Property is being snapped up like toilet paper during a pandemic right now.
With low supply and high demand, homes aren’t staying on the market for long, which has led some people to ask:
“Do I need a real estate agent in a booming market to sell my home?”
It’s a fair question. Skipping agent fees and pocketing the commission (which can be hefty with rising prices) is tempting.
But selling a property is a big task – and not everyone should go it alone. A good agent brings experience, negotiation skills, a list of already interested buyers who they have met at other property viewings and manages the stressful parts. That kind of value can go well beyond dollars.
Still, if you’re curious about the DIY route, here’s what you could save and also, what’s involved.
A hot market
Australia’s housing market is just getting warmer, along with the weather.
According to Cotality, September saw the strongest monthly rise in national dwelling values since October 2023. Their most recent Home Value Index below shows properties have risen another 0.8 per cent nationally:
Property supply is at historic lows, with listings 5.8 per cent below last year and 16.7 per cent below the five-year average… fewer homes are hitting the market and it’s increasing competition and pushing up values.
What’s more, the national median time on the market to sell a property is just 35 days (as of the end of June 2025). In cities like Perth, this is a very quick 13-14 days.
In this kind of ‘seller’s market’, you might be tempted to sell your property yourself – and save on the commission.
How much agents charge
Agents typically charge 1.5 – 3 per cent of the sale price.
Commissions are generally lower in metro areas, and higher in regional ones. There are also additional costs such as listings, advertising, photography, signage, floor plans, and styling.
For a $1.5 million home, a 2 per cent commission is $30,000. Add marketing, and you could be looking at $35,000 – $40,000. For more ‘premium’ listings, this can easily go beyond $50,000.
Sale by owner
Keeping that commission yourself is obviously appealing. But there are other pros to managing your own property sale.
You control the process and talk directly to buyers … giving them genuine insight into the home and neighbourhood.
You also set the viewing schedule around when it suits you and can chose to be flexible with this.
If you enjoy it and feel confident, handling price negotiations can be fun. Highly organised people who are good with paperwork may also prefer to control things.
If this all appeals, here’s how to sell your property yourself.
DIY property sale
- Do your homework – Research similar sales in your area. Use online tools and get an independent valuation (that is by a property valuer, not just the local real estate agents).
- Prepare the property – Clean, declutter and consider staging by a professional property stylist. Use quality photos and make your home feel warm at viewings – bake biscuits beforehand or light scented candles.
- List your property – Use private-sale platforms to access major real estate sites. (A few are: Sale By Owner, Buy My Place, Property Now, Minus The Agent).Packages usually cost around $800 – $1,200 (or more depending on listing type and any additional costs – don’t get stung, know what these are before you agree).
- Market it – Share your property listing on social media, tell friends and family, consider targeted ads and letter box drop your neighborhood.
- Manage viewings – Hold open houses and answer any questions by prospective buyers. Be prepared to be a salesperson by showcasing and highlighting your property’s best features.
- Negotiate and accept an offer – Know your bottom line. Once you agree on a sale price (and other negotiated things like settlement periods) engage a solicitor or conveyancer.
- Finalise legal steps – Private sales still require contracts, cooling-off periods, and title transfers – so legal is a must.
When it’s best to use an agent
DIY owner sales are not for everyone. Consider an agent if:
Your property is unique or high-end – Distinct homes such as ‘heritage listed’ or ‘luxury’ need expert marketing and reach.
You don’t have time – If you don’t have the time to dedicate to every step of the process, then you probably should outsource it.
You’re not confident negotiating – Agents are professional negotiators who are skilled at creating buyer competition and securing a top price – often covering their fee.
You wish you had a buyer network – Agents know who’s in the market and how to reach them.
My opinion?
Yes, in this market of undersupply and high buyer demand, you can very likely sell your home without an agent and potentially save tens of thousands.
But it takes effort, skill, and a lot of time. It’s also a stressful experience for some and for this reason alone, it isn’t for everyone.
Interestingly, ‘For sale by owner’ homes make up just 1 per cent of Australian residential property sales so it’s safe to say most Australians still prefer using an agent.
So be honest with yourself and ask: “Do I have the mental and emotional energy, along with the time and skills to sell my property myself?”
Whatever you choose to do, just remember the goal is the same: getting the best result for one of your biggest assets.
