When it comes to selling your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to use a real estate agent or to sell the property privately. Both approaches have their own benefits, but they also come with very different price tags. Understanding the cost comparison selling methods can help you make a smart and informed choice—especially when you're trying to maximise your return.

At For Sale By Home Owner, we work with thousands of Australians who choose to sell privately to save on costs and maintain full control of their property sale. In this article, we’ll break down the costs of each method so you can clearly see where your money goes—and where you can save.

Selling With a Real Estate Agent: What Does It Cost?

Real estate agents typically offer a full-service selling experience, which includes marketing, open homes, buyer negotiations, and paperwork assistance. However, these services come at a cost, often calculated as a percentage of your home’s final sale price.

Common Costs Involved in Agent Sales:

• Commission Fees
  This is the largest cost when using an agent. In most parts of Australia, commission rates range from 1.5% to 3% of the property’s sale price. For example, if you sell your home for $800,000, you could pay $12,000 to $24,000 in commission alone.
• Marketing Fees
  Agents will recommend professional photos, online advertising (realestate.com.au, Domain), signage, brochures, and sometimes staging. Marketing fees typically range between $2,000 and $5,000, though they can go much higher in competitive markets.
• Administration Fees
  Some agencies add extra charges for administration, auctioneer services, or premium listing upgrades. These are usually hidden until settlement and may add another $500 to $1,000.
• Auction Fees (if applicable)
  If you decide to sell via auction, you’ll also pay the auctioneer’s fee (usually around $500 to $1,000) regardless of whether the property sells on the day.

Total Estimated Cost:

For an $800,000 home, selling with a traditional real estate agent could cost you anywhere from $14,500 to $30,000 or more.

Selling Privately: How Does It Work and What Does It Cost?

Selling privately means you take control of the sale process. You manage inquiries, schedule inspections, negotiate directly with buyers, and handle the paperwork with the help of a conveyancer. With the right tools and guidance, thousands of Australians successfully sell their homes this way—and save a significant amount of money in the process.

At For Sale By Home Owner, we make the private sale process easy by offering affordable fixed-fee packages that give you access to Australia’s largest real estate websites.

Common Costs When Selling Privately:

• Listing and Advertising
  With For Sale By Home Owner, you can list your property on realestate.com.au, Domain, and other top websites for a flat fee starting from just a few hundred dollars. Most sellers spend between $500 and $1,000 depending on their package.
• Professional Photography (Optional)
  You can take your own photos or hire a local photographer. This typically costs around $150 to $300.
• Legal and Conveyancing Fees
  Whether you sell with or without an agent, you’ll still need a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal aspects. These fees are similar across both methods and usually range from $800 to $1,500.
• Optional Extras
  You may want to purchase signage or boost your listing with a premium upgrade. Even with all the extras, you’re likely to spend well under $2,000 in total.

Total Estimated Cost:

For an $800,000 home, a private sale could cost $800 to $2,500 depending on the services you use.

Cost Comparison Selling Methods: Agent vs Private

When you look at the cost comparison selling methods, it becomes clear that selling privately offers the potential to save tens of thousands of dollars—money that could go towards your next home, savings, or investment.

Is Private Selling Right for Everyone?

Selling privately is ideal for:

• Confident sellers who are comfortable communicating with buyers
• People who want to be actively involved in the process
• Homeowners who want to avoid paying high agent commissions
• Sellers in strong markets with good demand

At For Sale By Home Owner, we provide all the tools you need to succeed, including listing support, real estate advice, signage, and more. Even if you’ve never sold a home before, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

When considering how to sell your home, it’s essential to look beyond convenience and consider the actual costs. The cost comparison selling methods clearly show that selling privately can lead to significant savings without sacrificing results.

By choosing For Sale By Home Owner, you can advertise your property like a professional, reach thousands of buyers online, and avoid the burden of agent commissions. It’s a smart, affordable, and empowering way to sell your home on your terms.