The costs of selling a house in WA include real estate agent commission, marketing, photography, property preparation, settlement-agent fees, mortgage discharge fees, council and water adjustments, moving and any repairs negotiated before settlement. Because agent, campaign and repair costs vary, a Perth seller should request written quotes and model net proceeds at several sale prices.
This guide shows where each cost arises, what to ask before signing and how to build a sale budget without relying on a misleading one-size-fits-all percentage.
What costs should a WA property seller budget for?
A WA property seller should budget for six main cost groups:
- Agent fees: commission or a fixed selling fee, plus any separate offering fee.
- Marketing: photography, floor plans, copywriting, online listings, signage and print advertising.
- Property preparation: cleaning, repairs, gardening, styling and compliance work.
- Settlement: the settlement agent or lawyer’s professional fee and relevant disbursements.
- Loan and ownership costs: mortgage discharge charges, rates and other adjustments.
- Moving and post-sale costs: removalists, storage, insurance and temporary accommodation where needed.
Not every seller will incur every item. The value of a written budget is that it separates must-pay costs from optional campaign choices before money is committed.
How are real estate agent fees calculated in WA?
Real estate agent fees in WA are negotiable. They may be a percentage of the sale price, a fixed fee or a combination. The agreed calculation must appear in the written authority appointing the agent.
The WA Consumer Protection guidance for selling a property says sellers should check the commission, offering fee, maximum marketing expenses, other costs and the exclusive-rights period before signing. It also explains that most agents receive their commission when the sale completes.
Compare proposals on more than the headline rate. Ask each agent to show:
- the estimated fee at several realistic sale prices
- whether GST is included
- when the fee becomes payable
- whether an offering fee applies if the property does not sell
- what happens if a buyer introduced during the authority period purchases later
- which services are included rather than charged separately
A lower percentage does not automatically produce a lower final cost. The likely sale result, campaign quality, communication and contract terms all matter.
What property marketing costs should be included?
A property marketing budget may include professional photography, floor plans, copywriting, premium property-portal placement, a signboard, brochures, database promotion and auction-related advertising. The right mix depends on the likely buyer pool and sale method.
Under the Consumer Protection guidance, agents cannot charge more for advertising or other outgoings than the seller authorised in writing or than the agent paid. Marketing is commonly payable even if the property does not sell, unless the written authority contains a different arrangement.
Ask for an itemised plan that states:
- each channel and deliverable
- the total cost, including GST
- which items are optional
- whether upgrades can be approved later
- what happens to unused funds
- whether any supplier rebate or relationship exists
Marketing should have a defined job. For example, strong photography may help buyers understand light, layout and finish, while a floor plan helps them test whether the home suits their needs. Spending without a clear audience or purpose is not a strategy.
Which preparation costs are worth considering before sale?
Preparation costs should remove distractions, make the property easy to inspect and address issues that could interrupt a sale. They do not need to turn the home into a renovation project.
Start with a walk-through and divide work into three groups:
- Essential: safety, access, active leaks, broken fixtures and known compliance items.
- Presentation: deep cleaning, garden maintenance, touch-up paint and minor repairs.
- Optional: styling, furniture hire or larger improvements that need a clear market case.
WA sale contracts can allocate responsibility for matters such as working fixtures, pool fencing, residual-current devices and smoke alarms. The Consumer Protection guide to offer and acceptance contracts outlines several seller obligations commonly addressed by the General Conditions. Confirm the current requirements for your property with the appropriate licensed professional before listing.
For a broader campaign plan, the Perth property selling service explains how preparation, pricing and the method of sale fit together.
What settlement and legal costs does a WA seller pay?
A seller usually appoints a licensed settlement agent or a suitably qualified lawyer to manage the transfer. Their work can include preparing documents, checking the title and rates, coordinating mortgage discharge and completing settlement.
WA Consumer Protection says a settlement agent must give the client a written maximum-fee disclosure before the appointment is signed. Its property settlement guidance also notes that statutory and third-party charges, such as title searches or bank fees, sit outside that disclosed professional fee.
When comparing quotes, ask what the professional fee includes and which disbursements may be added. Tell the settlement agent early if the property has a mortgage, a deceased-estate issue, multiple owners, a strata title or another feature that may change the scope.
What happens to rates and other outgoings at settlement?
Rates and similar property outgoings are adjusted between the parties at settlement. Consumer Protection states that the seller is responsible for rates up to and including settlement day, while the buyer is responsible from the following day.
An adjustment is not necessarily a new fee. It is an apportionment of an amount already paid or due. Your settlement statement should show each adjustment, the sale proceeds, loan payout and other deductions so you can reconcile the net amount.
Possible entries include:
- council and water rates
- strata levies, where applicable
- rent or bond adjustments for an investment property
- mortgage payout and discharge charges
- agreed credits under the contract
Review the statement before settlement and query anything you do not recognise.
How can sellers calculate their likely net proceeds?
Calculate likely net proceeds with a range, not a single optimistic sale price:
Estimated sale price minus selling costs minus loan payout equals estimated net proceeds.
Build low, central and high sale-price scenarios. Use written quotes for commission, marketing and settlement work. Add a contingency for approved repairs and moving. Ask your lender for an indicative payout figure, while recognising that the final amount can change with interest and fees.
A current property appraisal can give the sale-price assumptions a firmer local basis. It is still an opinion of market value, not a guaranteed result.
Frequently asked questions about selling costs in WA
Do WA real estate agents charge a set commission?
No. WA Consumer Protection states that commission is not a set amount and can be negotiated. The agreed fee and calculation should be recorded in the written authority.
Do I pay marketing costs if my property does not sell?
Often, yes. Marketing costs are generally payable even if the property does not sell unless you negotiated a different written arrangement. Check the authority before approving the campaign.
Is capital gains tax a selling cost?
Capital gains tax may apply to some property sales, particularly investment properties, but it is a tax outcome rather than an agent or settlement charge. Obtain tax advice based on your ownership, use of the property and records.
Build the budget before the campaign
A clear sale budget makes it easier to compare strategies and judge offers against the result that matters: your net position. To test likely pricing, campaign choices and costs for your property, arrange a property appraisal and selling discussion.
This article provides general information for Western Australia and is not legal, settlement, financial or tax advice. Seek advice for your circumstances before signing documents or making financial decisions.