Real Estate Agent Fees and Commission in Australia: 2026 State-by-State Guide
How much does it cost to use a real estate agent in Australia? The short answer is: it depends on which state you are selling in, whether you are in a capital city or a regional centre, and how well you negotiate. Agent commission in Australia is fully deregulated — no state sets a maximum or minimum rate — which means every number in the public discussion is a market observation, not a regulated fact.
This guide brings together the published data across all eight states and territories, explains why rates differ, and sets out the alternative for sellers who want to compare their options.
How real estate agent commission works in Australia
When you appoint a listing agent to sell your property, you agree to pay them a commission — a percentage of the sale price — drawn from settlement proceeds. If the property does not sell, no commission is owed. The commission must be disclosed in a written agency agreement before the agent begins work; the exact name of that agreement varies by state (agency agreement in NSW; Form 6 in Queensland; Form 1 in South Australia).
Across Australia, commission is:
- Deregulated in every state and territory — there is no government-set rate anywhere in Australia
- Negotiable — the figure an agent quotes is almost never non-negotiable
- A percentage of the final sale price — inclusive of GST, payable at settlement
- Not payable if the sale does not proceed — the commission only triggers on a successful outcome
Marketing costs, auctioneer fees and conveyancing are separate — they are not covered by commission and are billed in addition.
State-by-state comparison
The following table summarises the published industry data as at June 2026 across all eight jurisdictions. The figures are estimates from multiple sources; where sources disagree materially, the more conservative figure is used as the headline. All figures should be treated as market guides rather than precise rates — the range is often more meaningful than the average, and actual commission in any transaction depends on the property, location and negotiation.
| State / Territory | State average (est.) | Typical range | Metro average (where available) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | ~2.0% | 1.5% – 2.8% | Sydney ~1.84% |
| Victoria | ~2.0% | 1.2% – 2.9% | Melbourne ~2.43% |
| Queensland | ~2.4% | 2.0% – 3.3% | Brisbane ~2.56% |
| South Australia | ~1.99% | 1.6% – 3.0% | Adelaide ~1.61% |
| Western Australia | ~2.4% | 2.0% – 3.5% | Perth ~2.0–2.5% (range) |
| Tasmania | ~2.96% | 2.5% – 3.5% | Hobart ~2.5–3.0% (range) |
| ACT | ~2.0% | 1.44% – 2.5% | (all metro) |
| Northern Territory | ~2.8% | 2.5% – 3.5% | Darwin ~2.55% |
All figures are estimates from published industry data as at June 2026. Commission is negotiable in every jurisdiction. These are market observations, not regulated rates.
For in-depth state guides, see: NSW · VIC · QLD · SA · WA · TAS · ACT · NT
Why do commission rates differ between states?
The variation across eight jurisdictions is not random. Several structural factors explain why Queensland and Tasmania consistently show higher averages than NSW or the ACT.
Market depth and transaction volume. High-volume markets — inner Sydney, inner Melbourne — have many agents competing for each listing. That competition drives rates down. In regional Queensland or rural Tasmania, a single agent may service a large area with far fewer transactions per year. Scarcity of comparable agents weakens the vendor's negotiating position.
Median property prices. A higher median price means commission in dollar terms is larger even at a lower percentage. Sydney agents running at 1.84% on a $1.5 million property earn more than a regional agent charging 3% on a $250,000 property. In lower-price markets, agents need to charge a higher percentage to run a viable business.
Campaign complexity. Properties in remote areas often require longer campaigns, more open homes per sale, and more travel time for the agent. That cost is reflected in the commission rate.
Competition from alternative models. Markets where buyers agents, online agents and private sale platforms are well established tend to have lower commission rates than markets where the traditional model dominates.
The metro–regional gap. Every state shows a meaningful gap between capital-city and regional commission rates. Adelaide metro sits around 1.61% while regional SA can exceed 3%. Sydney is around 1.84% while towns like Broken Hill sit above 3%. This is one of the most consistent patterns in Australian property data.
Metro versus regional rates: what to expect
As a practical guide:
Capital city markets (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin): Commission typically ranges from 1.5%–2.6%, depending on the specific suburb and the agent's market position. Competitive inner-city markets often see rates at the lower end of this range; outer-metro areas sit toward the middle.
Regional centres (Geelong, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Townsville, Hobart, Launceston): Expect 2.0%–3.0% as a typical working range, with significant variation by centre. Some regional cities have well-developed agent competition that keeps rates lower than you might expect.
Rural and remote areas: Rates regularly exceed 3.0% in smaller centres and can approach 3.5%–4.0% in very remote locations. Campaign periods are longer, buyer pools are thinner, and agents face structural costs that justify the higher percentage.
What commission covers — and what it does not
Across all states, commission typically covers the agent's professional service for the campaign: appraising the property, marketing strategy and management, open inspections, offer presentation and negotiation, contract management through to exchange, and settlement coordination with your solicitor.
Separate costs not covered by commission:
- Marketing and advertising — portal listings, photography, floorplans, signboard, copywriting, and any print or digital advertising. A standard metro residential campaign typically costs $3,000–$8,000; a premium campaign in a high-competition suburb can exceed this. The rule of thumb is 0.5–1% of the property price.
- Auctioneer's fee — if sold by auction via a separately licensed auctioneer, expect $400–$1,000 (lower end in QLD, SA, TAS and ACT). Many agents hold their own auctioneer's licence and do not charge separately.
