Selling your home without a real estate agent – also known as selling privately or For Sale By Owner (FSBO) – can save you a hefty sum in commissions. In Australia, traditional agent commissions average around 2–3% of the sale price, which could mean $18,000 or more saved on an $800,000 home. It’s no wonder this DIY approach is increasingly popular among sellers looking to maximize their profit. However, success in a private sale hinges on proper preparation. Whether you’re a first-time seller, experienced homeowner, or property investor, you need to take on the tasks an agent would normally handle and do your homework before you list. This guide will walk you through the essential things to do before selling your home privately in Australia, ensuring your sale goes smoothly and yields the best result.

Selling your home privately can be rewarding, but it requires careful preparation and a proactive approach. By taking the right steps – from pricing and presentation to legal paperwork – you can attract buyers and achieve a successful sale on your own terms.

The first step is to determine a realistic asking price for your property. Setting the right price is crucial – too high and you risk scaring off buyers; too low and you leave money on the table. Start by researching recent comparable sales in your suburb (properties similar in size, location, and features). Pay attention to current market trends: Is your local area experiencing high buyer demand or a slowdown? Market conditions matter: in a hot market with lots of eager buyers, a private seller may find it easier to get a good price, whereas in a slow market with many unsold listings, it can be more challenging. Consider investing in an independent valuation or appraisal to get an expert opinion on your home’s value– this can give you confidence that your price is on target.

Equally important is to set a pricing strategy. Decide on the minimum price you’re willing to accept and whether you’ll list with a fixed price, a price range, or even invite offers. Keep in mind that buyers will likely try to negotiate. Having a clear understanding of your home’s value and your bottom line will prepare you for those negotiations later. By pricing your home wisely from the outset, you’ll attract the right buyers and avoid lengthy delays caused by an overambitious price tag.

Before inviting any potential buyers in, take time to make your home shine. Remember, you’re competing with professionally marketed listings, so your property should look its absolute best. Start with a thorough cleaning and decluttering of every room. A clean, well-maintained home creates a great first impression and signals to buyers that the property has been cared for. Remove personal items and excessive clutter so visitors can envision themselves living there. It may help to style key areas with simple, inviting décor – even something as small as adding fresh flowers or a new coat of paint can make a noticeable difference.

Next, tackle any minor repairs or maintenance issues you've been putting off. Fix leaky taps, replace burnt-out lightbulbs, patch holes in walls, and ensure appliances are in working order. Small flaws can give buyers the impression that bigger problems might be lurking. If there are larger repairs (like a broken window or a faulty heating unit), address them if possible; otherwise, be prepared to disclose them honestly to buyers. You might also consider a pre-sale building inspection for older homes, so you’re aware of any issues in advance and can either fix them or price accordingly.

Finally, think about home staging – arranging furniture and decor to highlight your home’s best features. You don’t necessarily need to hire a professional stager (though for higher-end properties it could be worth it), but do ensure that each room feels welcoming and is shown in its optimal use. For example, tidy up the garden and improve your curb appeal, since the exterior is the first thing buyers will see. A bit of landscaping, like mowing the lawn and adding some flowering plants, can work wonders. Inside, set up rooms in a way that maximizes space and light. Open curtains to let in natural light, and consider using neutral colors in your decor so it appeals to a broad audience. The goal is a move-in ready look that helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

In private sales, your online listing photos will often be the “first inspection” – the first impression buyers get of your home. Poor or low-quality images can cause buyers to scroll past your listing, so this is one area worth extra effort. Invest in quality photography. If possible, hire a professional real estate photographer; they have the skills and equipment to showcase your home’s best angles, lighting, and features. Professional photos (and videos, if you can) will make your listing stand out on property websites and social media feeds.

