One of the biggest decisions you face when selling property in Australia is whether to sell privately or use a real estate agent. The answer depends on your situation, your confidence, and how much of the agent’s commission you want to keep. This guide gives you an honest comparison — including a third option most sellers don’t know about.
The Real Cost of Using a Real Estate Agent
| Sale Price | Commission at 2% | Commission at 2.5% | Commission at 3% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $700,000 | $14,000 | $17,500 | $21,000 |
| $900,000 | $18,000 | $22,500 | $27,000 |
| $1,200,000 | $24,000 | $30,000 | $36,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $30,000 | $37,500 | $45,000 |
This does not include advertising costs, which typically add another $3,000 to $10,000.
The Real Risks of Selling Privately
- Underpricing — most private sellers leave money on the table
- Ineffective marketing — less buyer exposure means fewer competitive offers
- Weaker negotiation — buyers know you are the owner and will anchor low
- Legal risk — contract errors, disclosure failures and settlement issues
- Emotional decisions — it is hard to negotiate on a property you love
The Third Option — Fixed-Fee Property Advisory
Collings Property Advisory gives you professional guidance, pricing strategy, negotiation support and campaign advice for a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST. You keep control of the sale while having an expert in your corner.
Private Sale vs Agent vs Property Advisor
| Real Estate Agent | Private Sale (DIY) | Collings Property Advisory | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost on $900k sale | $18,000 to $27,000 | $0 (but risk) | $4,500 fixed |
| Pricing strategy | Yes | No | Yes |
| Negotiation support | Yes (but their interest) | No | Yes (your interest) |
| Marketing advice | Yes | No | Yes |
| Independent guidance | No — agent works for commission | No | Yes — fixed fee, no conflict |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my house without a real estate agent in Australia?
Yes. Private sales are legal in all Australian states. You will need a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the contract of sale.
Do private sales get lower prices than agent-listed properties?
Research suggests private sales typically achieve 3% to 7% less than agent-listed properties, largely due to reduced buyer exposure and weaker negotiation. A property advisor can help close this gap without paying full commission.
What does a property advisor do that an agent doesn’t?
A property advisor works exclusively for you and charges a fixed fee — not a commission tied to the sale price. Their advice is genuinely independent.
Why Collings Property Advisory?
We help sellers navigate the middle ground between DIY risk and full agent commission. Our GeeVee platform provides independent pricing analysis so you know exactly what your property is worth before you commit to a strategy.
Get Independent Selling Advice for $4,500 + GST — Enquire Today
Visit collings.com.au to book your seller advisory session.
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