How much does it cost to sell your house in NSW in 2025?

House prices in capital cities across Australia are expected to rise by around 6% in 2025, while unit prices are projected to grow by 5%. [1] Sydney and Melbourne are expected to lead the way.

If you’re thinking about selling your property to cash in on this growth, one of the first questions you’ll probably want answered is: ‘How much does it cost to sell my house or apartment?’

In this guide from the property experts at DiJones, we’re sharing 12 key costs involved with selling a house.

Most of us know that, when we sell a property, we need to engage a few different professionals to help with different steps in the process.

The good news is that many of these expenses will go towards maximising your sale price, so they can be considered an investment in a positive outcome.

Read on to get an understanding of the key costs of selling your home.

12 key costs of selling a house or apartment in 2025

1. Agent fees for selling a house or apartment

When you put your property on the market, you want as many potential buyers as possible to know about it. The more interest you generate, the more competition you’ll create between buyers, increasing the likelihood of a higher sale price.

To get the best possible price for your house or apartment, you should enlist the help of a trusted real estate agent. A good agent will partner with you through each step of the sales process.

Most agents earn a commission on their sales, which means they’ll receive an agreed percentage of your sale price once your property is sold.

For example, if your agent charges 2.5% plus GST and your home sells for $1.2 million, you’ll pay the agent $33,000 in commission. This incentivises them to secure the best possible price for you, making it a win for both of you.

Some agencies prefer a flat fee over a percentage, but most still choose an agent’s commission model.

Whatever their model, ask your agent for a property advertising quote (for example, professional photography of the property) so you can calculate total fees accurately.

To find out more about our agent fees and commission, please contact us.

What to expect from your real estate agent when selling

Your real estate agent will recommend a marketing strategy to reach buyers in your target market. Here’s what they’ll do to help you sell your home:

• Provide advice on what to do to get your property ready for sale, such as making minor renovations and repairs, tidying the garden or hiring a stylist to present your property in the best possible light.
• Provide a property appraisal in line with the current market.
• Execute a marketing strategy to attract as many qualified buyers to your home as possible.
• Promote your home or investment property to their database of buyers.
• Organise and host inspections of the property.
• Liaise with buyers, building and pest inspectors, legal professionals and lenders.
• Negotiate with potential buyers to secure a sale.
• Organise and host an auction.
• Conduct a pre-settlement inspection with the buyer.
• Organise the handover of keys to the new owner.

2. Professional photography

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and there has never been a truer statement when it comes to selling your property. Excellent-quality photos will act like a magnet to buyers who spend hours trawling through online property portals to find their dream home.

And even if your property is a little older, don’t skip professional photography; in Sydney, there are plenty of buyers looking to renovate or rebuild.

Paying for professional photography shows buyers you value your property and helps to deter disingenuous offers. Additionally, quality images support your online marketing strategy, so every dollar ends up working harder for you.

The cost of hiring a professional real estate photographer in Sydney might start as low as $150 and go up from there, depending on the size of the house and any additional services you need. [2] However, the specific price you’ll pay will depend on what package you choose.

Basic packages that come with a set number of edited photos will be priced at the lower end of the scale. More comprehensive packages with twilight shots, drone photography, or virtual tours will be more expensive.

3. Professional video and drone footage

Not every home benefits from video footage, but if your property enjoys a unique location (for example, a clifftop, beachfront or bush hideaway), has vast amounts of land or has noteworthy architecture, a drone could be the best method for capturing inspiring footage.

Expect to pay $300–$500 for drone footage and $225 for every 30 seconds of video footage. Additional services, such as voiceovers, will add to the cost. [3] While this might seem steep initially, it can give your marketing campaign significant momentum.

4. Floor and site plan

Floor plans are often included within your photography package. Agents report that floor plans are important for showing buyers how your property is laid out, how spaces flow and where doors and windows are located. They show the orientation of your home and the position of wardrobes, kitchen units and bathroom fittings. They also give people a sense of the scale of each room.

These details can be really helpful for a potential buyer, and they can mean the difference between them reaching out for an inspection or skipping it. Without a floor plan, some buyers won’t take that next step to a real-life inspection, given the competition out there. Expect to pay around $370 for a floor plan. [4]

5. Digital advertising

Listing your property online is one of the best ways to attract buyers. Some real estate companies will use their own website to launch your listing and attract interest with motivated buyers that they have in their database, offering a staggered marketing approach before listing your home on real estate portals. Discuss pricing in more detail with your agent, as costs can vary significantly.

6. Social media

Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms can all be harnessed for your sales campaign to boost your property’s visibility.