- Conveyancing and legal fees — the vendor's solicitor or conveyancer handles the contract, vendor statement (where required), and settlement. Seller-side conveyancing typically costs $700–$2,500 nationally, with around $1,400 common as a mid-range figure.
Use the cost of selling calculator to model commission alongside marketing and other selling costs for your specific situation.
For a discussion of whether auction or private treaty is the right method for your property, see auction or private treaty: choosing the right sale method.
How to negotiate commission
Commission is negotiable in every state, and vendors who engage more than one agent before signing consistently report better outcomes.
Get multiple appraisals. Appraisals are free. Inviting two or three agents to appraise your property serves two purposes: it gives you a realistic view of your property's market value, and it creates competitive tension on the commission rate. Each agent knows you are speaking to others.
Compare total cost, not just rate. An agent charging 2.0% with a $7,000 marketing budget may cost more in total than an agent at 2.2% with a $3,000 campaign. Compare the all-in estimate: commission plus marketing, plus any other disclosed charges.
Know your leverage. A property in a high-demand suburb, with good presentation and a clear buyer profile, is easier to sell. Agents competing for easy-to-sell listings will often negotiate more sharply. A difficult property — unusual layout, rural location, deferred maintenance — gives the agent legitimate reason to hold their rate.
Ask what is included. Marketing is the most common surprise cost. Ask specifically whether the marketing budget is included in the commission or billed separately, what portal listings are included, and whether photography is covered.
Put it all in writing. Every charge must be in the agency agreement before you sign. Read it.
Worked examples by state
To illustrate how dollar costs vary across states, the following table uses each state's estimated average commission at a round example sale price. These prices are approximate benchmarks — not median data — chosen to sit within the realistic mid-range for each market.
| State | Example sale price | Average rate (est.) | Commission cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $900,000 | 2.0% | $18,000 |
| VIC | $750,000 | 2.0% | $15,000 |
| QLD | $750,000 | 2.4% | $18,000 |
| SA | $650,000 | 1.99% | $12,935 |
| WA | $700,000 | 2.4% | $16,800 |
| TAS | $550,000 | 2.96% | $16,280 |
| ACT | $850,000 | 2.0% | $17,000 |
| NT | $500,000 | 2.8% | $14,000 |
Example prices are illustrative, not current median prices. Commission is negotiable. All rates are estimates from published industry data as at June 2026.
The AgentBridge alternative
A traditional listing agent markets your property to whoever discovers it through portals and open homes. AgentBridge takes a different approach: rather than appointing one agent and paying their commission, you engage AgentBridge to distribute your property simultaneously to a national network of 80+ buyers agents.
Each buyers agent in the network has a pipeline of pre-qualified, motivated buyer clients. Distribution to the full network means your property reaches known, active buyers across every state on day one — not just whoever happens to search portals in your suburb.
AgentBridge charges a distribution fee, not a commission. The contrast is deliberate: traditional agents charge a commission to find you a buyer; we charge a distribution fee to connect your property to a national network of agents who already have buyers. The fee is calculated on a sliding scale:
| Sale price range | AgentBridge distribution fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $300,000 | Flat $5,000 |
| $300,000 – $600,000 | 2.0% |
| $600,000 – $1,500,000 | 1.75% |
| $1,500,000 – $3,000,000 | 1.50% |
| $3,000,000+ | From 1.25% (negotiated) |
At most price points the distribution fee is below the state average commission, and the network effect — 80+ buyers agents working your property simultaneously — is greater than what a single listing agent can offer. The distribution fee includes the referral share paid to the buyers agent on settlement; there is no additional cost to the seller.
To understand how the model works end to end, read how property distribution works for sellers and developers. You can also use the agent commission calculator to compare the cost of a traditional agent against AgentBridge's distribution fee at your own price point.
Frequently asked questions
Are real estate agent fees regulated in Australia?
No. Agent commission is deregulated in every Australian state and territory. There is no government-set minimum or maximum rate. The only legislative requirement is that the agreed fee must be disclosed in writing in the agency agreement before the agent commences work.
What is the average real estate agent commission in Australia?
Based on published industry data as at June 2026, state averages range from approximately 1.99% (South Australia) to 2.96% (Tasmania). The most commonly cited national average sits around 2.0%–2.4%. These are market observations from multiple sources; individual rates will vary by property, location and negotiation.
Is marketing included in the commission?
No, in most cases. Marketing costs — portal listings, photography, floorplans, signboard and copywriting — are typically charged separately and billed upfront, regardless of whether the property sells. Always confirm the scope of what the commission covers before signing.
How much can I negotiate?
Many vendors achieve a reduction of 0.3–0.5 percentage points from the initial quoted rate, particularly in competitive metro markets. The most effective approach is to invite multiple agents to appraise your property and compare both rate and proposed campaign before committing.
What is a distribution fee, and how does it differ from commission?
A commission is what traditional listing agents charge — it is tied to the agent's own effort in finding and securing a buyer. A distribution fee is what AgentBridge charges to distribute your property to a network of 80+ buyers agents simultaneously. The fee structure, the model and the buyer-reach are all different.
General information only — not financial, legal or taxation advice. Commission rates are market observations from published industry sources as at June 2026, not regulated rates. Confirm current figures directly with agents in your area.
Reach 80+ buyers agents at once
AgentBridge distributes your property to a national network of buyers agents simultaneously, for less than a traditional agent.