Understanding Real Estate Agent Fees and Commissions in the ACT (2025 Guide)

In the ACT, real estate agent commission is not regulated by law. That means every agent sets their own fees, and it’s up to you as the seller to negotiate. While this gives you flexibility, it also makes it essential to compare agents carefully—both on price and on the service they offer.

What Do ACT Agents Charge in 2025?

Metro ACT (Canberra): average around 1.8% of the sale price.
Regional ACT: typically 2%–2.6%, sometimes higher in low-competition areas.
On a $900,000 Canberra home, that’s $16,200 in commission at 1.8%.

👉 Tip: Small percentage differences make a big difference in dollar terms—always run the numbers before signing an agreement.

➡️ How ACT commissions compares with NSW

Comparison with Other States

State/Territory	Avg. Commission	Typical Range
ACT (Metro)	~1.8%	1.5%–2.2%
NSW	~2.0%	1.8%–2.5%
VIC	~2.0%	1.6%–2.5%
QLD	~2.4%	2%–3%
TAS	~2.9%	2.5%–3%+

Commission Structures Explained

How Commissions Are Structured

Flat % commission: One rate applied to the full sale price.
Tiered commission: Lower rate up to a set price, higher rate above (incentive-based).
Fixed fee: A pre-agreed dollar amount, regardless of sale price.

👉 Ask which model your agent uses, and always get it in writing.

It’s Not Just Commission – Extra Costs Add Up

Common additional charges in ACT sales:

Marketing (online ads, print, brochures) – $600–$10,000
Photography/video/styling – $500–$5,000
Auctioneer fee – $300–$1,000
Legal/conveyancing – $1,000–$2,500

How to Negotiate Your Agent’s Fees

Talk to multiple agents – make them compete for your business.
Ask about inclusions – is marketing bundled or extra?
Use commission calculators – to see true costs.
Don’t be afraid to push back – agents expect negotiation.
Use a vendor advocate (like iREC) – they can negotiate for you.

What to Watch Out For

Unrealistic price promises (underquoting or overquoting).
Sudden “phantom buyers” before your agency agreement ends.
Hidden costs revealed late in the campaign.
Agents pushing advertising packages that benefit them more than you.

A Roy Morgan research report found that the real estate profession in Australia is consistently ranked among the least trusted professions... it makes sense to use an Vendor Advocate. Robert Williams has over 36 years’ experience advising home sellers. He founded iREC to give sellers insider knowledge of how agents really work — ensuring you don’t overpay or choose the wrong one.

Selling is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—make sure you’ve got someone who's independent in your corner.

🗣️ Talk to Your ACT Advocate Today

➡️ National guide to real estate fees & commissions

For more information regarding Real Estate Agents, their Commission & Fees, in your specific suburb in the ACT, select your district below....