It is one of the most common questions Australian property owners face. Real estate agent commission in Melbourne and Sydney typically runs between 1.5% and 2.5% of the sale price — on an $800,000 home, that is $12,000 to $20,000. Many vendors reasonably ask whether they can do better by selling privately.
The honest answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — and there is a third option most people do not know about.
The Case for Using a Real Estate Agent
- Access to established buyer databases and off-market networks
- Experience managing campaigns, inspections and open homes
- Familiarity with vendor disclosure requirements and contract law
- Auction management (if the property suits auction method)
- Negotiation experience on the vendor side
A good agent earns their commission. The question is whether you need all of these services.
The Case for Selling Privately
- Save $12,000 to $30,000 in commission (depending on sale price)
- Maintain full control over the campaign and buyer interactions
- Suitable when you already have a buyer (family member, neighbour, existing interest)
- Suitable for off-market or discreet sales
- Suitable when the property sells itself (strong location, high demand suburb)
The Risks of Selling Privately
- Pricing incorrectly (too high stalls the campaign, too low leaves money on the table)
- Ineffective marketing reaches fewer qualified buyers
- Negotiating directly with buyers who are using their own advocates or advisors
- Handling contract and legal requirements without professional guidance
- Missing out on competitive bidding that drives price above reserve
The Third Option: Property Advisory
Collings Property Advisory was created for vendors who want professional guidance without paying full commission. For a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST, we provide:
- Independent pricing strategy based on comparable sales
- Campaign strategy and marketing recommendations
- Buyer qualification support
- Offer management and negotiation support
- Guidance on private sale process, section 32 and contract requirements
You keep control of the sale. We provide the professional expertise. You save the commission.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Typical Cost on $800k Sale | Level of Support |
|---|---|---|
| Full Real Estate Agent | $12,000–$20,000 | Full campaign management |
| DIY Private Sale | $500–$2,000 (advertising) | None |
| Collings Property Advisory | $4,500 + GST fixed | Pricing, strategy, negotiation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell your house without an agent in Australia?
Yes. Private sales are legal in all Australian states. You will need to engage a conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the contract of sale and section 32 vendor’s statement (in Victoria).
Can I start privately and then use an agent if it does not sell?
Yes. Many vendors try a private approach first and engage an agent if the campaign does not generate sufficient interest within 4 to 6 weeks.
Does using an agent guarantee a higher sale price?
Not necessarily. The quality of the agent, the strength of the campaign, and the prevailing market conditions all matter more than whether you use an agent or sell privately. Collings Property Advisory gives you the pricing strategy and negotiation support that drives price — without the full commission.
Explore Your Options
Contact Collings Property Advisory for a no-obligation conversation about whether private sale with advisory support is right for you — or join the Collings portal to access GeeVee property analysis and off-market buyer networks.
Find your next property with Collings
Track suburbs, get matched to on-market and off-market listings, and manage your whole property search in one place. Access the Collings property portal.
