When you decide to sell your property in Australia, one of the biggest costs you will face is the commission charged by real estate agents. These commissions can add up to tens of thousands of dollars, taking a large portion of the money you should keep from your sale. Many sellers are surprised to learn how much these commissions cost and what agents actually do in return for these fees. If you have ever wondered whether there is a better way, you will be pleased to know that Realty Star provides a clear, affordable alternative. By using Realty Star, you can save a massive amount on commissions and either keep more money in your pocket after your sale or reduce your sale price slightly to help sell faster while still coming out ahead financially.
Click To View Our Sales PackagesWhat Do Real Estate Agents Do for Their Commission?
Agents provide a service for their commission, and here are the most common tasks they complete when selling your property:
- Advising on your property’s sale price based on local market trends and comparable sales
- Arranging professional photography and preparing your online listing
- Advertising your property on platforms like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au
- Handling buyer enquiries and organising inspections or open homes
- Negotiating offers with buyers on your behalf
- Guiding you through the contract and settlement process
- Providing general support and feedback during the sale process
While these tasks are helpful, it is important to note that most buyers find properties online themselves and will inspect homes at scheduled times regardless of whether an agent is present. Many sellers who use Realty Star find that they can easily manage these tasks themselves, especially with our support and advertising access, avoiding the large cost of commissions while still achieving great results.
How Much Are Real Estate Agent Commissions in Australia?
Commissions vary depending on your state and whether your property is in a metropolitan or regional area. On average, you can expect the following ranges:
- New South Wales: 1.8 percent to 2.5 percent
- Victoria: 1.6 percent to 2.5 percent
- Queensland: 2.5 percent to 3 percent
- South Australia: 2 percent to 2.75 percent
- Western Australia: 2.5 percent to 3 percent
- Tasmania: 2.5 percent to 3.25 percent
- Australian Capital Territory: 2 percent to 2.5 percent
- Northern Territory: 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent
These percentages may seem small, but when applied to your property’s sale price, they quickly add up to significant amounts that could otherwise stay in your pocket.
How Much Could You Pay in Commission?
Here is a clear table showing example sale prices and how much you could expect to pay in commissions at an average rate of 2.5 percent:
| Sale Price | Commission Rate (2.5%) | Estimated Commission Payable |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | 2.5% | $12,500 |
| $650,000 | 2.5% | $16,250 |
| $800,000 | 2.5% | $20,000 |
| $950,000 | 2.5% | $23,750 |
| $1,100,000 | 2.5% | $27,500 |
| $1,300,000 | 2.5% | $32,500 |
| $1,500,000 | 2.5% | $37,500 |
In addition to these amounts, many agents also require you to pay for advertising packages, which can add $1,500 to $5,000 or more to your total selling costs. These costs can significantly reduce the amount you receive from your sale, impacting your financial plans for your next purchase or your savings goals.
Are These Costs Justified?
Many sellers question whether paying tens of thousands of dollars to an agent is worth it, especially when much of the sale process now depends on online advertising and buyer searches rather than direct agent networking. With most buyers using online property portals to find homes, the value of expensive commissions has become less clear to many sellers who realise that they can handle enquiries, inspections, and negotiations themselves, saving thousands while still achieving the same sale result.
While agents do assist with negotiations and paperwork, many sellers find that this is not as complex as it may seem, particularly with the availability of conveyancers and the resources provided by Realty Star to support your sale.
How Realty Star is the Smarter Alternative
Realty Star provides a clear, practical alternative to using a traditional real estate agent. With Realty Star, you can:
- Advertise your property on Australia’s leading property platforms
- Stay in control of your sale and negotiations
- Receive all buyer enquiries directly
- Manage your inspections and open homes at your convenience
- Save tens of thousands of dollars in commission fees
- Access professional resources to guide you through your sale
By selling your property with Realty Star, you can maintain full control while saving a significant amount of money, allowing you to get the best possible outcome from your sale without paying large commissions that reduce your profit.
Keep More Money in Your Pocket
When you avoid paying agent commissions, you keep more of your hard-earned money from your property sale. For example, if you sell your property for $850,000, avoiding a 2.5 percent commission means saving $21,250 immediately. Add the savings from not having to pay inflated advertising fees, and you could save over $25,000 on your sale.
You can use these savings to:
- Pay off debts
- Increase your deposit for your next property
- Invest in renovations or improvements for your next home
- Boost your savings or superannuation
This flexibility allows you to use your equity to improve your financial position rather than losing it to high agent fees.
Or Reduce Your Sale Price to Sell Faster
Saving on commissions with Realty Star also gives you the flexibility to adjust your sale price to attract buyers and sell faster if needed while still coming out ahead financially. For example, if you would have paid $20,000 in commission, you could reduce your asking price by $10,000 to stand out in a competitive market while still saving $10,000 compared to using an agent. This flexibility can help you move forward with your plans faster while keeping more in your pocket.
Stay in Control Throughout the Sale
By using Realty Star, you manage your property sale from start to finish. You can set your price, control your marketing, manage inspections, and communicate directly with buyers. This means you will always know the feedback and interest your property is receiving, and you can make informed decisions without being pressured to accept a lower price to meet an agent’s sales target.
Many sellers find that buyers appreciate dealing directly with the property owner, leading to clearer communication and smoother negotiations.
Professional Marketing Without Paying Commissions
One of the concerns sellers have about selling privately is whether their property will receive enough attention. Realty Star ensures your property will be professionally marketed on Australia’s top real estate websites with options for professional photography and detailed listings that attract serious buyers. You can showcase your property effectively while maintaining control over your marketing budget and keeping the savings you would otherwise lose to high commission fees.
Real Stories: Australians Choosing Realty Star
Thousands of Australians are now choosing Realty Star to sell their properties without paying high commissions. Many sellers are surprised by how straightforward the process is and how much they can save while still achieving great sale outcomes. Sellers often share that they feel more in control and confident throughout the sale process, and many report selling their properties quickly and at a good price while keeping the money they would have paid in commission.
How Realty Star Supports You
Realty Star provides resources and support to help you manage your sale confidently, including:
- Guides to pricing your property based on local market conditions
- Templates for managing buyer enquiries
- Advice on conducting inspections and open homes
- Step-by-step instructions for handling offers and negotiations
- Support to navigate the paperwork and settlement process
With Realty Star, you are never alone during your sale, and you will always have the guidance you need to sell your property successfully without paying large commissions.
Take Control and Save with Realty Star
If you are ready to sell your property while keeping more of your money, Realty Star is here to help you take the first step. You can sell your property confidently, advertise on the biggest platforms, stay in control, and save tens of thousands of dollars in commission fees. You will have the freedom to use your sale proceeds for your future plans, your family’s needs, or your next property purchase without the stress of losing a large portion to an agent.
List your property with Realty Star today and experience how easy and rewarding it can be to sell your property without paying high real estate agent commissions in Australia.