How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Melbourne?
If you’re planning to sell your home in Melbourne, you’ve probably been told you need a real estate agent. But here’s the truth: you don’t. Nova West offers a smarter, more affordable way to sell your property. We provide the tools and exposure you need, and our advertising costs are far less than what agents typically charge. Best of all, we don’t take a commission. You can sell your house confidently and keep your hard-earned money.
Melbourne is a competitive property market, and it’s important to understand the full costs involved when you’re getting ready to sell. From commissions to advertising, conveyancing to styling, the expenses can add up quickly if you’re not careful. In this guide, you’ll find out exactly what it costs to sell a house in Melbourne and how Nova West can help you save thousands in the process.
Click to View our Selling PricesUnderstanding the Costs of Selling a House in Melbourne
When you sell a home in Melbourne, there are several costs to factor in. These might include:
- Real estate agent commissions
- Marketing and advertising
- Conveyancing and legal services
- Pre-sale renovations or touch-ups
- Property styling or staging
Each of these costs can vary depending on your property and personal choices, but one thing is certain: using a traditional agent can significantly inflate your expenses. Nova West eliminates one of the biggest costs straight away by not charging any commission. Let’s dive deeper into the main expenses you may face in Melbourne.
Real Estate Agent Commission Fees in Melbourne
In Melbourne, real estate agents typically charge between 1.6% and 2.5% of the final sale price. This percentage might not sound like much, but when you consider that the median house price in Melbourne is around $900,000, you’re looking at $14,400 to $22,500 in commission fees alone. That’s a big chunk of your equity gone simply for listing your home with an agent.
With Nova West, you don’t pay commission. Our model is simple and transparent. You pay a low, flat fee to advertise your property and nothing more. That means you could be saving tens of thousands of dollars straight away, which you can reinvest or use toward your next home.
Marketing and Advertising Costs
Advertising is essential if you want to attract serious buyers, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Real estate agents often charge thousands of dollars for professional photography, floor plans, brochures, signboards, and premium listings. In many cases, they mark up these services and pass the costs on to you.
At Nova West, we offer affordable advertising packages that give your property great exposure on major real estate platforms. We provide everything you need to showcase your home professionally without the bloated price tag. You’re in control, and you choose what you pay for.
Conveyancing and Legal Fees
No matter how you sell, you’ll need a qualified conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal side of the transaction. This includes preparing your contract of sale and managing the settlement process. In Melbourne, conveyancing costs typically range from $1,200 to $2,200, depending on the complexity of the deal.
This cost remains the same whether you sell through Nova West or a traditional agent. However, since you’re already saving so much by avoiding commissions, your overall out-of-pocket costs are much lower when you go private.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
Before you list your home, you may decide to carry out some basic repairs or cosmetic updates. These might include painting, landscaping, or fixing minor issues that could put off potential buyers. While these improvements can boost your home’s appeal, the costs can vary widely depending on your approach.
You might spend as little as a few hundred dollars on minor fixes, or several thousand if you decide to invest in more significant upgrades. The key is to prioritise improvements that offer a good return on investment. Nova West gives you the freedom to choose what’s right for your situation, with no pressure from agents who want to justify their fees.
Home Styling and Staging
Many Melbourne agents recommend professional styling, which can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the size of your home. While styling can enhance your property’s presentation, it’s not essential in every case.
With Nova West, you decide whether to use a stylist or not. If you’re confident in your presentation skills, you can take care of the setup yourself. We also provide helpful tips and resources so you can make your property look its best without overspending.
Who Pays for What? The Breakdown
| Expense | Traditional Agent | Nova West |
|---|---|---|
| Commission Fee | $14,400 – $22,500 (approx) | $0 |
| Advertising | $2,000 – $6,000 | From $399 |
| Conveyancing | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Styling | $2,000 – $6,000 | Optional |
| Repairs | Varies | Varies |
Five Reasons to Use Nova West When Selling in Melbourne
Still deciding whether to go private or use an agent? Here are five reasons why Nova West is a better choice for homeowners in Melbourne:
1. You Save Thousands in Commission
Our biggest advantage is that we don’t take a cut of your sale. You keep 100% of your final price, which could mean saving up to $20,000 or more compared to using an agent.
2. Transparent and Fixed Pricing
There are no hidden charges or surprises with Nova West. You choose the advertising package that suits you, and you know exactly what you’re paying for.
3. Full Exposure on Major Real Estate Portals
Your property will be listed on the biggest Australian property sites, giving you the same visibility as agent-listed homes. Buyers will find your listing just as easily and often contact you directly.
4. Easy-to-Use Platform
We’ve designed Nova West to be user-friendly, even for first-time sellers. You can create and manage your listing, respond to buyer enquiries, and make updates without needing any technical knowledge.
5. You’re in Full Control
No pushy agents. No inflated promises. No unnecessary extras. You call the shots from pricing and open homes to communication and negotiations. We’re just here to support you when you need us.
Is Selling Privately in Melbourne Right for You?
If you’re comfortable with managing your own sale or simply want to avoid giving away a large chunk of your profit, private selling might be the best option for you. Many of our customers tell us they feel more empowered and less stressed when they manage the process themselves. And the savings speak for themselves.
You don’t need to be a property expert to sell privately. With Nova West, we guide you through each step, provide you with the necessary tools, and give you access to the best platforms. You can do this and we’re here to help make it happen.
How to Get Started with Nova West
Selling your home through Nova West is easy. Here’s how the process works:
- Choose your listing package and sign up.
- Create your listing with photos, descriptions, and features.
- We publish your ad on major property sites.
- Manage enquiries, book inspections, and negotiate directly with buyers.
- Finalise your sale with your chosen conveyancer or solicitor.
You can be on the market in just a day or two. And because everything is designed to be simple, you won’t waste time or money along the way.
Selling Smart in Melbourne Starts with Nova West
You’ve worked hard to build equity in your home. Don’t hand over thousands in commission fees when there’s a better way. With Nova West, you can advertise your Melbourne property professionally, reach qualified buyers, and handle the process yourself, all while saving a substantial amount of money.
Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or cashing in on an investment, we’re here to help you take control of your property sale. Start your journey with Nova West today and discover just how easy and affordable private selling can be in Melbourne.