Selling a house in Queensland has always been a milestone, but for many homeowners, it also came with the frustration of large costs. Traditionally, you would have been expected to work with a real estate agent who charged commission on the final sale price, plus marketing and auction fees. This often meant losing tens of thousands of dollars in the process. Today, things are very different. With HomeWest, you can sell privately, without an agent, while still having access to the same advertising platforms that agents use. That makes selling your home significantly cheaper than it once was, and it puts you in control of the entire process.
View Our Sales Package FeesThe Traditional Costs of Selling in Queensland
When you sell your home through an agent in QLD, the main expense is commission. In Brisbane, most agents charge between 2 and 2.5 per cent of the final sale price. On the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, rates are similar, although competition can sometimes bring them slightly lower. In regional areas like Cairns, Townsville, or Toowoomba, commission rates often sit closer to 3 per cent. While those percentages might look small, the actual numbers tell a different story.
If your property sells for $700,000 in Brisbane at a 2.5 per cent commission rate, you will pay $17,500 in commission. If your property sells for $900,000 in Cairns at 3 per cent, you will pay $27,000. For a $1.5 million home in Noosa at 2.5 per cent, you will pay $37,500. These fees do not include marketing charges, which can easily add another $3,000 to $6,000. All told, it is not unusual for homeowners in QLD to pay between $20,000 and $40,000 just to sell their property.
How Commission Impacts Your Bottom Line
The commission model is based on percentages, which means the more valuable your home, the more you pay. Yet the work an agent does does not change dramatically based on your home’s value. Whether you are selling a $500,000 property or a $2 million property, the core tasks are the same: listing online, taking calls, arranging inspections, and negotiating offers. That raises the question of why homeowners should pay tens of thousands of dollars when the outcome can often be achieved more affordably.
In addition, agents often encourage costly auction campaigns. In QLD, auctions are common, especially in areas with strong buyer demand. Auctioneer fees, combined with additional marketing to promote the event, can add thousands more to your bill. By the time settlement comes around, you may find that a large chunk of your equity has gone directly to your agent.
How HomeWest Reduces the Cost of Selling
HomeWest takes away the percentage-based model and replaces it with a simple, fixed-price approach. Instead of giving away 2 to 3 per cent of your final sale price, you pay a straightforward package fee that covers your listing on realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and other major platforms. These are the exact same websites agents use to find buyers. The only difference is that you do not hand over thousands in commission.
You are in complete control of the process. You can create your listing, respond to enquiries, host inspections, and negotiate offers directly with buyers. You also have the option to add extras such as professional photography, signboards, and premium advertising upgrades, all at transparent prices. This means you only pay for what you want and nothing more.
Real-Life Savings Examples
Let’s explore the numbers more closely:
- Selling a $600,000 home in regional QLD at 3 per cent commission costs $18,000 in agent fees. Add $3,000 in marketing, and the total is $21,000. With HomeWest, you could sell for under $2,000. That is a saving of about $19,000.
- Selling a $950,000 property in Brisbane at 2.5 per cent commission costs $23,750, plus $4,000 in marketing. The total is $27,750. With HomeWest, your cost would still be under $2,500. You save more than $25,000.
- Selling a $1.5 million property on the Gold Coast at 2.5 per cent commission costs $37,500, plus $5,000 in marketing. The total is $42,500. With HomeWest, your cost remains around $2,500. You save $40,000.
These savings are not small. They can fund your next deposit, cover stamp duty, or go straight into your savings. For many homeowners, it can make the difference between moving comfortably or feeling financially stretched.
Why More Queenslanders Are Selling Privately
Across Queensland, more homeowners are choosing to sell privately because it is easier than ever before. Buyers do not care whether a property is listed by an agent or directly by the owner. What they care about is location, features, and price. If your home is presented well online and reaches the right audience, buyers will show up. With HomeWest, you are guaranteed that visibility.
Selling privately also gives you full control. You decide when inspections happen, you handle negotiations, and you choose the pace of the sale. Instead of relying on an agent’s opinion, you make the final call. Buyers often appreciate the chance to speak directly with homeowners, too, as it creates a sense of transparency and trust.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some people worry that selling privately means they will not achieve the best price. The truth is that buyers base their offers on market conditions and comparable sales, not on whether an agent is involved. Others worry about negotiation, but as the homeowner, you are the most motivated person to secure the best deal. With the support of your solicitor or conveyancer, you can handle offers with confidence. HomeWest also provides resources to help guide you through the process.
Another concern is professionalism. Many believe that buyers will not take private sellers seriously. In practice, if your property is listed on major sites and looks professional, buyers will treat it no differently to an agent-listed home.
Step-by-Step: Selling With HomeWest
The process is simple and clear. Here’s how it works:
- Select your package: Choose the level of advertising and extras you want.
- Build your listing: Write a strong description, upload quality photos, and include features that buyers value.
- Launch online: Your home is listed on realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and other major platforms.
- Manage enquiries: Buyers contact you directly, and you set up inspections at times that suit you.
- Negotiate offers: Speak directly with buyers and work out the terms that suit you best.
- Finalise the sale: Your solicitor or conveyancer completes the legal paperwork, and the sale is done.
At every stage, you are in control, and you save thousands compared to using an agent.
Practical Tips for Selling Privately in Queensland
If you decide to sell privately, there are a few simple steps you can take to maximise your success:
- Research recent sales: Look at similar properties in your area to set a realistic asking price.
- Invest in good photography: High-quality photos make your property stand out online.
- Write a clear description: Highlight the key features that buyers in Queensland are looking for, such as outdoor areas, proximity to schools, or lifestyle benefits.
- Be responsive: Answer buyer enquiries quickly and professionally to build trust.
- Stay flexible: Offer inspection times that suit buyers, including evenings or weekends.
Following these tips can help you attract more buyers and achieve a faster, more profitable sale.
Extended FAQs About Selling in QLD
Do I need an auction to sell my home? No. While auctions are common in Queensland, you can sell privately by negotiation. This often saves money and avoids the pressure of an auction campaign.
What legal paperwork do I need? You will need a contract of sale prepared by a solicitor or conveyancer. They handle the legal requirements to ensure the sale is valid.
Can I sell if my property is tenanted? Yes. You may need to give notice to tenants depending on the circumstances, but you are free to sell while the property is leased.
What if I don’t receive the offers I want? You are under no obligation to accept an offer. You can adjust your price, update your marketing, or wait for the right buyer.
Will I still get exposure without an agent? Yes. With HomeWest, your listing goes live on the biggest platforms in Australia, reaching the same audience as agent-listed properties.
Do I need a signboard? A signboard can help, especially in high-traffic areas. HomeWest offers them as an optional extra at affordable prices.
What support will I get? HomeWest provides resources, templates, and optional professional services. You are never left on your own.
Why HomeWest Is the Smarter Choice
When you weigh up the costs, the choice becomes obvious. Agents in Queensland typically charge $20,000 to $40,000 in commissions and marketing fees. With HomeWest, you can sell for under $2,500 in most cases. That means you keep tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket. You are in control, you reach the same buyers, and you get the same exposure as a traditional sale.
For homeowners in Queensland, selling with HomeWest is not just cheaper—it is smarter. It is about protecting your equity, simplifying the process, and making sure the money from your sale goes where it belongs: to you.