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iSummary
How real estate agent commissions work in Queensland. Average rates, fee structures, negotiation tips, and how to evaluate agents on results rather than cost.
Source: ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group | acres.au
Understanding Agent Fees in Queensland
Real estate commissions in Queensland are fully deregulated — agents can charge whatever the market will bear. Here's how to navigate it.
Average Commission Rates
| Sale Price | Typical Commission | Total (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Under $500K | 2.5-3.0% + GST | $13,750-$16,500 |
| $500K-$1M | 2.2-2.8% + GST | $12,100-$30,800 |
| $1M-$2M | 2.0-2.5% + GST | $22,000-$55,000 |
| $2M+ | 1.5-2.0% + GST | Negotiated |
These are guides only. Commission is always negotiable.
Commission Structures
Fixed Percentage
The most common structure. A flat percentage of the sale price (e.g., 2.5% + GST). Simple and transparent.
Tiered Commission
A lower rate on the base price and a higher rate on anything above. For example:
- 2% on the first $800,000
- 10% on everything above $800,000
This aligns the agent's incentive with your goal — they earn significantly more by achieving a premium result.
Fixed Fee
Some discount agents offer fixed fees ($5,000-$10,000 regardless of sale price). Lower cost, but the agent has no financial incentive to maximise your price.
What's Included in Commission?
"Commission Structures Fixed Percentage The most common structure."
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Commission should cover:
- Agent's time and expertise
- Access to buyer database
- Open homes and private inspections
- Negotiation on your behalf
- Contract management through to settlement
Commission usually does not include:
- Photography and video
- Online advertising (realestate.com.au, Domain)
- Print advertising
- Styling costs
- Auctioneer fee
These marketing costs are typically $3,000-$15,000 on top of commission.
How to Negotiate Commission
Do
- Compare 3 agents on results, not just fees
- Ask what the agent achieved for similar properties
- Propose a tiered structure that rewards outperformance
- Negotiate the total package (commission + marketing)
Don't
- Choose the cheapest agent without comparing results
- Negotiate so hard that the agent deprioritises your listing
- Sign a long exclusive agreement without performance clauses
- Forget that commission is paid on the GST-inclusive amount
The Real Question: Net Proceeds
Stop focusing on commission and focus on net proceeds:
| Scenario | Agent Fee | Sale Price | Your Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap agent (1.8%) | $19,800 | $1,050,000 | $1,030,200 |
| Quality agent (2.5%) | $27,500 | $1,120,000 | $1,092,500 |
The "expensive" agent costs $7,700 more in commission but delivers $62,300 more in net proceeds.
A good agent is an investment, not a cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average real estate commission in Brisbane?
The average commission in Brisbane is 2.2-2.8% plus GST. For a $1,000,000 property, expect to pay $24,200-$30,800 inclusive of GST. Rates are negotiable and vary by agent and sale price.
Can I sell my house without paying commission?
Yes, you can sell privately without an agent. However, private sellers typically achieve 5-10% lower sale prices due to limited marketing reach and weaker negotiation. The net result after commission is usually better with a quality agent.
Are cheap agents worth it?
Rarely. Research shows discount agents achieve lower sale prices on average. The commission savings are typically offset by a lower sale price. Focus on the agent's track record and net outcome for you, not the fee alone.
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Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/real-estate-agent-commissions-queensland | ACRES (Australian Commercial & Residential Group) provides property advisory, development site sales, and residential real estate services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, Australia.
Daniel McCormack
Managing Director, ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
