in Sydney, a 2 per cent commission means you are handing over $20,000. If you are selling a $1.2 million property, the commission jumps to $24,000. In regional towns, where 2.5 per cent is more common, the cost of selling a $700,000 home would be $17,500 just in commission. None of these figures includes marketing costs, which are usually added on top. By the time you include photography, floor plans, online advertising, brochures, and auctioneer fees, the total can easily reach $25,000 to $30,000 or more.
Why Commission Costs Add Up Quickly
Real estate agents often justify their commissions by arguing that they bring “expertise” and “connections” to the process. But in today’s digital age, most buyers are searching online. They are scrolling through realestate.com.au or domain.com.au to find properties that match their needs. Agents use these same platforms, which means that much of what you are paying them for can be done yourself with the right access. The difference is that with HomeWest, you do not pay 2 per cent of your final sale price—you pay a simple fixed fee that is often less than 5 per cent of the cost of a traditional commission.
The Hidden Costs of Using an Agent
Commission is just the start. Agents frequently recommend “must-have” marketing campaigns that include glossy brochures, letterbox drops, large signboards, and premium online upgrades. While some of these tools can help, many are unnecessary. Agents also tend to mark up the cost of these services, which means you could be paying more than you would if you purchased them directly. Auctioneer fees in NSW can also add thousands to your bill, and they are usually passed directly to the seller.
By the time you add all these extras to the commission, you may find yourself spending $30,000 to $40,000 just to sell your home. For many homeowners, that is money that could have gone toward your next property purchase, renovations, or simply into their savings account.
How HomeWest Puts You in Control
HomeWest was built on the idea that homeowners should be in control of their own property sales. Instead of paying an agent to do what you can do yourself, you pay for an affordable listing package that gives you direct access to the same online platforms that agents use. That means your property appears on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au—the two biggest websites buyers go to first—without the burden of paying a commission.
With HomeWest, you choose how your property is presented. You decide when inspections are held, how enquiries are handled, and which buyers you want to negotiate with. You are supported with resources, templates, and guidance, but you never lose control of the process. Most importantly, you keep the money that would otherwise have gone into an agent’s pocket.
Breaking Down the Savings
Let us compare the numbers side by side. If you sell a $950,000 home through an agent at 2 per cent commission, you will pay $19,000 in fees. Add $4,000 in marketing, and the total is $23,000. If you use HomeWest, you can list your property with a package starting under $1,000. Even if you add premium photography, floor plans, and signage, you will rarely spend more than $2,500 in total. That means you are saving at least $20,000, and in some cases, much more.
If your property sells for $1.5 million, the savings are even more dramatic. At 2 per cent commission, an agent would charge $30,000. With marketing, you might be looking at $35,000 or more. With HomeWest, your total cost is still only a few thousand dollars. That means you could keep over $30,000 simply by choosing to sell privately.
Why Private Selling Works in NSW
Many homeowners worry that private selling might be complicated or stressful. The truth is that private selling has become increasingly popular across NSW because the process has never been easier. With online advertising, professional templates, and support from HomeWest, you have everything you need to manage the sale. Buyers are already searching online, and they do not care whether a property is listed by an agent or directly by the owner. What matters is that your property is presented well and listed on the right platforms.
Buyers also appreciate the chance to deal directly with homeowners. It allows them to ask questions openly and build trust more quickly. You are the person who knows your property best, and you can highlight its unique features in a way no agent ever could.
Common Misconceptions About Selling Without an Agent
One of the biggest misconceptions is that selling privately means you will not get the best price. In reality, buyers make their offers based on the market, not on whether an agent is involved. By advertising on the same major websites that agents use, you are reaching the same pool of buyers. The only difference is that you are not handing over a commission at the end.
Another misconception is that you need an agent to handle negotiations. With HomeWest, you are fully supported to manage negotiations yourself. If you prefer, you can also involve your solicitor or conveyancer to provide extra advice. Either way, you remain in control of the process, and you are never pressured into accepting an offer simply because an agent wants their commission.
The Step-by-Step Process With HomeWest
Here is how the process works when you sell through HomeWest:
- Choose your package: Select the level of advertising and extras that suit your property and budget.
- Prepare your listing: Use professional photos, write a clear description, and highlight your property’s key features.
- Advertise online: Your property goes live on realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and other platforms where buyers are actively searching.
- Manage enquiries: Interested buyers contact you directly. You arrange inspections at times that suit you.
- Negotiate offers: You review offers and negotiate terms directly, with the support of your solicitor if needed.
- Finalise the contract: Once you accept an offer, your solicitor or conveyancer completes the legal paperwork.
At every stage, you are in control. You save money, avoid commission, and still achieve the same exposure that an agent would provide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling in NSW
Do I legally need an agent to sell my house? No. In NSW, you are fully entitled to sell your property privately. All you need is a valid contract of sale prepared by a licensed solicitor or conveyancer.
Will buyers take me seriously if I sell privately? Yes. Buyers care about the property, not who listed it. If your home is well presented online, they will treat your sale no differently from an agent-listed property.
How do I set the right price? You can use recent sales data, online valuation tools, or professional appraisals to guide your price. HomeWest can also provide advice to help you set a realistic figure.
What if I need help negotiating? You can always seek advice from your solicitor or conveyancer. HomeWest also provides resources to guide you through the negotiation process.
Can I still use extras like signboards and photography? Absolutely. HomeWest offers all of these services at affordable rates, without the mark-ups agents often add.
Why HomeWest Is the Smarter Choice
At the end of the day, the question of how much it costs to sell a house in NSW depends on the path you choose. With an agent, you are almost guaranteed to spend $20,000 or more in commissions, plus thousands more in extras. With HomeWest, you could complete the entire sale for under $2,500. The savings are undeniable, and the process is straightforward. Selling privately is not just about saving money—it is about taking control of your sale, dealing directly with buyers, and keeping the equity you have worked so hard to build.
HomeWest has made it possible for everyday Australians to sell their homes in NSW without giving away a huge portion of their profit. You now have a genuine alternative to traditional real estate agents, one that is more affordable, more empowering, and far more rewarding.