How much does it cost to sell a house in Australia

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, there’s a good chance you’re getting nervous over the costs. And fair enough - between agent fees, marketing, legal stuff and moving costs, the total can add up quickly.

While most people are ready for the big-ticket expenses, there are a few hidden ones that can sneak up and catch you off guard. This guide breaks it all down - from the obvious costs to the ones no one really talks about.

The big costs of selling a property (and most obvious)

Before we get into the sneaky extras, let’s look at the big-ticket items - these are the costs most sellers expect (or at least should expect) when putting their home on the market. They’re the non-negotiables: things like agent commission, marketing, and legal fees that play a key role in getting your property sold. While some of these can be negotiated or scaled back, they’re generally essential parts of the process - and they can take a decent chunk out of your final profit if you’re not prepared.

Let’s dive in.

1. Real estate agent commission

Estimated cost: 1.5% to 3.5% of your property’s sale price.

Kicking off the list of obvious costs when selling a house is real estate agent commission - one of the biggest costs sellers face when placing their property on the market.

This is the fee that your real estate agent will charge you to sell your home. It’s usually a percentage of the final sale price and is how agents get paid for their time, knowledge, for negotiating on your behalf, and for the work they put into marketing your property.

The exact rate will vary depending on your location and the level of competition among other agents. In metro areas like Sydney, real estate commission fees generally range from 1.5% to 3% of the sale price, though some agents may charge a flat fee instead.

The average fee sits at around 2.5%, so if you sell your home for $700,000 you could pay a total of $17,500 in fees.

2. Marketing and advertising

Estimated cost: $1,000 to $4,000

A good marketing campaign helps get your property seen by the right buyers, fast. Most agents will suggest a tailored package that could include professional photography, floor plans, virtual tours, copywriting for your listing, online ads on realestate.com.au and Domain, print advertising, and physical signboards out the front.

The costs here can vary widely depending on how competitive your local market is and how premium you want the listing to look. If you’re selling a high-end home, your agent might recommend a more polished, high-budget campaign - which can definitely pay off and lead to multiple offers.

3. Conveyancing fees

Estimated cost: $500 to $1,800

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from you to the buyer. You’ll need either a conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the contract of sale, liaise with the buyer’s legal team, manage settlement, and make sure everything complies with local property laws.

Prices vary depending on who you choose and the complexity of the sale. Some conveyancers offer fixed-fee services, while others charge based on hourly rates or specific tasks. Either way, it’s not an area to skimp on - getting this part right protects you from legal issues down the track.

4. Packing and removalists

Estimated cost: $390 to $4,440 (Sydney example)

Once the house is sold, you’ve got to get out - and moving costs can vary hugely depending on how far you're going, where you're moving from, and how much stuff you have. Local moves tend to be cheaper, while interstate or long-distance moves can cost thousands.

If you’re hiring professional removalists, costs are usually based on hourly rates or volume. Be sure to compare quotes and find a reliable team that suits your timeline and budget.

Use our moving cost calulator and guide for a detailed breakdown by home size and location Australia-wide.

5. Lender fees or mortgage discharge costs

Estimated cost: $150 to $1,000

If you’re still paying off a home loan, your lender may charge a discharge fee when you pay out the mortgage at settlement. It’s essentially an admin fee to finalise the loan.

If you’re on a fixed-term mortgage and selling before the term ends, you might also be up for break fees - which can be a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars depending on the terms. Make sure to check with your bank or broker so you can factor this into your budget early.

6. Home styling

Estimated cost: $1,000 to $20,000+

Home styling might seem like a luxury, but styled homes often sell faster and for more money. In fact, a 2022 Domain report found styled properties sold up to 30% quicker than unstyled ones. You don’t have to go all out, but making sure your home is clean, modern, and clutter-free helps buyers imagine themselves living there - and that emotional connection can really drive offers.

The hidden (but very real) costs of selling a house

Once you've accounted for the major costs, it’s easy to assume you’ve covered everything - but selling a house often comes with a handful of less obvious expenses that can still make a dent in your budget.

These hidden costs aren’t always talked about upfront, but they’re very real and can quickly add up if you’re not prepared. From tax implications to ongoing bills while your home’s on the market, here’s what else to keep in mind when calculating the true cost of selling your property.

7. Capital gains tax

If the property you're selling isn’t your main home (like an investment or rental) you may be liable for capital gains tax (CGT). This tax is based on the profit you’ve made on the property since buying it.

While your principal place of residence is exempt, investment properties are subject to CGT when sold. You might be eligible for a 50% discount if you’ve owned the property for more than a year, but it’s still something to discuss with your accountant before listing. CGT can significantly eat into your profits if you’re not prepared.

8. Rates and strata fees while the property is on the market

Estimated cost: $750 (based on a 3 month sale period)

Until settlement, you’re still responsible for all the usual property outgoings like council rates, water charges, and, if it’s a unit or townhouse, strata fees. These might seem minor if the home sells quickly, but if your property sits on the market for a while, they can add up fast.

On average, council rates in Australia are around $1,000 to $3,000 per year, depending on your local council. Make sure to include these ongoing costs in your budget if you’re moving out before you sell.

9. Pre-sale inspections

Estimated cost: $300 to $1,000

Some sellers opt to get a building and pest inspection done before listing. It’s not required, but it can be a smart move - especially if you suspect there could be issues that might spook a buyer later.

Getting on the front foot lets you fix any problems in advance, or at the very least, be ready to negotiate if they come up during the buyer’s due diligence period. It can also give buyers more confidence in making an offer quickly.

10. Auctioneer’s fees

Estimated cost: Up to $1,000

If you’re selling your home via auction, there’s an extra cost to factor in: the auctioneer’s fee. This is the cost of hiring a licensed auctioneer to run the auction on the day - guiding the bidding, managing the crowd, and aiming to get the best possible result under the hammer.

Auctioneer fees typically range from $400 to over $1,000, depending on their experience, reputation, and location. Some real estate agents include this fee as part of their overall commission or marketing package, while others charge it separately - so it’s important to ask upfront.

It’s also worth noting that selling by auction tends to cost more overall than a private sale. Not only do you pay the auctioneer’s fee, but auctions usually require a more intensive marketing campaign to drive interest and competition leading up to auction day. This means higher ad spend and sometimes additional styling or open home costs.

How much does it cost to sell a home - total breakdown

Final thoughts: what’s the real cost of selling a house?

Selling a house isn’t just about listing it and waiting for offers, it comes with a stack of costs, both obvious and easy-to-miss. From agent fees and marketing to legal costs, moving expenses and even tax considerations, it all adds up fast.

The key is being prepared. By understanding all the potential expenses upfront, especially the hidden ones, you’ll avoid budget blowouts and make smarter decisions along the way. Whether you're planning to sell privately or go to auction, it’s worth getting personalised quotes from agents, removalists, and legal professionals so you know exactly what you’re up for.

Need help with moving costs after the sale? Upmove makes it easy to book local removalists across Australia, so you can move house with less hassle and more confidence.