If hiring a pro isn’t in the budget, you can still take great photos yourself by following a few key tips:

• Use a good camera or smartphone with a high-resolution setting. Clean the lens for a clear shot.
• Shoot in daylight when rooms are well-lit. Open all curtains and blinds, turn on lights, and avoid backlit shots. Overcast days can actually produce nice, even lighting without harsh shadows.
• Frame each shot carefully: wide-angle shots from chest height can make rooms look spacious and show as much of the room as possible. Highlight attractive features like a renovated kitchen, fireplace, or outdoor deck.
• Stage each shot: make sure each room is tidy, and add a few touches (fruit bowl on the kitchen counter, fluffy towels in the bathroom) to create an inviting atmosphere.
• Edit and select the best: it’s worth lightly editing photos for brightness and color balance, and then choosing about 10–15 of the best images that give a complete picture of your property (front exterior, back yard, main living areas, kitchen, master bedroom, etc.).

High-quality visuals will dramatically boost your online appeal – remember, most buyers in 2025 will discover your home through an online platform first. Eye-catching photos (and even 360° virtual tours or video walkthroughs, if you can provide them) can increase buyer interest and help your property sell faster.

One of the most critical “to-do” items before listing your home is sorting out the legal paperwork. In a private sale, you as the owner are responsible for providing all the necessary documents and disclosures that an agent would normally handle. Each Australian state has its own requirements, so make sure you know what’s needed in your area. For example, in Victoria, sellers are legally required to prepare a Section 32 Vendor’s Statement (which includes details like title information, council zoning, any easements, and so on) and have it ready for prospective buyers. Failing to have the proper paperwork isn’t just a deal-breaker for buyers – it can result in hefty fines. (In fact, mistakes or omissions in required disclosures can lead to penalties ranging from about $1,000 up to $20,000, depending on the state!)

Because real estate contracts and disclosure statements can be complex, it’s highly recommended to hire a solicitor or conveyancer early in the process. These professionals handle property transactions for a living and will help draft and review your Contract of Sale, prepare the Section 32 (or equivalent in your state), and ensure all documents comply with the law. Essentially, they’ll make sure that everything is done by the book so you don’t inadvertently violate any regulations. A good conveyancer will also guide you on any other documents you might need, such as building inspection reports, pest inspections, or warranty certificates for recent renovations, to give buyers full confidence in the sale.

Being organized with your paperwork before you start meeting buyers is important. Have multiple copies of the contract and vendor’s statement ready, so when a buyer is interested you can provide these immediately. Buyers (or their solicitors) will want to review these documents before making an offer. Showing that you have all your legal ducks in a row not only keeps you compliant, but also builds trust with buyers that you are a serious and prepared private seller.

Marketing is the area where you truly step into the shoes of a real estate agent. To attract buyers without an agent’s network, you’ll need a smart advertising strategy for your property. Start by deciding where to list your home for sale. In Australia, the go-to real estate websites are Domain and Realestate.com.au. Domain allows private listings, but note that Realestate.com.au does not allow private sellers to advertise directly – you must go through a licensed agent or an agent-assist service to get on that site. Since Realestate.com.au has the largest audience, many private sellers use agent-assisted platforms (such as For Sale By Owner or PropertyNow) that, for a flat fee, will list your property on the major portals on your behalf. Be aware that these listing fees can be significant – a premier listing on these top sites can cost several thousand dollars in metro areas– so factor that into your budget. On the plus side, it’s still usually far cheaper than paying a full agent commission on the sale.

In addition to the big property portals, leverage free or low-cost channels to spread the word. Social media is a powerful tool: you can post your listing in local Facebook groups, on Instagram with great photos, or on community forums. Let friends, family, and colleagues know your house is for sale – word of mouth can sometimes find you a buyer. Don’t forget old-fashioned methods too: a well-placed “For Sale” signboard in front of your property can catch the eye of passers-by (many people still drive around neighborhoods they like looking for signs). If your home is in a tight-knit community or a building complex, community bulletin boards or newsletters can be useful for advertising as well.

Crafting your listing is another key part of marketing. Write an attractive, detailed property description that highlights all the best features of your home and its location. Mention the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, recent renovations or upgrades (new kitchen, updated bathroom, etc.), and appealing aspects like natural light, views, storage space, or energy-efficient features. Also sell the lifestyle and location – if your home is close to parks, good schools, public transport, or popular cafes, make sure to include that. Use positive, descriptive language (but be truthful – never misrepresent your property). A well-written listing with quality photos will make your property appear professional and worth a look, even without an agent’s brand behind it.

