Neither way of selling is right for everyone. An agent takes work off your hands for a fee. A private sale keeps the money and the control with you, but the work comes too. This guide sets out who does what, so you can decide with your eyes open.
You don't need a licence to sell your own home in Australia. Licensing applies to people who sell property for others.
Who does what
| Job | With an agent | Selling privately |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Agent gives an estimate and advises you | You research sales, helped by a value report |
| Photos and listing | Agent arranges them, usually at your cost | You supply them, or use a package that includes them |
| Portal advertising | Agent lists it | A listing service like SellPrivate gets it there |
| Enquiries | Agent answers them | You answer them directly |
| Inspections | Agent runs them | You run them |
| Negotiation | Agent negotiates on your behalf | You negotiate with buyers yourself |
| Contract | Your conveyancer or solicitor | Your conveyancer or solicitor |
| Deposit | Usually held in the agent's trust account | Held in a conveyancer's or solicitor's trust account |
| Settlement | Your conveyancer or solicitor | Your conveyancer or solicitor |
So the legal side stays much the same. The real difference is who handles marketing, buyers and negotiating.
What each one costs
An agent is usually paid a commission on the sale price, often 2 to 2.5 per cent nationally, and many also charge marketing costs. A private sale costs a fixed listing fee, from $995 with SellPrivate. On a $900,000 home that can be a difference of more than $20,000. See the full figures in how much it costs to sell privately.
The case for selling privately
- You keep more of the sale price. There's no commission to SellPrivate, whatever your home sells for.
- You know your home best. You can speak to its street, neighbours, renovations and quirks better than anyone.
- You stay in control. You choose the inspection times, talk to each buyer and decide every offer.
- Buyers deal with the owner. Some like skipping the middle person, and you hear their feedback first-hand.
The case for an agent
- Experience with negotiation. A good agent does this every week, and it may lift your price.
- An existing buyer list. Agents often know who has missed out on similar homes.
- Time and distance. If you're interstate, working long hours or unable to show the home, an agent solves that.
- Emotional distance. Hearing buyers criticise your home isn't for everyone.
Which suits you?
Selling privately tends to work best when:
- your home is a fairly standard house or unit with plenty of comparable sales nearby
- you have time for enquiries and weekend inspections
- you're comfortable talking about money with strangers
- you aren't under pressure to sell by a fixed date
An agent may be the better choice when the home is unusual or hard to value, when you live far away, or when a separation or deceased estate makes direct contact with buyers difficult.
Why the current market matters
At the end of October 2026 national home values had fallen for seven months in a row, and Cotality described conditions as a buyer's market. Listings are high, sales are down and buyers have more choice. That doesn't rule out a private sale, and paying less to sell may matter more when prices are falling. But it does raise the stakes on realistic pricing and calm negotiating. If that part worries you, read how to negotiate a private sale.
There's a middle path
You don't have to go it alone. A one-hour strategy session covers your price, your plan and how to handle offers, and you can use it before you decide. Then see how selling with SellPrivate works.