Selling a house in South Australia is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Traditionally, it was also one of the most expensive, because homeowners had little choice but to work with real estate agents. Agents charged commissions on the final sale price and added marketing costs that could easily push the total into tens of thousands of dollars. For many years, this was just the way it was done. Thankfully, things have changed. With HomeWest, you can now sell privately, without an agent, while still accessing the same advertising platforms that agents use. That makes selling your home in SA significantly cheaper than it used to be and puts you back in control of the process.
View Our Sales Package FeesThe Traditional Cost of Selling in South Australia
If you have ever spoken with an agent in Adelaide or elsewhere in South Australia, you know that the biggest cost of selling is commission. Commission rates in SA typically sit between 2 and 2.75 per cent of the final sale price. In some regional areas, rates can be even higher. While those percentages may not seem large at first, when applied to real property values they add up quickly.
For example, if you sell a $600,000 home in Adelaide at 2.5 per cent commission, you will hand over $15,000 to your agent. If you sell an $850,000 home at 2.75 per cent, the commission jumps to $23,375. And if you sell a $1.2 million property at 2.5 per cent, you will lose $30,000 in commission alone. These amounts do not include marketing, which can easily add another $3,000 to $6,000 to your total costs.
How Commissions Reduce Your Profit
Agent commissions are percentage-based, which means the more valuable your home, the more you pay. Yet the work required to sell a property does not increase in line with its value. An agent listing a $500,000 home and one listing a $1.5 million home will often do the same tasks: create a listing, advertise online, conduct inspections, and handle enquiries. This raises an obvious question: why should you have to pay $15,000, $25,000, or even $35,000 for tasks that you could easily manage yourself with the right tools and support?
On top of commissions, many South Australian agents insist on auction campaigns. This means auctioneer fees, extra advertising, and printed brochures. These extras can add thousands more to your final bill. It is easy to see how your profit is diminished before you have even settled the sale.
How HomeWest Makes Selling More Affordable
HomeWest offers a better way. Instead of charging a percentage of your final sale price, HomeWest provides fixed-price packages that let you advertise your property on Australia’s largest real estate websites, including realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. These are the exact same platforms agents use, but without the commission. That means your property is seen by the same pool of buyers, but you are not handing over tens of thousands of dollars to an agent.
With HomeWest, you manage your own sale. You control the listing, enquiries, inspections, and negotiations. You can add optional extras such as professional photography, floor plans, and signboards at fair and transparent prices. You are never forced into paying for services that you do not want or need.
Examples of Savings in SA
Let’s look at some real examples to see the difference between traditional selling and using HomeWest:
- A $550,000 property in Adelaide at 2.5 per cent commission means $13,750 in fees. Add $3,500 in marketing, and you pay $17,250. With HomeWest, you could sell for around $2,000. That is a saving of more than $15,000.
- A $900,000 home in the Adelaide Hills at 2.75 per cent commission costs $24,750. Add $4,000 for advertising, and the total is $28,750. With HomeWest, you could sell for under $2,500, saving over $26,000.
- A $1.3 million home along the coast at 2.5 per cent commission costs $32,500. Add $5,000 in marketing, and you are at $37,500. With HomeWest, the cost is still only around $2,500. That means a saving of $35,000.
These examples show just how significant the savings are when you choose to sell privately in SA.
Why More South Australians Are Selling Privately
Homeowners in SA are increasingly choosing to sell privately because it is both simple and cost-effective. Buyers no longer rely on agents to find properties. Instead, they search online. If your property is listed on major websites, buyers will find it whether it is represented by an agent or by you. With HomeWest, your property appears alongside agent listings, reaching the exact same audience without the high fees.
Many buyers also like the idea of dealing directly with homeowners. It feels more transparent and personal. You are the one who knows your home best, and you can highlight its strengths in a way that no agent can. This personal connection often makes negotiations smoother and more efficient.
Common Concerns About Private Selling
Some people worry that selling privately means they will not get the best price. The reality is that buyers make their offers based on market conditions and comparable sales, not on whether an agent is involved. With HomeWest, you still get the same exposure as an agent, so you will receive the same offers.
Others worry about the negotiation process. With HomeWest, you have access to resources that guide you through handling enquiries and offers. You can also consult your solicitor or conveyancer for support. Many homeowners find they are more motivated and better equipped to negotiate strongly because they are dealing with buyers directly, without an agent pushing for a quick commission.
The Step-by-Step HomeWest Process
Here is how simple the process is with HomeWest:
- Select your package: Choose the advertising and support level that suits your property.
- Create your listing: Add your photos, write a description, and highlight your property’s best features.
- Advertise online: Your property appears on realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and other leading platforms.
- Respond to enquiries: Buyers contact you directly. You arrange inspections at times that suit you.
- Negotiate offers: You discuss terms directly with buyers, with support from your solicitor if you want it.
- Finalise the sale: Your solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal paperwork and the sale is completed.
Every step of the way, you are in charge. The process is straightforward, and the cost savings are enormous compared to using an agent.
Tips for Selling Privately in SA
To make the most of your private sale, keep these tips in mind:
- Research prices: Look at recent sales in your area to set a realistic asking price.
- Invest in photos: Good photography makes a huge difference in attracting buyers online.
- Write a clear description: Highlight lifestyle benefits and unique features of your property.
- Stay responsive: Reply quickly to enquiries to show buyers you are serious.
- Be flexible: Offer inspection times that suit buyers, including evenings and weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling in SA
Do I need an agent to sell legally? No. In South Australia, you are free to sell privately. You just need a solicitor or conveyancer to prepare and manage the legal documents.
Will buyers take me seriously? Yes. Buyers are focused on the property, not on who lists it. As long as your listing is professional and online, they will treat it the same as an agent listing.
How do I decide on an asking price? You can research comparable sales, use online valuation tools, or seek an independent valuation for confidence.
Do I have to hold open inspections? No. You can choose private inspections or open homes depending on what suits you best.
What if I am not comfortable negotiating? HomeWest provides guidance, and you can involve your solicitor. You are never left on your own.
Can I still use professional marketing? Yes. HomeWest offers affordable extras like photography, signboards, and premium online upgrades.
What if I do not get the offers I want? You are under no obligation to accept an offer. You can adjust your asking price or wait for a better buyer.
Why HomeWest Is the Smarter Choice for SA Homeowners
The cost of selling your home in South Australia is dramatically reduced when you choose HomeWest. Traditional agents typically charge between 2 and 2.75 per cent commission, plus marketing fees. This can easily mean $20,000 to $40,000 in total costs. With HomeWest, you achieve the same exposure to buyers for under $2,500 in most cases. The difference is clear: you keep tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket.
Selling with HomeWest also gives you control and confidence. You make the decisions, you talk directly with buyers, and you manage the pace of your sale. It is a simpler, fairer, and more affordable way to sell property in South Australia. For homeowners who want to protect their profit and avoid unnecessary expenses, HomeWest is the smarter choice.