Finally, think about your selling method and timing. Will you set a deadline for offers, or consider an auction? Some private sellers actually conduct their own auctions online or on-site (for example, using digital platforms to manage bidding). If you go this route, ensure you understand auction rules and have an experienced auctioneer (or a platform that facilitates it) – this can be complex, so many FSBO sellers stick with private treaty sales (standard negotiation). Also choose the timing of your sale thoughtfully: if possible, avoid listing right in the middle of the holiday season or other slow periods. Aim to list when buyer activity is high (spring is traditionally popular for real estate, though Australian markets are active year-round). With a well-planned marketing strategy, you can get plenty of eyeballs on your property without a realtor’s involvement – in fact, the internet has enabled a whole industry of services to assist private sellers inmarketing their homes at modest fees.

Once your advertising goes live, be prepared to step into the role of the agent when dealing with potential buyers. Promptly respond to inquiries via email or phone – online buyers have short attention spans, so if someone messages you about a viewing, try to reply within hours, not days. Arrange inspections and viewings at convenient times and accommodate buyers’ schedules when possible. You might hold weekend open homes, or do private appointments for serious buyers. Whenever you’re showing the home, be professional, friendly, and approachable. Greet buyers warmly, give them a tour highlighting key features, and be ready to answer questions about the property (e.g. “How old is the hot water system?”, “What are the neighbors like?”, etc.). If you’re not living in the property, consider simple safety steps like having a friend present during inspections or keeping a record of visitor details, just as an agent would.

As offers start coming in, you will need to negotiate directly with buyers – this is often the part that sellers find most intimidating, but with preparation you can manage it confidently. Before negotiations begin, set clear goals and limits for yourself: decide the lowest price you’d accept, whether you’re open to including any furniture or extras in the sale, and what settlement timeline you prefer. That way, when a buyer makes an offer, you have a framework to evaluate it. Stay calm and professional in all negotiations. It’s normal for buyers to start low; don’t take it personally or react emotionally. Instead, treat it as a business discussion. Be open to compromise – perhaps you’ll meet somewhere in the middle on price, or agree to a slightly longer settlement if the offer price is good. The aim is to reach a win-win deal that both you and the buyer are happy with. Keep in mind, you have the advantage of knowing your property best and being highly motivated to sell it, so use that knowledge in negotiations (for example, if you’ve installed a new solar system or high-end appliances, remind the buyer of these value-adding features when justifying your price).

Once you and a buyer verbally agree on a deal, get the offer in writing and signed (your conveyancer can help with drafting the formal acceptance or contract signing). From there, the process moves to the contract stage and closing the sale, where your earlier preparation with legal documents will pay off. Ensure you stay on top of any required steps like signing the contract, providing the vendor’s statement to the buyer, and meeting any conditions (for instance, if the sale is subject to a building inspection or finance approval, allow those to happen in the agreed timeframe). With private sales, communication is key – maintain open lines with the buyer through their finance and settlement process to avoid misunderstandings or delays. If any issues arise, tackle them promptly with the help of your solicitor or conveyancer.

Selling your home privately in Australia is certainly a challenge, but it can also be a highly rewarding experience. By completing these preparatory steps – researching your market, preparing your home, getting your paperwork sorted, and planning a solid marketing and negotiation strategy – you’ll position yourself for a smooth sale. You’ll not only save thousands in commission fees, but also have the satisfaction of controlling the process from start to finish.

Importantly, remember that going solo doesn’t mean you can’t seek help or use modern tools to your advantage. There are now innovative proptech platforms and services designed for private sellers that can make the journey easier. For example, SaleMate is an Australian platform that enables homeowners to list their property, connect with buyers, and even arrange services like photography or inspections – all while avoiding big commissions of traditional agents. Utilizing such resources can give you the best of both worlds: you maintain full control over your sale, navigate the process with confidence, and still have support where you need it.

With careful preparation, the right mindset, and a bit of help from technology, you can successfully sell your home privately. Many Australian sellers have done it, and with the real estate landscape evolving in 2025, it’s likely to become even more common. Good luck with your sale, and enjoy the extra savings and sense of accomplishment that come with selling your home on your own terms!