Cost of Selling a House in Perth: Commission, Marketing and Settlement

Selling a house in Perth usually costs between about 2% and 3% of the sale price in agent commission, plus a marketing budget, settlement agent fees and some smaller charges. Commission is the largest cost. In Western Australia it is not set by law, so the rate you pay is whatever you agree with your agent and record in writing before the campaign starts.

This guide explains each cost, shows what typical commission rates mean in dollars at today’s Perth prices, and lists the questions that stop a cheap-looking quote from becoming an expensive sale.

How much is real estate agent commission in Perth?

Most Perth agents charge between 2% and 3% of the sale price. Comparison site Keyhive describes 2.5% as a fair midpoint for Perth, and Which Real Estate Agent puts the WA average at 2.44%, with metropolitan suburbs often lower than regional WA and some Perth suburbs averaging around 2.2% to 2.25% (Keyhive; Which Real Estate Agent). These are published market estimates, not a regulated scale.

At the REIWA Perth median house price of $960,000 (August 2026), each half a percentage point of commission is worth $4,800 (REIWA):

• 2.0% commission: $19,200
• 2.5% commission: $24,000
• 3.0% commission: $28,800

Always check whether a quoted rate includes GST, because the difference is real money at these price points.

Is real estate commission regulated in WA?

No. Consumer Protection WA states that commission is not regulated and is negotiable. It can be a fixed fee, a percentage of the sale price, or a combination of both, and the agreed amount must be recorded on the written authority you sign to appoint the agent (Consumer Protection WA). REIWA adds that there is no maximum fee and that the agreed fee must be initialled by the seller (REIWA).

Because nothing is fixed, two agents can quote very different fees for what looks like the same job. Compare what each fee buys, not just the percentage.

When do you pay the agent’s commission?

Commission is normally paid at settlement, out of the sale proceeds, once ownership transfers to the buyer (REIWA). Most agents are only paid commission if the property sells. Marketing is different: Consumer Protection WA notes that you are responsible for marketing and advertising costs even if the property does not sell, unless you have negotiated a “no sale, no fee” arrangement (Consumer Protection WA).

How much should you budget for marketing?

Marketing is usually charged separately from commission and paid upfront or during the campaign. Keyhive puts typical Perth marketing packages at about $3,000 to $5,000, covering professional photography, portal listings, signboards and social media (Keyhive). Prestige homes and auction campaigns often spend more; smaller units can spend less.

The rule that protects you: every marketing line should reach a specific group of buyers. If an agent cannot explain who a line item reaches, question it before you sign.

What settlement and legal costs does a seller pay?

Sellers in WA appoint a licensed settlement agent or a lawyer to complete the transfer. Settlement agent fees are deregulated, but the provider must give you a written maximum service amount before you sign the appointment. Our guide to settlement agent fees in Perth explains what a quote should include.

Expect your lender to charge a fee to discharge your mortgage, and expect rates, water and strata levies to be adjusted between you and the buyer at settlement, so you pay only for the period you owned the home.

What other costs come with selling a house?

• Presentation: painting, gardening, minor repairs and styling. Our property styling guide covers when styling pays for itself.
• Compliance items: smoke alarms and residual current devices (RCDs) must meet WA rules before transfer, so budget for an electrician if they are not current.
• Moving and overlap: removalists, storage and any bridging finance if you buy before you sell.
• Capital gains tax: if the property is an investment rather than your home, speak with your accountant before you list.

How can you lower the cost of selling?

Negotiate commission, but negotiate on value. The cheapest fee is rarely the cheapest sale: a campaign that launches overpriced and sits on the market costs more in price reductions than any commission saving. Ask each agent for the recent comparable sales behind their price estimate, a written marketing schedule with a maximum amount, and the commission written as a dollar figure at the expected price.

How does Boutique Realty Perth charge?

Our fees are agreed upfront and put in writing before you sign anything, with marketing costs itemised line by line. We are happy to walk you through the structure and to be compared. Request a free appraisal and we will give you a written, line-by-line estimate of your selling costs alongside the price evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average real estate commission in Perth?

Published estimates put most Perth sales between 2% and 3%, with Which Real Estate Agent reporting a WA average of 2.44% and some Perth suburbs around 2.2%. Commission is negotiable in WA, so your rate is whatever you agree in writing.

Can I negotiate real estate commission in WA?

Yes. Consumer Protection WA states commission is not regulated and is negotiable. Compare what each agent includes for the fee, not just the rate.

Do I pay commission if my house does not sell?

Usually not, because most agents are paid commission only on a completed sale. You may still owe marketing costs unless you agreed a “no sale, no fee” arrangement.

Is marketing included in the commission?

In WA marketing is normally a separate cost. Ask for a written marketing schedule with a maximum amount before you sign.