Selling your home in Canberra is a significant financial step, and one that requires careful planning. The Australian Capital Territory has a competitive housing market, with buyers searching for properties in suburbs across the city. While demand is often strong, selling costs can be higher than many people expect. If you use a traditional real estate agent, you face not only high commissions but also additional charges such as advertising, legal fees, and staging. These expenses eat into your profit, leaving you with less to put towards your next purchase or investment. With Realty Zero, you can avoid paying large commissions while still reaching serious buyers. Let’s look at the cost of selling in Canberra, how much you can save by choosing Realty Zero, and the other expenses you need to factor in.
Click To View Our Sales PackagesReal Estate Commissions in Canberra
Real estate commissions are one of the largest expenses when selling your home in Canberra. Most agents in the ACT charge between 2 per cent and 3 per cent of the final sale price. If your property sells for $850,000, that means you could pay between $17,000 and $25,500 in commission alone. For higher-value homes, these fees climb even higher.
Agents may suggest that their commission reflects the effort they put into marketing and negotiating, but the reality is that your property’s value is determined by the market, not the size of an agent’s fee. Paying more commission does not guarantee a better outcome.
How Realty Zero Helps You Save
With Realty Zero, you are not forced to give away thousands of dollars in commission. Instead of paying a percentage of your sale, you pay one affordable fixed fee. This fee is the same no matter what your property sells for, whether it is $500,000 or $2,000,000. You know upfront exactly how much it will cost to list your home, giving you certainty and peace of mind.
Your property is still listed on major websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, giving you access to the same buyer audience as traditional agents. The key difference is that you keep your commission savings in your pocket rather than losing them to an agent.
Marketing and Advertising Costs
Marketing is another cost that adds up quickly. Traditional agents often push expensive advertising packages that include professional photography, video tours, brochures, premium online upgrades, and print ads. In Canberra, these packages can cost between $1,500 and $7,000, depending on what is included.
With Realty Zero, you are in control of your marketing. You can choose to invest in professional photos and a highlighted online listing without paying for extras that may not deliver results. This flexibility allows you to showcase your home effectively while keeping costs manageable.
Legal and Conveyancing Fees
When selling in the ACT, you must prepare a contract of sale and provide buyers with a full set of required documents before you can even advertise your home. This includes a building compliance report, an energy efficiency rating, and title searches. Engaging a solicitor or licensed conveyancer is essential to manage this paperwork. Legal fees in Canberra typically range from $1,200 to $2,500.
These costs apply whether you sell through an agent or with Realty Zero. The difference is that by avoiding commission fees, you have more financial flexibility to cover these necessary legal requirements.
Repairs and Presentation Costs
To make your home stand out in Canberra’s market, you may need to carry out repairs or improvements before listing. Small updates like repainting, fixing minor damage, and tidying gardens can make a strong impression on buyers. Depending on your property, these costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
Focus on cost-effective changes that improve first impressions. Because you save thousands by choosing Realty Zero, you can invest more confidently in updates that genuinely help your property appeal to buyers.
Staging Your Home
Home staging is becoming more common in Canberra, especially in competitive suburbs. Staging involves furnishing and styling your property to make it more appealing. In Canberra, staging can cost between $2,000 and $6,500, depending on the size of your home and the length of time it takes to sell.
Staging is optional, but it can make a difference in how quickly your property sells. The savings from avoiding commission with Realty Zero give you the option to consider staging without financial strain.
Auction Costs in Canberra
Auctions are a popular way to sell homes in Canberra, but they come with additional costs. Hiring an auctioneer generally costs between $400 and $1,000. If your property does not sell on the day, you may also need to invest in more marketing to continue the campaign.
With Realty Zero, you can still choose to sell by auction without paying commission. You only pay for the auctioneer, keeping your total costs much lower than with a traditional agent.
Moving Costs
After your Canberra home sells, you will need to cover moving expenses. Removalists usually charge between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the distance and how much furniture you have. Other costs, such as packing supplies, storage, and reconnection of utilities, can add more to your bill.
These costs are unavoidable, but the savings you make with Realty Zero ensure you have more money left over to cover them comfortably.
How Much Can You Save?
Let’s look at a typical example. If you sell your Canberra home for $900,000 through an agent charging 2.5 per cent commission, you will pay $22,500 in commission. Add $3,000 in marketing, $1,800 in legal fees, and $2,500 for staging, and your total costs are nearly $30,000.
With Realty Zero, you avoid the $22,500 commission completely. Even if you pay for marketing, legal fees, and staging, your overall expenses are significantly lower. You save tens of thousands of dollars, money that stays in your hands instead of going to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an agent to sell my Canberra home?
No, with Realty Zero you can sell privately. Your property still appears on major websites without paying commission.
How much do Canberra agents charge in commission?
Most agents in the ACT charge between 2 per cent and 3 per cent of the sale price.
Can I list on realestate.com.au with Realty Zero?
Yes, Realty Zero gives you access to realestate.com.au and other leading sites so buyers can easily find your property.
What other costs should I prepare for?
You should budget for legal fees, marketing, possible repairs, staging, auctioneer costs if selling by auction, and moving expenses.
Do I control my marketing with Realty Zero?
Yes, you choose the marketing services you want. This allows you to manage your budget while still reaching buyers.
How much can I save with Realty Zero?
You can save tens of thousands of dollars. On a $900,000 home, this could be over $22,000 in commission alone.
Can I sell at auction with Realty Zero?
Yes, you can sell at auction. You pay only for the auctioneer while avoiding agent commission.
Is staging essential in Canberra?
No, staging is optional, but it can help your property appeal to more buyers. The money saved with Realty Zero gives you the flexibility to consider it.
How do buyers contact me?
All enquiries go directly to you, giving you complete control of your sale.
What if my home takes longer to sell?
With Realty Zero, your listing remains active until it sells. You are not pressured by deadlines or commission increases.