When you decide to sell your property in Australia, one of the biggest costs you will face is real estate commissions. Agents in Australia charge some of the highest commission rates in the world to sell your property, and this can mean losing tens of thousands of dollars from your sale proceeds. Many sellers feel frustrated when they realise how much of their hard-earned money goes to agent fees, especially when they compare it to the lower commissions charged in many other countries. What many sellers do not realise is that there is a better way to sell your property without paying these high fees. By choosing HomeWest, you can sell your property confidently while saving a very significant amount of money, allowing you to keep more from your sale to use for your next purchase, savings, or investments.
Click To View Our Sales PackagesReal Estate Commissions in Australia vs Other Countries
Real estate agents in Australia typically charge between 1.6 percent and 3.5 percent of the final sale price of your property as commission. In contrast, many other countries have significantly lower commission rates. For example, in the United Kingdom, commission rates generally range from 0.75 percent to 1.5 percent, while in the United States, average commission rates are around 5 percent to 6 percent, but this is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, often making the individual commission lower. In many parts of Europe, commissions are also lower, and sellers have more options to list their properties privately without heavy reliance on agents.
In Australia, the high commission rates are paired with the high cost of property, making the total commission paid by sellers a large financial burden. For example, selling a property for $850,000 with a 2.5 percent commission rate means paying $21,250 in commission alone, and this does not include advertising and marketing fees, which can add several thousand dollars more to your expenses.
Commission Rates Across Australian States and Territories
Commission rates vary across different states and territories in Australia, and here is a detailed look at what you might expect when selling your property:
New South Wales
In New South Wales, commission rates typically range from 1.8 percent to 2.5 percent, with higher rates often found in regional areas where property prices are lower and agents adjust their commission to cover their costs. For a property sold for $900,000, you could be paying your agent between $16,200 and $22,500, plus advertising costs that could add another $2,000 to $5,000 to your total selling expenses. By using HomeWest, you can avoid these high commission fees while still advertising your property to buyers across New South Wales.
Victoria
Victoria sees commission rates generally between 1.6 percent and 2.5 percent, with regional areas sometimes reaching higher percentages due to market conditions. Selling a property for $800,000 in Melbourne could cost you between $12,800 and $20,000 in commissions, plus additional advertising costs. By choosing HomeWest, you can save these costs, giving you more flexibility and control over your sale while keeping your hard-earned money.
Queensland
Queensland often has higher commission rates, typically between 2.5 percent and 3 percent, especially in regional and rural areas. If you sell your property for $700,000, you might pay between $17,500 and $21,000 in commission, along with advertising and marketing costs that can add thousands more to your expenses. HomeWest allows you to avoid these commissions while still reaching buyers in Queensland, helping you sell your property efficiently and affordably.
South Australia
In South Australia, commission rates range from 2 percent to 2.75 percent, with variation depending on the suburb and the level of competition among agents. On a $650,000 property sale, you could expect to pay between $13,000 and $17,875 in commission, plus advertising costs of up to $4,000 or more. HomeWest offers an alternative that allows you to list your property for sale without these costs, enabling you to save a substantial amount of money.
Western Australia
Western Australia typically sees commission rates between 2.5 percent and 3 percent, with some areas reaching higher rates depending on local market conditions. Selling a property for $750,000 could cost you between $18,750 and $22,500 in commission fees alone, along with additional advertising fees that can quickly add up. By using HomeWest, you can avoid these commissions while maintaining full control over your property sale in Western Australia.
Tasmania
Tasmania often has some of the highest commission rates in Australia, typically ranging from 2.5 percent to 3.25 percent. On a $500,000 property sale, you might pay your agent between $12,500 and $16,250, plus additional advertising costs. Many sellers in Tasmania are now realising that they can sell their properties through HomeWest to save on these fees while still accessing professional advertising and support throughout their sale.
Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory, commission rates generally range from 2 percent to 2.5 percent. Selling a property for $900,000 could cost you between $18,000 and $22,500 in commission, plus additional marketing and advertising costs. By choosing HomeWest, you can sell your property in Canberra and surrounding areas while avoiding these commissions and maintaining control over your sale process.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has some of the highest commission rates in the country, often ranging from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent. On a $600,000 property sale, this could mean paying between $15,000 and $21,000 in commission, plus additional advertising fees. Selling privately with HomeWest allows you to keep these funds in your pocket while reaching buyers throughout the Northern Territory and managing your sale confidently.
The Hidden Costs of Selling with Agents
Many Australians are surprised by how much it actually costs to sell a property through an agent. Advertising packages can add thousands to your costs, and many agents require these payments upfront before your property is even listed. Photography, listing upgrades, print advertising, and signboards are all charged separately, further increasing your expenses during your sale. Sellers often find that they have little control over these costs and that they are presented as essential, even when cheaper alternatives are available.
Why HomeWest is the Better Alternative
HomeWest offers you a smarter way to sell your property in Australia without paying high commission fees and unnecessary advertising costs. By choosing HomeWest, you can:
- Advertise your property on Australia’s leading real estate websites
- Keep full control of your property sale and negotiations
- Receive all buyer enquiries directly
- Save tens of thousands of dollars on commission fees
- Manage your inspections and open homes on your terms
With HomeWest, you do not have to compromise on exposure or professionalism to save money. You can showcase your property with professional photography, clear property descriptions, and attractive online listings while maintaining control over your sale process and saving thousands of dollars.
How Much You Can Save by Selling with HomeWest
Let us consider a property sold for $850,000 in a state with an average commission of 2.5 percent. This would result in a commission fee of $21,250, plus an additional $3,000 in advertising, bringing your total selling costs to $24,250. By choosing HomeWest, you can avoid paying this commission, allowing you to save more than $20,000 on your property sale. These savings can be used for your next purchase, to reduce debt, or to invest in your family’s future, giving you financial freedom and flexibility.
Stay in Control Throughout Your Sale
When you sell with HomeWest, you remain in control of your entire sale process. You set your asking price, manage your listing, handle your inspections, and negotiate with buyers directly. This allows you to stay informed about buyer interest, adjust your strategy if needed, and respond quickly to serious buyers. You do not need to worry about being pressured to accept a lower offer just to finalise a sale and pay an agent’s commission. With HomeWest, you can wait for the right buyer and the right price, ensuring you get the best result for your property.
Selling Privately is Simpler Than You Think
Many Australians are discovering that selling privately is not as difficult as they once believed. With the right support, selling privately can be a straightforward, empowering process that saves you a significant amount of money. HomeWest provides you with resources, guidance, and tools to manage your sale confidently, including checklists for preparing your property, templates for managing enquiries, and information to help you navigate negotiations and legal requirements.
Join the Growing Number of Australians Choosing HomeWest
Across Australia, sellers are making the switch to HomeWest to avoid high commissions and maintain control over their property sales. By choosing HomeWest, you can enjoy a transparent and cost-effective way to sell your property while keeping more of your money. You will have the support you need to handle your sale confidently, while reaching buyers on the leading property platforms used by agents, all without paying the high commissions that have long been seen as unavoidable in the Australian property market.
Start Saving with HomeWest Today
If you are ready to sell your property without paying high commission fees, HomeWest is here to help you take the first step. You can keep control of your sale, save tens of thousands of dollars, and still reach buyers on the top real estate websites in Australia. Discover how easy it is to sell your property with HomeWest while keeping more of your hard-earned equity for your future plans.