Selling Your Home in Australia: Tips to Maximise Your Price

Timing Your Sale

Spring (September-November) traditionally sees the most buyer activity, but a well-prepared property sells well in any season. The best time to sell is when you're ready and the property presents well.

Choosing Your Agent

What to Look For

• Recent sales in your suburb (not just listings)
• Realistic price expectations backed by comparable sales
• A clear marketing strategy
• Strong communication — you should hear from them weekly minimum
• Commission rates typically range from 1.5% to 3%

Agent vs Private Sale

• Agents bring buyer databases, marketing expertise, and negotiation skills
• Private sales save commission but require significant time and knowledge
• For most sellers, a good agent earns their commission through a higher sale price

Auction vs Private Treaty

Auction

• Creates urgency and competition
• Unconditional sale on the day
• Works best in strong markets with high demand
• Costs include auctioneer fee ($400-$1,000)

Private Treaty

• More time for buyers to arrange finance
• Allows conditional offers (subject to building inspection, finance)
• Better in slower markets or for unique properties
• Can still attract multiple offers

Preparing Your Property

High-Impact Improvements

1. Declutter ruthlessly — less is more. Pack away personal items
2. Deep clean everything — especially kitchens, bathrooms, windows
3. Fresh paint — neutral colours, focus on high-traffic areas
4. Garden and entrance — first impressions matter enormously
5. Fix small issues — dripping taps, cracked tiles, sticky doors

What Not to Spend On

• Major renovations right before selling (rarely recoup full cost)
• Over-styling that doesn't match the property's market
• Expensive landscaping that buyers may not value

Marketing Your Property

Professional Photography

• The single most important marketing investment
• Budget $300-$800 for photos and floor plan
• Aerial/drone shots for larger properties ($200-$400)
• Twilight photos add appeal for premium properties

Online Listings

• realestate.com.au and Domain are essential
• Premium listings get 3-5x more views
• Video walkthroughs are increasingly expected

Costs of Selling

• Agent commission — 1.5-3% of sale price
• Marketing — $2,000-$10,000 depending on campaign
• Conveyancing — $800-$1,500
• Capital gains tax — if not your primary residence
• Mortgage discharge — $150-$400
• Styling/staging — $2,000-$5,000 (optional but effective)

Settlement Process

1. Accept offer and sign contract
2. Buyer's cooling-off period (varies by state)
3. Buyer arranges finance approval
4. Settlement period (typically 30-90 days)
5. Final inspection by buyer
6. Settlement day — keys handed over, funds transferred