What Does It Cost to Sell in Canberra?

catherine6738
Oct 15
4 min read

Updated: Oct 17

It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked: “What does it actually cost to sell?”

While there’s no single answer (because every home and situation is a bit different), there are a few key expenses that almost every seller should plan for. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect, based on Canberra prices.

Agent’s Fees/Commission

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the agent’s fee.

In Canberra, most agents charge somewhere between $12,500 and $17,500 for a fairly standard sale. Of course there's some who charge more and some who charge less (and some properties that require more work or less) - but this is one industry where “you get what you pay for” doesn’t always hold true. Some terrible agents are expensive… and some are cheap! Some agents charge a percentage of the final sale price, some a fixed dollar amount, and others offer a tiered or bonus structure where they earn a slightly higher percentage for achieving a result above an agreed target. There’s no single “right” model, as long as it’s clear, transparent, and aligns with your expectations.

The important thing is value, not price. A great agent will guide your strategy, negotiate effectively, work hard and keep you informed every step of the way.

💡Don’t be afraid to ask what to expect. Are they conducting open homes personally? How often will they communicate with you? The cheapest agent can be the most expensive mistake if your home sells for less than it should.

Marketing & Advertising

Good marketing makes a huge difference, both to how fast you sell, but also how much you sell for.

Expect to spend at least $3,000 to $4,000 for a professional campaign in Canberra. That usually includes quality photography, floorplans, copywriting, brochures, signboard and online advertising.

Advertising on Allhomes costs around $1,750 when booked through an agent. The other essentials can generally add another $1,500 to $2,500, depending on who you engage. After that, there are additional add ons like social media advertising, videography etc. that may be good to consider depending on the type of property you have.

💡Make sure your agent is spending your marketing budget on the things that will actually make a difference, not just ticking boxes. Great photos and premium online visibility are the must-haves.

Conveyancing (Legal Fees)

Before your property can legally hit the market, you’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to prepare the contract for sale.

Your conveyancer’s role is to handle all the legal and administrative aspects of transferring the ownership of a property from one party to another. That includes preparing and lodging the contract, ordering required searches, coordinating payments for stamp duty, rates and taxes, liaising with the banks, and ensuring all the required documentation is in order for settlement. Most Canberra conveyancers charge somewhere in the vicinity of $2,000-$2500 plus disbursements. Disbursements are costs your conveyancer pays on your behalf such as title searches, rates certificates, registration fees etc. They’re not profit, just pass-through expenses.

💡Your agent will engage your conveyancer a few weeks before you plan to advertise, so that your contract is ready by the time your photography and marketing are done.

Building & Compliance Reports

The ACT works a little differently to most other states - the seller must provide building and compliance reports upfront as part of the contract before the property can be advertised for sale.

These reports include:

Building Inspection Report (outlining the condition of the property)
Pest Inspection Report (termites, borers & other destructive pests)
Compliance Report (whether all the structures are approved)
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) Report

The good news is that the buyer typically pays (or reimburses) the cost at settlement. The only time you’re out of pocket is if you decide not to proceed with selling, or of course when it's your turn to buy!

For budgeting purposes, expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,000 total for the full set of reports.

💡Make sure you use a reputable inspector who is familiar with ACT reporting requirements — reports must meet specific legal standards to be included in your contract.

Styling & Presentation

A well-presented home photographs better, feels more inviting, and can attract significantly higher offers.

Styling costs in Canberra vary depending on the size of your home, but a typical three-bedroom home usually costs $3,000 to $4,000 for full styling (for about five weeks).

If you just need advice on how to best use your own furnishings rather than full furniture hire, a styling consultation is only a few hundred dollars and absolutely worth it.

💡Ask us for a recommendation. We work with several great local stylists who can tailor a plan to suit your property and budget.

Removalist Costs

Once you’ve sold, there’s the practical side: moving.

To move a typical three bedroom home within Canberra, professional removalists might cost around $1,200 to $1,400 (based on standard hourly rates). That can increase if there are stairs, heavy items, or multiple trips - so it’s always smart to get a quote or two early.

💡If you’re decluttering before selling, this is a great time to get rid of unwanted items. Services like Brindabella Waste, Golden Rubbish Removal or The Green Shed can help clear whole rooms or garages without the hassle of hiring a skip.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home isn’t cheap - but done right, it’s an investment that pays off. Every dollar you spend on professional marketing, presentation, and expertise can help you achieve a higher price, a quicker sale, and a smoother experience.

If you’d like help mapping out what your sale might cost (and what’s worth spending on vs. what’s not), get in touch — we're always happy to provide a detailed, obligation-free breakdown.