Selling Your Own Queensland Home in Nine Simple Steps
Selling a property privately can seem daunting, but it is completely possible to sell your home without an agent. Not only is it within your rights, but selling your own home can save you a lot of money, as long as you know what steps to follow. An agent-assisted private sale service like PropertyNow costs a flat $979 to list on realestate.com.au and Domain, with licensed agents on hand seven days a week, compared with a median agent commission of around 2.8% in Queensland (about $19,600 on a $700,000 sale).
Here are nine simple steps to help you confidently sell your Queensland property privately.
1: Have a Lawyer Prepare a Contract of Sale
Before listing your property, it is a good idea to have a contract of sale drawn up by a solicitor. It should cover the specific terms of the sale, including a written statement detailing what is and is not included.
Using a legal professional is advisable, as they can help ensure the wording is clear and that all the necessary clauses are laid out. Should you choose to market your private sale with PropertyNow, you can order a contract of sale in just a few clicks.
Since 1 August 2025, Queensland sellers also have to give the buyer a seller disclosure statement. This is a legal requirement under the Property Law Act 2023 and it applies to nearly every residential sale, whether you use an agent or not. You prepare a Form 2 seller disclosure statement along with a set of prescribed certificates, which include a title search and survey plan, and a pool safety certificate if you have a pool. If your property is in a community titles scheme you’ll also need the community management statement and a body corporate certificate.
Timing is the part to get right. The statement and certificates must be given to the buyer before they sign the contract, and you need to be able to show you gave them. If you don’t, the buyer can walk away from the contract at any point up to settlement. Your solicitor prepares this alongside the contract, so it’s worth raising it in your first conversation with them.
2: Set the price
Decide how much you want to sell your property for. Some of the ways you can research the best price include:
- Having your property valued by an independent third-party
- Asking for a rough estimation from estate agents in your area
- Requesting a free property value report from PropertyNow.com.au
You can set a fixed price or the minimum offer amount you are willing to consider.
3: Advertise Your Property for Sale
List your home on trusted websites such as RealEstate.com.au and Domain.com.au and offer open houses and private viewings. The major real estate websites don’t allow access to private sellers directly, you’ll need to create your ad with an online agent like PropertyNow who can then export your ad whilst allowing you to remain in full control. Learn more about selling a property privately on PropertyNow.
Remember, you need people to see your home to have any chance of selling it, so be ready to arrange multiple viewings for anyone interested.
It is a good idea to have copies of the contract of sale available for prospective buyers at the viewings- and to list the important details in your ads.
4: Receive and Consider Offers
People can make offers on your home by returning signed contracts of sale agreeing to the asking price, or they can send alternative offers in writing. It is important to note that an offer is not legally binding unless it is written officially, either through a contract of sale or a promissory contract.
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Receiving Offers – How to respond
5: Accept an Offer and Take a Deposit
When you get an offer you want to accept, you can contact the prospective buyer through a lawyer and arrange for a partial deposit to be held in a third-party account – usually by your solicitor.
6: Sign the Contract of Sale
You must then sign the contract of sale to make the offer official. Once the buyer and seller have both signed, the offer becomes enforceable.
Both parties should receive signed copies (with all relevant signatures completed). At this point, you can mark your property as ‘under offer’. Even so, it is still worth keeping note of other interested buyers in case things fall through.
7: Official Exchange
All copies of the contract must be signed by both parties, made official, and exchanged- either in person, through a third party, or via mail. Once this happens, both parties are legally bound to proceed with the transaction.
8: Cooling Off Period
Buyers in Queensland are entitled to a five business day cooling-off period following the contract exchange. During this time, they can notify the seller in writing if they do not wish to proceed. If they do, you can deduct a penalty of up to 0.25% of the property price from the deposit.
There are various rules regarding the cooling-off period which should be discussed and agreed upon as part of the contract of sale. There is no cooling-off period for sellers.
9: Settlement
Finally, once all contracts are signed, exchanges are complete, and cooling-off periods are clear, a settlement date is set. This is usually two to three months from the exchange and is the date by which the buyer must complete their payment.
Exact dates for settlement are agreed between the buyer and the seller and depend on individual circumstances and requirements. Learn more about what happens at settlement
That’s it! After that, you can relax and enjoy what comes next, having successfully sold your house on your own without paying an agent!
FAQs
Can I sell my house at an auction in Queensland?
Yes, you can sell your house at auction in Queensland, as it is a common and effective method for property sales in the state. By engaging a licensed auctioneer, you can set a date and promote your property to attract potential buyers. On auction day, bidders compete, and if the highest bid meets your reserve price, the property can be sold immediately. It’s essential to have a solicitor prepare a contract of sale in advance, and if the property doesn’t sell at auction, you can still negotiate with buyers afterwards.
What do I have to disclose to a buyer in Queensland?
Queensland introduced a mandatory seller disclosure scheme on 1 August 2025. Before the buyer signs, you must give them a Form 2 seller disclosure statement and the prescribed certificates that go with it. It covers things like the title, encumbrances, any relevant notices or orders, and pool safety. It does not require you to disclose defects in the condition of the property, so a buyer should still do their own inspections. If the statement isn’t given, or it’s inaccurate on something material, the buyer can terminate the contract right up to settlement. Your solicitor or conveyancer prepares it with the contract.
Do I need to use a solicitor to sell my Queensland property?
While it is not legally required to use a solicitor to sell your property in Queensland, it is highly advisable. A solicitor can assist you with preparing the contract of sale, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and advising you on the process to avoid potential pitfalls. Their expertise can help facilitate a smoother transaction, protect your interests, and ensure compliance with local laws, making the selling process more efficient and less stressful.
How can I privately list my property for sale in Queensland?
To privately list your property for sale in Queensland, you can start by engaging our friendly team at PropertyNow who can provide expertise in pricing, marketing, and negotiations. You will need to prepare a contract of sale and gather relevant documentation. Once you have decided on your approach, advertise your property on trusted real estate websites and platforms, utilise social media, and consider hosting open houses or private viewings to attract potential buyers. Ensure that your listing includes high-quality photographs and a detailed description to highlight the property’s features and appeal.
Does selling your own property in QLD work?
Thousands of owners have sold their own properties in Queensland and pocketed huge savings on commission. If you’d like to see what’s currently listed, you can browse private sale listings any time.