Australian Vendor Guide
Sell It Yourself.
Keep the Commission.
A complete 11-step guide for Australian property vendors who want to sell without a real estate agent — legally, confidently, and profitably.
What this guide covers
- Save $15,000–$25,000 in agent commissions
- Stay fully compliant with Australian property law
- Manage your own sale with confidence
Important: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You must engage a qualified lawyer or licensed conveyancer for all legal steps, including the preparation of the Vendor's Statement (Section 32) and Contract of Sale.
11
Steps
3%
Commission Saved
$0
Agent Fees
Is Self-Sell Right for You?
Selling your own property can be a rewarding and financially sound decision — but it is not the right choice for every vendor or every property. Before committing to the self-sell path, it is worth considering whether your circumstances and your property's characteristics make this approach the best option.
Self-Sell May Suit You If…
- You are comfortable managing enquiries, inspections, and negotiations directly.
- Your property is in a stable market where comparable sales provide a clear price guide.
- You have the time and availability to respond promptly to buyer enquiries.
- You are prepared to engage a lawyer or conveyancer for all legal steps.
A Licensed Agent May Be the Better Choice If…
- Your property is in a highly sought-after suburb with strong buyer competition.
- A licensed agent believes auction is the optimal method and can drive bidding well above reserve.
- You prefer to delegate negotiations, inspections, and buyer management to an experienced professional.
- The property has unique features or a complex title that may benefit from specialist marketing.
If your property is in a well-sought-after suburb — one with consistently strong buyer demand, limited stock, and a track record of competitive bidding — a licensed estate agent may recommend auction as the method of sale. This recommendation deserves serious consideration.
Auction creates a transparent, time-limited competitive environment that can drive the final sale price well above the vendor's reserve — and well above what a private treaty negotiation might achieve. In a strong market, the premium achieved at auction can easily exceed the cost of the agent's commission, making the net outcome better for the vendor even after fees.
Competitive Bidding
Multiple qualified buyers bidding openly can push the price beyond private treaty results.
Unconditional Sale
Auction contracts are unconditional — no finance or building inspection clauses to navigate after the hammer falls.
Agent's Market Knowledge
An experienced agent's buyer network, negotiation skill, and local knowledge can be decisive in a competitive suburb.
The honest bottom line: If a licensed estate agent with strong local knowledge tells you that your property — in your suburb, in the current market — is well-suited to auction and likely to attract competitive bidding, that advice is worth weighing carefully against the savings of self-sell. The right decision depends on your property, your market, and your personal circumstances.
Need a Lawyer or Conveyancer for Your Sale?
Regardless of whether you choose to self-sell or appoint an agent, you will need a qualified legal professional to prepare your Section 32 Vendor's Statement and Contract of Sale. Hayton Kosky Lawyers specialise in property law and conveyancing across Victoria.
Services relevant to your sale
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week · haytonkosky.com.au