What Does It Really Cost to Sell a Home in Victoria?

Selling a property is a big financial decision and while the focus is often on the end result, it’s equally important to understand the costs involved before your home hits the market.

From legal fees to marketing, agent commissions to lender charges, here’s a breakdown of the key costs Victorian homeowners should expect when preparing to sell.

1. Agent Fees & Commission

There are three types of real estate agent fees and vendors will discuss upfront which ones their preferred agent will accept. These include:

1. Flat Fee: Where the agent and vendor agree on a fixed fee for the sale of the property, and no matter what it sells for, the fee is set.

2. Percentage-of-sale fee: The percentage of sale fee, or ‘commission’, can range from 1% to 3%, but is influenced by a number of factors, such as the property value and the competition for business among agents.

3. Bonuses: Bonuses are also increasingly being used when a vendor is after an exceptional result.

These are effectively incentive bonuses, where the agent and vendor agree on a percentage-based bonus if the property makes above the agreed reserve. It may be, say, 10% of the amount above the reserve.

For example, a property expected to sell for $1 million, being sold by an agent on a 2% ‘percentage of sale’ fee and 10% ‘bonus’ fee, that goes for $1.1 million, nets the agent $30,000. This is made up of $20,000 for the percentage fee (2% of $1 million) plus a bonus $10,000 (10% of the $100,000 above reserve).

All fees should be discussed with the agent before signing.

2. Conveyancing Fees

To legally transfer property ownership, you’ll need a licensed conveyancer or solicitor. In Victoria, this typically costs between $800 and $2,200, depending on the complexity of the sale.

Always choose someone with local knowledge and experience in residential contracts to avoid delays or unexpected issues.

3. Marketing Expenses

Vendors are responsible for the cost of marketing their property. This may include:

Professional photography
Online listings (e.g. realestate.com.au and Domain)
Floorplans and brochures
Signboards and social media promotion
Optional print or press ads

Marketing campaigns in Victoria usually range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the property and desired exposure. MWRE tailor our recommendations to your budget and target market, ensuring every dollar is invested wisely.

4. Lender Discharge Fees

If you still have a mortgage, your lender may charge a discharge or early exit fee, generally between $150 and $1,500. This varies by bank and should be factored into your planning early on, as the process can take 2–3 weeks.

5. Home Styling & Presentation

Styling your home for sale can help it present better, sell faster, and attract stronger offers. Options range from:

DIY decluttering and minor improvements
Partial styling (adding soft furnishings or décor)
Full staging for vacant or minimally furnished properties

Styling in Victoria can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $10,000, but even basic improvements, like tidying the garden, borrowing outdoor furniture, or storing excess clutter can have a big impact. At MWRE, we’ll always offer honest advice to help maximise your presentation without unnecessary spend.

Final Thoughts from McKenzie White Real Estate

The cost to sell a home in Victoria can vary—but understanding these expenses upfront helps you plan better and avoid surprises.

At McKenzie White, we believe in clarity and simplicity. We’ll walk you through each step, help manage your budget, and ensure every dollar you spend is working toward the best possible result.

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