Can I Sell My House Without an Agent?

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Last Updated: August 2026

This article is part of our guide to Common Questions About Selling Property in Australia .

Quick Answer

Yes, you can sell your house without a real estate agent in Australia. A private sale means the property owner manages the selling process instead of appointing a traditional real estate agent. This can include setting the asking price, marketing the property, responding to buyer enquiries, conducting inspections, negotiating offers and coordinating the sale with a conveyancer or solicitor.

However, selling privately does not mean you have to handle every part of the transaction yourself. You can choose to manage the marketing and buyer communication while engaging qualified professionals for legal, conveyancing and settlement work.

What Does Selling a House Without an Agent Mean?

Selling without an agent is commonly referred to as a private property sale or for sale by owner (FSBO).

Instead of paying a traditional real estate agent to manage the sale, the homeowner takes responsibility for the marketing and buyer-facing aspects of the transaction.

A private seller may be responsible for:

Researching the property’s market value
Setting an asking price
Preparing the property for sale
Organising professional photography
Creating and publishing the property listing
Responding to buyer enquiries
Arranging inspections and open homes
Negotiating offers
Choosing a conveyancer or solicitor
Coordinating the sale through to settlement

The exact legal requirements and documentation vary between Australian states and territories, so sellers should obtain location-specific legal advice before proceeding.

Is It Legal to Sell a House Without an Agent?

Yes. Homeowners can sell their own property without appointing a traditional real estate agent.

For example, the NSW Government specifically provides guidance for homeowners who choose to sell privately and confirms that sellers can manage the sale themselves, provided they meet the applicable legal requirements.

Consumer Affairs Victoria also confirms that property owners can choose to sell their property without an agent.

However, selling privately does not remove your legal obligations as a property seller. You still need to comply with the laws and disclosure requirements that apply in the state or territory where the property is located.

For more information, see our guide: Legal Requirements for Selling Property in Australia .

How Do I Sell My House Without an Agent?

The process can be broken down into several key stages.

1. Determine Your Property’s Market Value

Start by researching recent comparable property sales in your area.

Consider properties that are similar in:

Location
Property type
Land size
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Condition
Features and improvements

You may also choose to obtain an independent property valuation to help establish a realistic price.

Read our detailed guide: How to Price Your Property Without an Agent .

2. Prepare Your Property

Before advertising, make the property as appealing as possible to prospective buyers.

This may include:

Decluttering
Cleaning
Completing minor repairs
Improving gardens and outdoor areas
Improving street appeal
Preparing rooms for photography

3. Create Your Property Listing

Your property listing is one of the most important marketing tools in a private sale.

A strong listing should include:

An informative headline
Accurate property details
A clear description
Key features
Location information
High-quality photographs
Floor plans where appropriate
Inspection information
Asking price or price guidance

Learn more: How to Create a Property Listing That Sells .

4. Market the Property

Private sellers need to make sure their property reaches the right potential buyers.

Depending on the platform and marketing strategy, this may include:

Online property advertising
Property portals
Social media
Local advertising
For-sale signage
Direct enquiries and buyer networks

5. Respond to Buyer Enquiries

When potential buyers contact you, provide accurate information and respond promptly.

Be prepared to answer questions about:

Price
Property features
Land size
Rates and outgoings
Inclusions
Settlement preferences
Inspection availability

Learn more: How to Handle Buyer Inquiries .

6. Conduct Inspections

Private sellers can arrange individual inspections or open homes for prospective buyers.

Prepare the property before each inspection and provide buyers with accurate information about the property.

Read: How to Conduct Open Homes .

7. Negotiate the Offer

When a buyer makes an offer, consider more than just the purchase price.

Important terms may include:

Offer price
Deposit
Settlement date
Finance conditions
Building or pest inspection conditions
Inclusions and exclusions
Other special conditions

In a private sale, the seller communicates directly with the buyer and manages the negotiation.

Read: How to Negotiate Property Offers .

8. Complete the Legal and Settlement Process

Once you and the buyer agree to the sale, the transaction must proceed according to the applicable state or territory laws.

