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Choosing an Agent and Fees Explained

Don't underestimate the power of the right agent; they can add far more value to your actual sale price, only when you choose the right one who helps you understand the fees. Discover how the agent commission works, and find out the real cost of selling a house, and what separates the best agent from an average one.

Updated 2 July 2026Reading time 10 minApplies to All states & territories

The Short Answer

An AI agent helps you sell a house in Australia; for their help, you have to pay them a fee, which is also known as commission. Now, you might wonder who or what factors will decide the commission. Most of the agents typically charge between 1.5% and 3.5% of the price your house sells for. However, these amounts are not fixed, and there's always a high scope for negotiation. Now, what comes next is that the commission isn't the only price you have to pay; there are other expenses too, like styling, marketing, conveyancing, and more. So don't just pick any agent who charges the least money; instead, look for an agent with a strong selling track record and a solid marketing plan.

What Will It Cost to Sell Your Property?

Move the sliders to estimate your commission and total selling costs. This will show you your net proceeds.

Sale price$900,000
$300k$3M
Agent commission2.2%
1.5%3.5%
Marketing & styling$8,000
$2k$20k

Indicative only. Assumes ~$1,500 conveyancing. Excludes capital gains tax and any mortgage payout. Confirm figures with your agent and conveyancer.

Estimated commission

$19,800

payable to your agent

Marketing & styling$8,000
Conveyancing (est.)$1,500
Total selling costs$29,300
Net proceeds$870,700

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How to Choose the Right Agent

Money matters, but what matters most is actual results. Use these three lenses to filter out the best agent:

  • Ask for their sales record and ensure it's for houses similar to yours, in your suburb. Relevance also plays a key role here.
  • A pricing that is backed by evidence, rather than an inflated quote to win your listing.
  • A marketing plan that is customised to your house, rather than an agent who uses the same marketing plan for every property.
  • Agents need to have effective communication skills. You can check their reviews from past sales records.

The Details, Expanded

Click on any Section for a Full Explanation.

The commission usually covers the time, inspections, negotiation, and your agent's and their experience in getting the best price for your property. Some agents include the charge of marketing, photography, or styling individually, while some charge separately. It's advisable to take the inclusions in a written format before you hire them.

FAQs about Agent and Fees

How much commission do agents in Australia charge?+

The agents in Australia typically charge about 1.5% to 3.5% of the sale price. This amount is not universal; it varies depending on location and property value. Most of the agent fees are negotiable.

What is the cost of selling a house?+

Agent commission, along with marketing, photography, styling, and conveyancing, often amounts to several thousand dollars beyond the commission. Additionally, capital gains tax (CGT) may apply if the property wasn't your main residence.

Can I negotiate the agent's commission?+

Yes, you definitely can. The commission rate isn't fixed or set in stone; it's something you can discuss and agree on with the agent. To get the best deal, it helps to talk to a few different agents and compare what they offer.

Is a lower commission always the better choice?+

Not always, no. It's easy to assume that paying a smaller fee automatically means a better outcome for you, but that's not necessarily true. Think about it this way: a highly skilled, experienced agent might charge a bit more in commission, but if they're able to sell your home faster and for a higher price, you could actually end up with more money overall, even after paying that slightly higher fee.

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