Selling your home privately (without a traditional real estate agent) can save you $15,000-$30,000 in commission on a typical Melbourne property. But private sales done without professional support can also cost you more than you save through poor pricing, weak negotiation, and legal mistakes. Collings Property Advisory helps private sellers get both: the cost saving and the professional guidance.
What Does Private Sale Mean?
A private sale (or For Sale By Owner) means the property is marketed and sold without a licensed real estate agent managing the campaign on commission. The owner handles (or manages) inspections, marketing, negotiations, and the contract process.
Private Sale vs Real Estate Agent — The Real Cost
| Method | Cost on $900,000 Sale | Cost on $1,200,000 Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate agent (2.5%) | $22,500 | $30,000 |
| Real estate agent (2%) | $18,000 | $24,000 |
| Private sale + Collings Advisory | $4,950 | $4,950 |
| Private sale DIY (no support) | $0 fees (risk: undersell) | $0 fees (risk: undersell) |
Risks of Selling Privately Without Support
- Pricing your property incorrectly (too high = no offers, too low = undersell)
- Not knowing how to qualify buyers or identify serious interest
- Poor negotiation against experienced buyers or investors
- Missing legal requirements in the vendor statement (Section 32 in Victoria)
- Not managing multiple offer situations effectively
- Accepting an early offer that wasn’t the best available
How Collings Property Advisory Helps Private Sellers
Our seller advisory service at $4,500 + GST gives private sellers access to the expertise they need without paying agent commission:
- Accurate pricing strategy based on current comparable sales
- Marketing channel recommendations (Domain, REA, social, signboards)
- Buyer qualification guidance
- Negotiation support and offer management
- Multiple offer strategy
- Sale guidance from listing through to contract
Is Selling Privately Legal in Australia?
Yes. In all Australian states, property owners can sell their own home without a licensed real estate agent. You will need a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the vendor statement and transfer documents, but the selling and negotiation process can be managed by the owner with advisory support.
When Should You Use a Real Estate Agent Instead?
A traditional real estate agent makes sense when:
- You have no time to manage the sale process
- The property requires complex marketing (prestige, development sites)
- You want an auction campaign with competitive bidding
- You are not comfortable with any aspect of the sale process
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still list on Domain and realestate.com.au if I sell privately?
In most states, private sellers can access Domain and realestate.com.au through flat-fee listing services. Our advisory team can guide you on the best listing options for your market.
What is a fair real estate agent commission in Australia?
Agent commission rates in Australia typically range from 1.5% to 3.5% of the sale price depending on the state and suburb. In Melbourne’s inner north, typical rates are 1.8-2.5%. On a $1 million property, that is $18,000-$25,000.
What if I have a buyer already interested — do I still need an agent?
If you already have buyer interest, an agent is even less necessary. This is an ideal situation for property advisory support: we help you qualify the buyer, negotiate effectively, and manage the contract process without paying a full agent commission.
Want to sell privately with professional support? Contact Collings Property Advisory. Fixed fee $4,500 + GST.
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.
