Selling Privately vs Using an Agent in SA: The Real Costs

Thinking of selling your house privately to save on commission? It’s a fair question, and in South Australia it’s completely legal to sell your own home. But the real cost of a private sale isn’t just the fee you avoid. It’s also the price you achieve, the time it takes and the legal risk you carry.

This guide compares selling privately with using a local agent in SA, so you can decide which option will put more money in your pocket.

Can you sell your house privately in SA?

Yes. There is no law in South Australia that says you must use a real estate agent to sell your home. You can set the price, advertise the property, run the inspections and negotiate with buyers yourself.

What you can’t skip is the legal paperwork. Every sale in SA needs a contract of sale and a vendor’s statement (Form 1), which are usually prepared by a conveyancer or solicitor.

What does it cost to sell privately?

Selling privately isn’t free. Typical costs include:

• Online advertising to get your home onto the major property websites
• Professional photography and a floor plan
• A signboard for the front of the property
• Conveyancing fees for your Form 1, contract and settlement (you pay these whether you sell privately or with an agent)
• Your time for answering enquiries, running inspections, following up buyers and negotiating

What does an agent cost in SA?

Agents in South Australia set their own fees. Commission generally ranges from about 1.2% to 3.2% of the sale price, depending on the property, location and the service included, and marketing costs are usually extra. Always ask for a written breakdown before you sign a sales agency agreement.

Private sale vs agent: side by side

The real cost: sale price, not just commission

The biggest factor in what you walk away with is the final sale price. Here is a simple illustration:

• A home sells for $750,000. Commission at 2% would be $15,000.
• If a skilled agent achieves just 2% more through stronger marketing and negotiation, that’s an extra $15,000, which covers the commission.
• Anything above that is extra money in your pocket, plus you’ve saved the time and stress of selling it yourself.

This is an example only. Every property and sale is different, which is why an accurate appraisal is the best place to start.

The risks of selling privately in SA

• Pricing it wrong. Overprice and your home can sit on the market. Underprice and you could leave thousands on the table.
• Form 1 mistakes. The vendor’s statement must be served on the buyer and must be accurate. If it’s late or contains errors, the buyer may be able to cool off or even rescind the contract.
• Cooling-off periods. Most private sale buyers in SA have two clear business days to cool off, so a deal isn’t locked in the moment it’s signed.
• Negotiating directly. It can be hard to stay objective when negotiating face to face about your own home.
• Safety and time. You’ll be letting strangers into your home and taking calls at all hours.

When a private sale can make sense

Selling privately can work if you already have a buyer lined up, such as a family member, neighbour or tenant, and you’ve agreed on a fair price. Even then, have a conveyancer prepare your contract and Form 1, and consider an independent appraisal so you know the price is right.

Sell with confidence with The Local Real Estate SA

The Local Real Estate SA is a boutique, locally owned agency based in Parafield Gardens. We help homeowners sell across Adelaide’s northern suburbs, including Parafield Gardens, Salisbury, Paralowie, Mawson Lakes, Elizabeth, Andrews Farm and Munno Para West.

• A free, honest appraisal based on real local sales
• Clear, upfront fees with a written breakdown before you sign
• Marketing that reaches active local buyers, online and in our database
• Experienced negotiation to help you achieve the best price

Weighing up a private sale? Book a free appraisal first. You’ll know exactly what your home is worth and what selling with us would cost, with no obligation.

Book online: thelocalrealestatesa.com.au/book-appraisal
Call Vin Sran: 0435 200 199
The Local Real Estate SA | RLA 346402

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to sell my house without an agent in SA?

Yes. You can sell your own home in South Australia, but you still need a contract of sale and a Form 1 vendor’s statement, usually prepared by a conveyancer.

How much is real estate commission in SA?

Commission in South Australia generally ranges from about 1.2% to 3.2% of the sale price, with marketing costs usually extra. Fees vary between agents, so always ask for a written breakdown.

Do I need a conveyancer if I sell privately?

Yes, in practice. A conveyancer prepares the Form 1 and contract, and handles settlement. Errors in these documents can put your sale at risk.

Is there a cooling-off period on a private sale?

Yes. Most private sale buyers in SA have a cooling-off period of two clear business days. Properties bought at auction have no cooling-off period.

Will I get a better price with an agent?

Not always, but a good local agent brings accurate pricing, wider marketing, an existing buyer database and experienced negotiation, which often leads to a stronger result.

Want to sell quickly? Read our guide on how to sell your house fast in Adelaide, or see our recently sold properties.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature only and is not professional legal, financial or tax advice. It does not take your personal circumstances into account. Please seek independent professional advice relevant to your situation before making any decision.