Real Estate Sales Commission Calculator — Australia

Indicatively: Sydney sits around 1.8–2.5% (tiered structures common above ~$1.5M), Melbourne 1.6–2.5%, Brisbane 2.5–3.0%. Regional markets generally run higher (2.5–3.5%) because lower price points need more % to cover the same workload. These are directional — agency competition, vendor leverage, and exclusivity terms all move the number.

Tiered structures (lower base rate up to a threshold, higher premium rate above it) align the agent's incentive with achieving a top sale price. For properties expected to sell close to the threshold, tiered usually nets the vendor a higher sale even after the bigger premium slice. For predictable mid-market sales, a flat percentage is simpler and often produces a similar outcome.

Marketing fees (photography, signboard, portal ads, brochures, auction costs) are typically pre-paid by the vendor up-front and are separate from commission. They're charged on a cost-plus or capped basis and are not refunded if the property doesn't sell unless explicitly agreed in writing. Always check whether the marketing schedule is itemised and capped.

If another agency or a buyer's agent introduces the eventual buyer, the listing agency typically splits gross commission with them — usually 50/50, sometimes 60/40 in favour of the listing side. The split is agreed before introductions are made. The vendor still pays a single commission figure; the split happens between the agencies on settlement.

Yes. Real-estate agencies registered for GST (turnover ≥ $75,000) must add 10% GST to both the commission and the marketing fee. The vendor pays GST-inclusive amounts at settlement; if the vendor is also GST registered and the property is a taxable supply, they may be able to claim a GST credit — your accountant should confirm based on the property's status.

Under standard NSW / VIC / QLD agency agreements, commission is earned when an unconditional exchange or contract is reached with a buyer introduced by the agent, and payable at settlement. Some agreements treat commission as earned at exchange even if settlement is delayed — read the agency agreement carefully, especially for off-the-plan or long-settlement deals.