Selling your property privately — without a real estate agent — is legal in Victoria and increasingly common. But it carries significant risks that can cost more than the commission saving. This guide covers everything Melbourne vendors need to know before deciding to sell privately or through an agent.
What Does It Cost to Use a Real Estate Agent in Melbourne?
Real estate agent commissions in Melbourne typically range from 1.6% to 2.5% of the sale price, plus a marketing budget of $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the campaign. On a $1,724,500 Northcote house, a 2.0% commission is $34,490, plus marketing of approximately $8,000 — a total cost of $42,490.
What Are the Risks of Selling Privately?
Selling privately saves the commission but introduces risks including underpricing, limited buyer reach, legal errors in the vendor’s statement (Section 32), auction management inexperience and the emotional difficulty of negotiating with buyers directly on your family home.
Sell Yourself vs Real Estate Agent — Full Comparison
| Factor | Sell Yourself | Real Estate Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Commission cost | Nil | 1.6-2.5% |
| Marketing reach | realestate.com.au only | Full multi-channel campaign |
| Buyer database | None | Agency buyer pool |
| Off-market access | None | Agency network |
| Negotiation experience | Low | Professional |
| Legal risk | High | Low — agent coordinated |
The Third Option — Property Concierge for Vendors
The Collings Property Concierge gives vendors a third option — independent oversight of the sale process without full agent commission. We select the best agent, review the marketing campaign, manage the negotiation and ensure settlement runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell your own property in Victoria without an agent?
Yes. Private sales are legal in Victoria. You must still provide a compliant vendor’s statement (Section 32) prepared by a licensed conveyancer or solicitor.
The Collings Property Platform gives you access to off-market buyers, portfolio tracking and GeeVee AI property intelligence. Join free today. collings.com.au/portal
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