The real cost of selling a house in QLD (2026 breakdown)

Short answer: Selling a house in Queensland in 2026 typically costs 2.5–3.5% of the sale price in agent commission, plus $1,500–$5,000 in marketing, $1,000–$2,500 in conveyancing, and $250–$500 in disbursements. On an $800,000 Gold Coast home, expect $25,000–$35,000 total. There is no stamp duty for sellers in Queensland.

The full cost breakdown for selling a QLD house in 2026

Here’s what actually comes out of your settlement cheque, in order of size:

1. Agent commission (the biggest cost)

Most Queensland agents charge between 2.5% and 3.5% of the sale price, plus GST. Some negotiate flat-fee structures, particularly on higher-priced properties. On an $800,000 home that’s $22,000–$30,800 inc. GST.

Commission structures vary:

• Flat percentage — simplest, most common.
• Tiered (incentive) commission — lower base, higher percentage above a target price. Aligns the agent with getting you the best result.
• Fixed fee — less common, can work well for higher-value properties.

2. Marketing costs

Typically $1,500–$5,000 for a standard residential sale on the Gold Coast. Includes:

• Professional photography ($350–$650)
• Drone or aerial shots ($200–$400)
• Floor plan ($150–$300)
• realestate.com.au and Domain listings ($800–$2,500 depending on tier)
• Signboard ($150–$400)
• Social media boosting and digital ads ($300–$1,500)

Premium auction campaigns can push marketing to $8,000+. Whether you spend this depends on the property type and competitive pressure in your suburb.

3. Conveyancing and legal fees

$1,000–$2,500 for a standard residential transaction. This covers the contract, settlement attendance, and title transfer. Solicitors typically charge more than conveyancers — either is fine for a straightforward sale.

4. Discharge of mortgage

If you have a home loan, your lender charges $300–$500 to discharge it at settlement. Most lenders also charge break fees if you’re on a fixed rate.

5. Auction fees (if applicable)

Auctioneer fees on the Gold Coast typically run $500–$1,200, usually built into the marketing campaign.

6. Capital gains tax (sometimes)

If the property has been your primary residence the whole time you owned it, you pay no CGT under the main residence exemption. For investment properties, CGT applies to your profit at your marginal tax rate (with a 50% discount if you held the property longer than 12 months). Talk to your accountant.

What about stamp duty?

Stamp duty is paid by the buyer in Queensland, not the seller. As the seller, you have no stamp duty obligation.

Worked example: selling an $800,000 Ormeau home

• Agent commission (2.75% inc. GST): $22,000
• Marketing (mid-range campaign): $3,500
• Conveyancing: $1,500
• Mortgage discharge: $400
• Total selling costs: ~$27,400 (3.4% of sale price)

How to keep selling costs down without sacrificing the result

• Negotiate commission upfront — it’s negotiable, especially above $700,000.
• Match marketing to the property — don’t spend $5,000 on a $600,000 sale; don’t skimp on a $1.2m sale.
• Avoid agents who push expensive marketing without justification — they should be able to explain every dollar.
• Use a conveyancer, not a solicitor for straightforward sales — typically 30–50% cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

Are real estate agent commissions negotiable in QLD?

Yes. There is no regulated commission rate in Queensland. Everything is negotiable — the percentage, the marketing budget, and the tiered structure. Always ask.

Do I have to pay GST on agent commission?

Yes. Quoted commissions are typically exclusive of GST. A 2.5% commission becomes effectively 2.75% once GST is added.

Who pays for the marketing if my house doesn’t sell?

You do. Marketing is typically paid by the seller regardless of outcome. Some agents offer ‘no sale, no fee’ on commission only — marketing is almost always separate. Read the agency agreement carefully.

What is the cheapest way to sell a house in QLD?

Selling privately (no agent) avoids commission but typically results in a lower sale price and a much longer time on market. For most owners, a good local agent more than pays for themselves through better negotiation and buyer reach.