34 property owners in South East Queensland requested assessments this month
iKey Facts
- •Total selling costs in Queensland typically range from 3.5-5.5% of the sale price
- •Agent commission: 2.0-2.8% | Marketing: $3,000-$10,000 | Conveyancing: $800-$1,500
- •Capital Gains Tax applies to investment properties — primary residences are generally CGT-exempt
- •Sellers should budget $15,000-$30,000 in total costs for a $700,000 property sale in Brisbane
- •ACRES provides transparent cost breakdowns upfront — no hidden fees or surprise charges
Total Cost of Selling in Queensland
Most sellers focus on the agent's commission but underestimate the total cost of selling. On a $1,000,000 Brisbane property, your total selling costs will typically be $30,000-$50,000. Here's the full breakdown.
Agent Commission
The largest cost. Brisbane agent commissions range from 2.0% to 2.8% plus GST.
| Sale Price | Commission (2.5%) | + GST (10%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $750,000 | $18,750 | $1,875 | $20,625 |
| $1,000,000 | $25,000 | $2,500 | $27,500 |
| $1,500,000 | $37,500 | $3,750 | $41,250 |
Some agents offer tiered structures (e.g., 2% on first $500K, 3% above) or performance bonuses for achieving above-reserve prices. Always negotiate.
Marketing Costs
Most Brisbane agents charge marketing as a separate cost:
- Basic package (photos, online listings): $2,000-$4,000
- Premium package (photos, video, drone, styling, social ads): $5,000-$15,000
- Auction costs (auctioneer fee): $500-$1,000
Marketing is typically paid upfront regardless of whether the property sells. Clarify this with your agent before signing.
Conveyancing / Legal Fees
Your solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal transfer:
- Conveyancer: $800-$1,500
- Solicitor: $1,500-$3,000
- Discharge of mortgage fee: $300-$500 (charged by your bank)
"Total Cost of Selling in Queensland Most sellers focus on the agent's commission but underestimate the total cost of selling."
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Government Charges
- Title search: $20-$50
- Transfer registration: Typically paid by the buyer
- No stamp duty for sellers in Queensland (buyers pay stamp duty)
Mortgage Break Costs
If you have a fixed-rate mortgage and sell before the fixed term ends, your bank may charge break costs. These can range from $1,000 to $20,000+ depending on the remaining term and interest rate differential. Check with your lender early.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
If the property is an investment (not your primary residence), you'll pay CGT on the profit:
- Held less than 12 months: Full capital gain added to your taxable income
- Held 12+ months: 50% CGT discount applies
- Primary residence: Exempt from CGT (with some conditions)
Example: You bought an investment property for $600,000 and sell for $900,000. Your capital gain is $300,000. If held for 2+ years, only $150,000 is added to your taxable income.
Other Potential Costs
- Repairs pre-sale: $2,000-$10,000 (fix issues that would reduce offers)
- Styling/staging: $3,000-$8,000
- Building and pest report: $500-$800 (providing one upfront builds buyer confidence)
- Pool compliance certificate: $200-$500
- Smoke alarm compliance: $200-$500
- Moving costs: $1,000-$3,000
Example: Total Costs on a $1M Brisbane Sale
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Agent commission (2.5% + GST) | $27,500 |
| Marketing | $6,000 |
| Conveyancing | $1,200 |
| Mortgage discharge | $400 |
| Pre-sale repairs | $3,000 |
| Styling | $5,000 |
| Compliance certificates | $700 |
| Total | $43,800 |
Your net proceeds: approximately $956,200 (before CGT if applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sellers pay stamp duty in Queensland?
No. In Queensland, stamp duty (transfer duty) is paid by the buyer, not the seller. This is one of the advantages of selling in QLD compared to some other states.
Can I negotiate agent commission?
Yes. Agent commissions are negotiable in Australia. However, focus on the net outcome (sale price minus costs) rather than minimising commission alone. A higher-commission agent who achieves a better price will net you more money.
What is the average cost to sell a house in Brisbane?
Total selling costs in Brisbane typically range from 3-5% of the sale price. On a $1,000,000 property, expect $30,000-$50,000 in total costs including commission, marketing, conveyancing, and preparation.
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Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/selling-costs-calculator-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