A conveyancer or solicitor can help prepare or review the required documents, manage the legal process and coordinate settlement.

For example, NSW Government guidance states that private sellers should engage a solicitor or licensed conveyancer and have the required contract prepared before advertising the property.

Do I Need a Solicitor or Conveyancer?

You do not necessarily need a traditional real estate agent, but obtaining professional legal or conveyancing assistance is strongly recommended.

A conveyancer or solicitor can assist with matters such as:

Preparing or reviewing the contract of sale
Property searches
Required disclosures
Legal documentation
Exchange or signing procedures
Settlement
Transfer of ownership

Requirements differ between states and territories. For example, Victoria requires a Section 32 Vendor Statement before a property is sold, and Consumer Affairs Victoria notes that this is usually prepared by a legal practitioner or conveyancer.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House Without an Agent?

One of the main reasons homeowners consider private selling is the potential to avoid a traditional real estate agent’s commission.

However, private selling is not necessarily cost-free.

Potential expenses can include:

Property photography
Advertising and listing fees
For-sale signage
Floor plans
Property valuation
Conveyancing or legal fees
Settlement costs
Professional cleaning or preparation
Other marketing expenses

The actual cost depends on the property, location, marketing strategy and professional services you choose.

Read our complete guide: Cost of Selling a House in Australia .

What Are the Advantages of Selling Without an Agent?

Potentially Lower Selling Costs

Without a traditional agent’s commission, some sellers may reduce their overall selling expenses.

Greater Control

You control your asking price, marketing approach, inspection schedule and communication with buyers.

Direct Communication

You can communicate directly with prospective buyers rather than having enquiries pass through an intermediary.

Flexible Selling Process

You can choose how to market your property, when to conduct inspections and how you want to negotiate with buyers.

What Are the Risks of Selling Without an Agent?

Private selling also requires more involvement from the homeowner.

Potential challenges include:

Setting an unrealistic asking price
Insufficient property marketing
Handling a large number of buyer enquiries
Managing inspections
Negotiating effectively
Understanding legal obligations
Handling contracts and documentation

These risks can be reduced by researching the market carefully and using qualified professionals for legal and conveyancing matters.

Do Buyers Trust Private Sellers?

Private sellers can build buyer confidence by providing accurate information, presenting the property professionally and using appropriate legal documentation.

Professional photography, clear communication, transparent property information and a properly prepared contract can all contribute to a more professional selling experience.

Buyers should also be given reasonable opportunities to conduct their own due diligence before committing to a purchase.

Can I Advertise My Property Without an Agent?

Yes. Private sellers can market their properties themselves or use a private property advertising service.

The important consideration is reaching the right audience and presenting the property accurately.

If you want to sell privately, choose a marketing approach that gives your property sufficient exposure while keeping the process manageable.

Can I Sell Privately in Every Australian State?

Private property sales are possible across Australia, but the specific legal requirements differ between states and territories.

For example:

For the broader process, see: How to Sell Property Privately in Australia .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my house without an agent in Australia?

Yes. Homeowners can sell their property privately without appointing a traditional real estate agent, subject to the legal requirements that apply in their state or territory.

Do I have to pay real estate agent commission if I sell privately?

If you do not appoint a real estate agent, you generally do not pay a traditional agent commission. However, private selling still involves other possible costs, including marketing, legal and conveyancing expenses.

Do I need a conveyancer?

Using a conveyancer or solicitor is strongly recommended because property contracts, disclosures and settlement requirements vary between Australian jurisdictions.

Can I negotiate directly with the buyer?

Yes. Direct negotiation with prospective buyers is one of the main characteristics of a private property sale.

Is selling privately difficult?

Private selling requires more involvement from the homeowner because you manage tasks that an agent would normally handle. However, careful preparation and professional legal support can make the process more manageable.

Related Guides

Sell Your Property Privately with Selling My Place

Selling My Place helps Australian homeowners advertise their properties privately while maintaining greater control over pricing, marketing, inspections, negotiations and buyer communication.

If you are considering selling without a traditional real estate agent, start by understanding your local market, preparing your property properly and obtaining professional advice for the legal and settlement aspects of the transaction.