Selling a home in Sydney is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. While Sydney’s property market is often strong and competitive, the costs involved in selling can be significant. If you go through a traditional real estate agent, you may face high commissions, marketing fees, and additional charges that quickly add up. But there is a smarter way to sell. With Realty Zero, you can avoid the large commissions charged by traditional agents and still get your property listed on major platforms where buyers are searching. Let’s look closely at the true cost to sell your home in Sydney, the savings you can make by using Realty Zero, and what other expenses you need to prepare for when selling.
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When you sell with a traditional real estate agent in Sydney, you will be charged a commission on the final sale price of your home. On average, Sydney agents charge between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent of the sale price. This means if you sell a property for $1,500,000, the commission alone could cost you anywhere from $22,500 to $37,500. That money comes directly out of your sale proceeds, reducing the amount you walk away with after settlement.
Some agents may also try to negotiate even higher rates, especially if they believe your home will sell quickly. While you might feel pressured to agree because you want the best result, the reality is that commissions do not guarantee a higher sale price. The market determines the value of your property, not the size of your agent’s fee.
How Realty Zero Helps You Save
With Realty Zero, you do not have to hand over a large chunk of your profit in commissions. Instead, you pay a simple upfront fee to list your property. That means whether your home sells for $600,000 or $2,000,000, you pay the same low price to get access to the same powerful advertising channels. This can save you tens of thousands of dollars compared with the traditional model.
By choosing Realty Zero, you keep control of your sale while still reaching serious buyers. Your listing will appear on Australia’s biggest property websites, including realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, ensuring maximum exposure. The difference is that you do not have to sacrifice your hard-earned equity just to cover an agent’s commission.
Marketing and Advertising Costs
One of the biggest hidden costs when selling through a traditional agent is marketing. While some agents include basic marketing in their commission, many charge extra for premium upgrades. Professional photography, floor plans, video tours, online feature listings, and print advertising can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
Realty Zero gives you flexibility with marketing. You can choose which upgrades you want without being locked into costly packages. For example, you may only need quality photography and a featured listing online, rather than expensive print ads that few buyers pay attention to. This allows you to tailor your marketing spend to suit your budget and your property.
Legal and Conveyancing Fees
When you sell your home in Sydney, you must engage a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal paperwork. This includes preparing the contract of sale and managing the transfer of ownership. The cost for conveyancing can range from $800 to $2,000, depending on the provider and the complexity of the transaction.
This is a non-negotiable cost of selling, no matter whether you use an agent or Realty Zero. However, by saving thousands on commissions, you will find that these legal fees are much easier to absorb into your overall budget.
Home Repairs and Improvements
Before you put your home on the market, you may want to make small repairs or cosmetic improvements. Fresh paint, minor landscaping, and simple maintenance can make a big difference to how buyers perceive your property. The cost of these updates can vary greatly depending on what needs to be done. You might spend a few hundred dollars for a tidy-up or several thousand if you choose to invest in larger improvements.
It is important to remember that not all improvements will add value. Focus on changes that enhance your home’s presentation without overspending. With Realty Zero, you are not paying a large commission, so you have more room in your budget to invest in improvements that genuinely help you secure a better sale price.
Staging Your Home
Home staging is another expense that some sellers in Sydney choose to invest in. Staging involves hiring furniture and decor to present your property in the most appealing way to buyers. Professional staging can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the size of your home and how long it stays on the market.
While staging is optional, many Sydney buyers respond strongly to well-presented homes. If you choose to stage, you can see a faster sale or even a higher sale price. Again, the money you save on commissions with Realty Zero gives you more freedom to consider staging if you feel it will benefit your sale.
Auction Costs
In Sydney, auctions are a popular method of selling. However, auctions come with their own costs. You will need to pay for an auctioneer, which can range from $400 to $1,000. If your home does not sell at auction, you may also face additional advertising expenses to relist the property. With Realty Zero, you still have the option to sell by auction, but you avoid the inflated commissions that usually accompany this sales method.
Moving Costs
Once your home sells, you will need to factor in the cost of moving. Hiring removalists, buying packing supplies, and possibly storing items temporarily can all add to your expenses. For many Sydney households, moving costs range between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the distance and the amount of furniture involved.
These costs are often overlooked when calculating the total cost of selling. By eliminating large commissions with Realty Zero, you will have more funds available to cover the practical side of relocating.
How Much Can You Save?
Let’s put the numbers into perspective. If you sell your Sydney home for $1,200,000 through a traditional agent charging 2 per cent, you will pay $24,000 in commission. On top of that, you might pay $5,000 for marketing, $1,500 for conveyancing, and $3,000 for staging. That brings your total selling costs to more than $33,000.
With Realty Zero, you could pay less than a tenth of that amount. Your upfront listing fee ensures your property gets the exposure it needs without draining your profit. Even after factoring in legal fees, marketing of your choice, and moving costs, you will still walk away with far more money in your pocket compared with selling through an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an agent to sell my home in Sydney?
No, you can sell your home privately with Realty Zero. You get access to major property websites without paying a commission to an agent.
How much commission do Sydney agents usually charge?
Most traditional agents in Sydney charge between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent of the sale price.
Can I still list my property on realestate.com.au with Realty Zero?
Yes, Realty Zero gives you full access to major property websites, including realestate.com.au.
What are the main expenses when selling a home?
Major expenses include agent commissions, marketing, legal fees, repairs, staging, auction fees, and moving costs.
Do I need to pay for marketing separately?
With Realty Zero, you can choose the level of marketing you want. You only pay for what you select, unlike agents who may lock you into large packages.
What savings can I expect with Realty Zero?
You can save tens of thousands of dollars by avoiding commission fees. On a $1,000,000 sale, this could mean keeping an extra $20,000 to $25,000.
Can I still sell at auction with Realty Zero?
Yes, you can choose to sell by auction. You will still avoid paying a large commission to an agent.
Is staging necessary when selling in Sydney?
Staging is optional, but it can help your property appeal to more buyers. The savings you make with Realty Zero can help fund staging if you decide to use it.
How do buyers contact me if I list with Realty Zero?
All buyer enquiries are directed straight to you, giving you full control over the sale process.
What if my home takes longer to sell?
With Realty Zero, your listing is available until your property sells. You are not pressured by deadlines or extra commission demands.