Selling a home in Melbourne is a major financial decision and one that comes with a range of costs you might not anticipate at first. If you go down the traditional path of hiring a real estate agent, you will face commissions, advertising fees, and other charges that can add up quickly. But there is another way. With Realty Zero, you can sell your Melbourne property without paying thousands in agent commissions while still reaching buyers on the biggest platforms. Let’s break down the true cost to sell your home in Melbourne, the potential savings you can unlock by choosing Realty Zero, and the additional expenses that you should prepare for as part of the process.
Click To View Our Sales PackagesReal Estate Commissions in Melbourne
Commission is often the single largest cost when selling through a traditional real estate agent in Melbourne. On average, agents in Victoria charge between 1.6 per cent and 2.5 per cent of the sale price. For a home sold at $950,000, this means a commission bill of anywhere from $15,200 to $23,750. This money is deducted directly from your proceeds and goes into the pocket of your agent.
While some sellers feel that paying commission guarantees a better result, the truth is that the market decides the sale price, not the commission rate. You can sell a property for the same price without handing over tens of thousands of dollars in commission fees. That is where Realty Zero gives you a clear advantage.
How Realty Zero Helps You Save
Realty Zero works differently from traditional agents. Instead of charging you a percentage of your sale, Realty Zero offers you an upfront fee that is the same regardless of your property’s value. This approach means that you know your costs from the beginning, and you never have to part with a large chunk of your equity.
Whether your home sells for $600,000 or $2,000,000, your advertising fee remains the same. You can save tens of thousands of dollars by cutting out commissions and keeping control of your sale. With Realty Zero, your property is listed on major websites such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, ensuring buyers can find your listing just as easily as if you were working with an agent.
Marketing and Advertising Costs
Beyond commissions, marketing and advertising costs can quickly add up when you sell a home in Melbourne. Traditional agents often recommend premium packages that include professional photography, drone footage, video tours, floor plans, and online upgrades. While some of these tools are valuable, others are simply expensive extras that may not deliver a strong return.
With Realty Zero, you choose the marketing options that make sense for your property and your budget. For example, you might opt for professional photography and a highlighted online listing without needing to commit to unnecessary print ads or glossy brochures. This flexibility allows you to spend wisely while still making sure your property is seen by as many buyers as possible.
Legal and Conveyancing Fees
When you sell a home in Melbourne, you must engage a solicitor or conveyancer to prepare the contract of sale and complete the legal transfer of property. Conveyancing fees typically range between $800 and $2,200, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the professional you choose. This cost applies whether you sell privately with Realty Zero or through a traditional agent.
By saving thousands on agent commissions, you free up more of your budget to cover necessary legal expenses without stress. It is always best to choose a reputable conveyancer or solicitor to make sure the sale process runs smoothly.
Home Repairs and Presentation
Before listing your home, you might want to carry out repairs or upgrades to make it more appealing to buyers. This can include patching walls, repainting, updating fittings, or refreshing your garden. Depending on the work required, costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
Not every repair will add value, so you should focus on areas that improve first impressions. Simple improvements such as decluttering, a coat of paint, or tidying your garden can make a major difference without excessive cost. By avoiding commissions with Realty Zero, you will have more funds to direct towards practical improvements that enhance your home’s appeal.
Home Staging Costs
Home staging is a service where professionals furnish and style your home to attract buyers. In Melbourne, staging can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on the size of your property and the length of time it stays on the market. While optional, staging often helps buyers visualise themselves living in your home, which can lead to a faster sale or higher price.
Because you save thousands by choosing Realty Zero, you can decide to invest in staging if you feel it is right for your property. You are not pressured to allocate your budget towards commissions, so you have more flexibility with how you spend your money.
Auction Costs in Melbourne
Melbourne is known as the auction capital of Australia, with many homes selling under the hammer. If you choose to sell at auction, you will need to pay for an auctioneer, which generally costs between $400 and $1,000. If your property does not sell on the day, you may face further marketing costs to continue the campaign.
With Realty Zero, you can still choose to sell by auction while avoiding inflated commission rates. You pay for the auctioneer separately, but keep the savings from not using a traditional agent.
Moving Costs
After your home sells, you will need to plan for moving expenses. These costs vary based on how far you are moving and how much furniture you have. Professional removalists in Melbourne generally charge between $1,000 and $5,000. Packing materials and temporary storage may also increase your expenses.
These are unavoidable costs, but the savings you make with Realty Zero will give you more financial room to manage your move comfortably.
How Much Can You Save?
Let’s compare two scenarios. If you sell a Melbourne home for $1,000,000 with a traditional agent charging 2 per cent, you pay $20,000 in commission. Add $5,000 in marketing, $1,500 in legal fees, and $3,000 in staging, and your total selling costs reach nearly $30,000. That is money taken directly from your profit.
With Realty Zero, you avoid paying commission entirely. Your listing fee is a small fraction of that amount, and even after adding legal costs, marketing, and optional staging, you still come out well ahead. In most cases, sellers save tens of thousands of dollars by choosing Realty Zero over a traditional agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an agent to sell my home in Melbourne?
No, you can sell privately with Realty Zero. You still get access to major platforms without paying commission.
How much commission do Melbourne agents charge?
Traditional agents usually charge between 1.6 per cent and 2.5 per cent of the sale price.
Can I list on realestate.com.au with Realty Zero?
Yes, Realty Zero provides listings on major sites, including realestate.com.au and domain.com.au.
What other costs should I expect when selling?
You should budget for legal fees, marketing, possible repairs, staging, auctioneer costs, and moving expenses.
Do I have to pay for marketing separately?
Yes, you choose the marketing you want with Realty Zero. This gives you control over your budget.
How much can I save with Realty Zero?
You can save tens of thousands of dollars by avoiding commissions. For a $1,000,000 home, this could be around $20,000 or more.
Is staging necessary when selling?
No, staging is optional. However, it can make your home more appealing to buyers. The money saved with Realty Zero can be used to fund staging if you want it.
Can I still sell at auction with Realty Zero?
Yes, you can run an auction while still avoiding large commissions. You just pay the auctioneer’s fee separately.
How do buyers contact me?
All enquiries come directly to you, which means you stay in control of your sale at all times.
What if my property takes longer to sell?
With Realty Zero, your listing remains active until your property is sold. There are no hidden deadlines or extra commission demands.