When it comes to selling your home, one of the biggest questions is: should you hire a real estate agent or go private? More and more Australians are turning toward private property listings to save on commission fees. But what does it cost to advertise privately? And is it truly more affordable than using an agent?

If you're weighing your options, understanding the real cost differences is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down the expenses involved in advertising your home privately and compare them with the costs associated with hiring a traditional real estate agent. You’ll also discover how platforms like For Sale By Home Owner make it easier and cheaper to take control of your home sale.

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Charge in Commission and Fees?

Let’s start with what you can expect to pay a real estate agent. In Australia, real estate agent commissions typically range between 1.6% and 3.5% of the final sale price. For a $700,000 property, that’s anywhere from $11,200 to $24,500 just in commission fees.

On top of this, you might be charged for:

• Marketing and advertising packages (which can cost $2,000–$10,000)
• Photography and videography
• Auctioneer fees (if you choose to go to auction)
• Administration or listing fees

When you add it all up, working with an agent can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars—before you even finalize the sale.

What Does It Cost to Advertise Privately?

Now, let's explore the alternative—advertising your home privately. So, what does it cost to advertise privately?

When you sell privately, you're not paying commission, and most of your expenses are one-off, fixed costs. Here's a breakdown of typical costs involved in private property advertising:

• Listing on major real estate portals (like realestate.com.au and Domain): $300 – $1,000 depending on the package.
• Professional photography: $150 – $400 (optional, but highly recommended).
• Signboard: $100 – $250.
• Copywriting for the listing: $50 – $200.
• Legal documents / contract preparation: varies by state but expect $200 – $500.

Altogether, private sellers typically spend $600 to $2,000 for a complete marketing and listing setup—a fraction of what you'd pay a real estate agent.

With For Sale By Home Owner, you get all-in-one packages that offer premium exposure without hidden fees. Their cost-effective options give private sellers the tools and exposure to reach the right buyers fast.

Why Are More Homeowners Choosing to Advertise Privately?

The main reason is simple: cost savings. Selling privately means:

• No agent commission
• No marketing mark-ups
• No unnecessary extras

Private sellers have greater control over their budget, can choose where and how their property appears online, and can invest in the marketing tools that make sense for their specific property.

For Sale By Home Owner supports this freedom by offering packages tailored to the needs of private sellers, whether you're in a metro area or rural region.

Is Private Advertising Less Effective Than Using an Agent?

Not at all. The key to a successful private sale lies in effective advertising and presentation. With the right listing strategy, your property can perform just as well—or better—than agent-listed properties.

What helps private sellers succeed?

• High-quality photos and well-written descriptions
• Listings on Australia’s leading portals, such as realestate.com.au
• Clear communication with buyers
• Responsive follow-ups and inspection scheduling

Platforms like For Sale By Home Owner make it easy for sellers to manage all of this in one place, with guidance and support if needed.

Can You Get Professional Help When Advertising Privately?

Yes—and it doesn’t mean paying commission. Selling privately doesn’t mean going it alone. Many sellers use professional services such as:

• Property photographers
• Floorplan designers
• Copywriters
• Conveyancers or property lawyers

These professionals offer one-time services with fixed pricing, allowing you to stay within your budget. Plus, platforms like For Sale By Home Owner often partner with trusted vendors to help you find these services at discounted rates.

So, you’re not left to figure it all out on your own—you just have more control and flexibility.

What Are the Risks of Selling Privately, and How Can You Avoid Them?

While selling privately can save thousands, there are a few risks to be aware of:

• Overpricing or underpricing the property
• Missing legal requirements or forms
• Not reaching enough buyers

You can avoid these issues by:

• Researching your local market
• Using a valuation or pricing tool
• Using a reputable platform like For Sale By Home Owner to guide you
• Hiring a conveyancer for legal documentation

If you follow these steps, the process becomes straightforward and low-risk.

Is Private Selling Right for Every Seller?

Private selling isn't for everyone. It works best if you:

• Are comfortable managing enquiries and inspections
• Want to avoid high commission fees
• Are willing to put in a bit of effort upfront
• Want direct communication with potential buyers

If that sounds like you, then advertising privately is not only more affordable—it’s probably the smarter choice.

Final Verdict: Is Advertising Privately More Affordable?

Absolutely. When asking “what does it cost to advertise privately,” the answer is clear: it costs significantly less than hiring a real estate agent. Most private sellers spend under $2,000 for their entire sale process, while agent-listed homes may come with $10,000 to $25,000 in commission and fees.

Private advertising offers:

• Greater control
• Lower costs
• Flexible service options
• National exposure on major real estate portals

With the right tools and a trusted platform like For Sale By Home Owner, you can sell your property confidently, legally, and affordably.

Ready to Take Control of Your Home Sale?

If you're considering selling your property without the high commission costs, For Sale By Home Owner is the trusted name in private property sales across Australia. With easy-to-use listing packages, professional support, and access to top portals like realestate.com.au and Domain, you’ll have everything you need to sell successfully and save thousands.

Take the first step today. Explore what it costs to advertise privately—and see just how affordable, effective, and empowering it can be to sell your home on your own terms.