Selling your home in Adelaide is a major decision that comes with both opportunities and challenges. While South Australia’s housing market has shown steady demand in recent years, the costs of selling can be significant if you use a traditional real estate agent. From agent commissions to advertising, legal fees, and other expenses, it is easy to see your profit reduced before you even move out. The good news is that you do not need to rely on an agent who takes a large cut of your sale price. By choosing Realty Zero, you can sell your home in Adelaide without paying thousands in commission, keeping more of your hard-earned equity. Let’s look at the true costs of selling, how much you can save, and what other expenses you should expect along the way.
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In South Australia, agent commissions vary, but they typically fall between 1.8 per cent and 2.75 per cent of your property’s sale price. For example, if you sell a home for $700,000, you might pay anywhere from $12,600 to $19,250 in commission. On higher-value homes, these fees quickly add up, leaving you with less profit after settlement.
Some agents may offer a sliding scale where the percentage decreases slightly at higher sale prices, but this still means paying thousands of dollars unnecessarily. Importantly, a higher commission does not guarantee a higher sale price. The market, not the agent’s fee, determines what buyers are willing to pay for your property.
How Realty Zero Helps You Save
Realty Zero provides a modern alternative that puts you in control. Instead of paying a percentage of your sale price, you pay one affordable upfront fee. This gives you certainty and allows you to keep the profit from your sale rather than losing it to an agent. Whether your home sells for $400,000 or $1,200,000, your costs with Realty Zero remain the same.
Your property will still be listed on major real estate websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, so buyers will see your listing just as they would with a traditional agent. The difference is that you save thousands and retain full control of your sale.
Marketing and Advertising Costs
Traditional agents in Adelaide often charge sellers separately for marketing. These costs can include professional photography, online upgrades, printed brochures, signboards, and even expensive newspaper ads. Depending on the package, you could spend anywhere from $1,500 to over $6,000 just on marketing.
With Realty Zero, you choose the level of marketing you want. If you only need high-quality photography and a feature listing online, you can pay for that without being forced into unnecessary extras. This gives you control over your marketing spend and ensures your money goes where it matters most.
Legal and Conveyancing Fees
When you sell your Adelaide property, you are legally required to prepare a contract of sale and a Form 1 (the Vendor’s Statement). This must be done by a licensed conveyancer or solicitor. Conveyancing in South Australia usually costs between $800 and $2,200, depending on the complexity of your transaction.
This is a necessary expense regardless of whether you use an agent or Realty Zero. However, because you save thousands on commission with Realty Zero, these legal costs become much easier to manage within your budget.
Repairs and Home Presentation
Before you list your property, you might choose to make improvements to attract more buyers. Fresh paint, small repairs, garden clean-ups, and decluttering can make a major difference to how your home presents. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor updates to several thousand if you decide on bigger projects.
The key is to invest in improvements that provide a return. A well-presented home often sells faster and for a higher price. With Realty Zero, the money you save on commission can be redirected towards these improvements, giving you an edge in the market.
Home Staging in Adelaide
Professional staging is another expense you may consider. Staging companies supply furniture and decor to style your property, making it more appealing to buyers. In Adelaide, staging can cost between $1,500 and $7,000, depending on your home’s size and how long it takes to sell.
While not essential, staging often helps buyers visualise themselves living in your home, which can speed up the sale. The savings you make with Realty Zero give you the flexibility to invest in staging if you think it will benefit your property.
Auction Costs in Adelaide
Selling by auction is common in Adelaide, particularly in competitive suburbs. If you choose this method, you will need to hire an auctioneer, which usually costs between $400 and $1,000. If your property does not sell at auction, you may face additional marketing costs to relist it.
Realty Zero allows you to sell by auction while still avoiding inflated agent commissions. You pay only for the auctioneer, keeping your overall selling costs much lower.
Moving Costs
Once your home is sold, you will need to plan for moving expenses. Hiring removalists in Adelaide generally costs between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on how far you are moving and how much furniture you own. You may also need to purchase packing materials or arrange temporary storage, which can increase costs.
These expenses are often overlooked, but they are unavoidable. Thankfully, by saving thousands with Realty Zero, you will have more funds available to cover your move comfortably.
How Much Can You Save?
Let’s break it down with an example. If you sell your Adelaide home for $750,000 through a traditional agent charging 2.5 per cent, you will pay $18,750 in commission alone. Add marketing at $3,000, conveyancing at $1,500, and staging at $2,500, and your total costs exceed $25,000.
With Realty Zero, you avoid paying commission entirely. Even with the same marketing, legal, and staging costs, your total selling expenses are far lower. You keep tens of thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an agent to sell my Adelaide home?
No, you can sell privately with Realty Zero. You still reach buyers on major websites without paying commission.
How much do Adelaide agents charge in commission?
Most agents in South Australia charge between 1.8 per cent and 2.75 per cent of the final sale price.
Can I still list my property on realestate.com.au with Realty Zero?
Yes, Realty Zero ensures your property is listed on major websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au.
What other costs are involved in selling?
You should budget for legal fees, marketing, potential repairs, staging, auctioneer fees if selling by auction, and moving costs.
Do I choose my marketing with Realty Zero?
Yes, you select the marketing you want, so you only pay for what suits your property and budget.
How much can I save by using Realty Zero?
On a $750,000 sale, you could save up to $18,000 or more by avoiding commission fees.
Can I sell by auction with Realty Zero?
Yes, you can choose to sell by auction. You pay for the auctioneer, but you do not pay commission.
Is staging essential for selling in Adelaide?
No, staging is optional. However, it can help your property sell faster and appeal to more buyers.
How do buyers contact me through Realty Zero?
All enquiries are directed to you, so you have complete control over the sale process.
What if my home takes longer to sell?
With Realty Zero, your listing remains active until your property sells. You do not face deadlines or commission increases.