Again, costs associated with marketing your property can vary, so ask your agent for a quote.

At DiJones, we have our own social media marketing product that provides a competitive edge, generating leads and effectively targeting prospective buyers.

7. Print advertising

Print advertising has evolved in recent years. Many local papers have been phased out or replaced with new bespoke, locally owned and produced publications. It’s a good idea to speak with your agent about the best local options for you and your property.

Aside from advertising in local papers, print advertising also includes the production of drop cards, flyers and brochures. These are important elements of an advertising campaign that can help reach passive buyers. While they might not be actively looking for a new home right now, they could be tempted to purchase when the perfect property appears in their letterbox.

Talk to your real estate agent about the best options for you within your area, along with the pricing involved in print advertising for your specific property. Depending on how many people you want your property to reach, you can expect to pay $1,000 or more. [5]

8. Signboard

Placing a signboard in front of your property is a good way to let locals know your home is for sale, particularly if the property is in a high-traffic area.

Budget between $70 and $300 if you need something that can be custom-built to a specific size. [6]

9. Styling your property for sale

Once upon a time, it was common to see photos of rooms that were empty, sparsely furnished or full of dated furniture when looking at property listings, but today’s buyers like to be wooed with photos of beautifully presented homes. This could mean engaging a property stylist to furnish your home or supplement your existing furniture with some key accessories for a better overall impression.

Some property experts believe professional property styling (otherwise known as home staging) can help your property sell faster and add an extra 5–10% to a property’s sale price.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 up to $7,000 [7] or beyond for styling, depending on the size of your property and the duration of your campaign.

10. Auction fees

If you’ve opted for an auction campaign, you’ll need to pay for an auctioneer. In New South Wales, you can expect to pay up to $1,000 for auction fees. [8]

11. The legal costs of selling your home

It’s important to budget for the services of a conveyancer or solicitor, plus any court-stamped searches and other legal fees. This ensures the sale closes smoothly from a legal perspective.

A solicitor or conveyancer will:

• Prepare the legal documents required to sell your property, including the contract for sale
• Help with negotiating the terms and conditions of sale with a serious buyer
• Conduct contract exchange
• Conduct the settlement of the property
• Arrange the discharge of the mortgage

Typical conveyancer fees for homes in New South Wales sit between $750 and $2,500. However, the average is $1,400. [9]

12. Fees the lender may charge when selling your home

If you have an existing mortgage, it will need to be transferred to your new property. Ask your lender for information on any discharge, exit, transfer or settlement fees involved in doing this.

If your property needs repairs, you might also need to set aside some money to get your home ready for sale. You might consider hiring a professional cleaner and gardener to get your property in the best shape possible before putting it on the market.

It’s also worth getting a pest and building report done to avoid any unexpected discoveries during inspections. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of temporary accommodation if you need to move out while your home is on the market and storage if you’ve decluttered your home and need to store furniture or other items.

If your property is an investment, you’ll likely have to pay capital gains tax (CGT) on any profit you make from your sale. Your accountant will be able to provide further guidance here.

Selling a property counts as a major transaction, so it’s worth budgeting and planning ahead for each stage of the process. It can save you time, money and stress throughout the sales process.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking to sell a property in Sydney, there are a few fees to consider before making any final decisions. While selling your home comes with some initial expenses, with the right planning and support, you’ll be making an important long-term investment that will pay off down the track.

At DiJones, our expert team offers tailored support at every stage of the sales process so you can sell your property with confidence. Get in touch today.

FAQs

How long will it take to sell my house?

The time it takes to sell a house in Sydney depends on several factors, including your property’s location, current market conditions, price point and the quality of the presentation.

The average time on market in New South Wales in 2025 is between 30 and 40 days. [10]

Are real estate agent commissions negotiable?

Yes, real estate agents' commissions are negotiable. While commission rates in New South Wales typically range from 2% to 3.3%, some agents may offer a fixed fee or flat fee structure. [11] It's important to discuss and agree on a commission rate before engaging your real estate agent.

Do I need to pay capital gains tax (CGT) when selling my house?

If you’re selling your primary residence, you're generally exempt from capital gains tax (CGT). However, if you’re selling an investment property, CGT may apply to the profit you make. Consult a tax professional for more detailed information about your specific obligations.

What are the new requirements for sellers in 2025?

From 1 January 2025, all sellers of residential property in Australia are required to provide a clearance certificate from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) before settlement. If they do not provide one, the buyer must withhold 15% of the sale price and remit it to the ATO.

What are mortgage discharge fees, and when do they apply?

Lenders charge mortgage discharge fees to cover the administrative costs involved in removing a mortgage from the property's title upon sale.