How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Australia in 2026?
Selling a house in Australia typically costs between $10,000 and $25,000+ in fees and charges beyond the mortgage payout. These costs catch many sellers off guard, but understanding them upfront means no surprises on settlement day.
This guide breaks down every major selling cost you should budget for in 2026, with current averages by state.
Real Estate Agent Commission
Agent commission is the single largest selling cost for most homeowners. The national median commission rate in Australia sits at 2.65% of the sale price, though rates vary significantly by state and region.
| State | Average Commission | On a $800,000 Sale |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 2.35% | $18,800 |
| VIC | 2.35% | $18,800 |
| QLD | 2.55% | $20,400 |
| WA | 2.45% | $19,600 |
| SA | 2.65% | $21,200 |
| TAS | 3.25% | $26,000 |
Commission is always negotiable. Use our agent commission calculator to estimate your costs based on your property value and state.
Marketing and Advertising (VPA)
Vendor Paid Advertising (VPA) covers the cost of marketing your property through online listings, photography, signboards, and print advertising. A standard marketing campaign in 2026 costs between $4,000 and $8,000, though premium campaigns in capital cities can exceed $15,000.
This cost is typically paid upfront, regardless of whether the property sells. Always clarify exactly what is included before committing to a marketing package.
Auctioneer Fees
If selling at auction, expect to pay $400 to $1,000 for an auctioneer. In Sydney, where 74% of homes go to auction, this is a standard cost. In other states, private treaty sales are more common and this cost may not apply.
Conveyancing and Legal Fees
A solicitor or licensed conveyancer handles the legal transfer of your property. National averages sit between $1,050 and $1,875, though complex transactions (subdivisions, strata, deceased estates) can cost more. Read our full conveyancing costs guide for state-by-state details.
Mortgage Discharge Fees
If you have a mortgage on the property, your lender will charge a discharge fee to release the title. The average mortgage discharge fee in Australia is $307, with a typical range of $160 to $1,000 depending on the lender.
Other Selling Costs to Budget For
- Pre-sale repairs and styling: $1,000–$5,000+ depending on condition
- Building and pest reports (pre-listing): $400–$800 for a proactive report
- Capital gains tax: Applies to investment properties, calculated on profit
- Moving costs: $800–$2,000 for a local move, $3,000–$8,000 interstate
Total Selling Costs Summary
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Agent commission (on $800K sale) | $18,800–$26,000 |
| Marketing/VPA | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Auctioneer | $400–$1,000 |
| Conveyancing | $1,050–$1,875 |
| Mortgage discharge | $160–$1,000 |
| Pre-sale repairs/styling | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Total | $25,410–$42,875 |
Get Your Personalised Cost Breakdown
Every property sale is different. Use the free LookingToSell moving costs calculator to get an instant, personalised estimate covering 25+ individual cost items based on your property details, location, and circumstances. No registration required.