If you’re considering selling your property through a private listing or with an agent on realestate.com.au (REA), it’s essential to understand the financial side of the process. One of the most frequent questions home sellers ask is: “What fees should I expect in an REA property listing?” Knowing the full REA listing cost breakdown will help you avoid surprises and make informed decisions.
Whether you’re selling independently through platforms like For Sale By Home Owner, or using a real estate agent, this guide explains every potential fee that could be associated with your listing on REA.
What Is REA and Why Is It the Go-To Platform?
Realestate.com.au (REA) is Australia’s largest property listing portal. It receives millions of visits each month, making it the most powerful online real estate advertising tool in the country. If you want to get maximum exposure for your home, listing it on REA is often considered essential.
But while the exposure is great, it comes at a cost—especially if you don’t understand how the listing tiers and extra features are priced.
What Does a Basic REA Listing Include?
A standard REA listing typically includes:
- A single property advertisement
- Limited exposure on the REA search results
- Basic photos and description
- 30-day duration (or until sold if renewed)
However, basic listings tend to receive lower visibility in comparison to premium or highlight listings. This lower exposure can extend the time your property remains on the market.
What Are the Tiers in the REA Listing Cost Breakdown?
REA offers tiered advertising packages, and each comes with a different cost structure and benefits:
- Standard Listing
- Least expensive
- Lowest visibility
- Appears lower in search results
- No special formatting or extra media
- Typical cost: $150 – $300
- Highlight Listing
- Appears higher than standard in searches
- Includes feature images and attention-grabbing borders
- Offers moderate exposure
- Typical cost: $400 – $900
- Premier Listing
- Appears at the top of search results
- Includes video, virtual tours, and priority viewing
- Best exposure for quick sales
- Typical cost: $1,000 – $2,500
It’s worth noting that prices vary depending on your location, the type of property, and current market demand. Metro properties usually cost more to list compared to regional areas.
Are There Hidden Fees in an REA Listing?
While the core advertising tiers are upfront, there may be hidden or additional costs associated with an REA listing:
- Photo and video packages: $200 – $600
- Copywriting or description writing services: $100 – $300
- 3D virtual tours or floor plans: $100 – $400
- Weekly renewal fees (in some cases): $50 – $150
- Extended duration beyond 30 days: May incur renewal or re-listing fees
- Agent commission if listed via an agent: 1.5% – 3% of sale price
If you’re selling privately, these additional services might be optional. But if you’re using an agent, they often bundle these costs into your advertising package, which can significantly increase the final bill.
How Do Agent Listings Compare to Private Listings?
When a traditional real estate agent lists your property on REA, they usually offer the premier listing package to ensure high visibility. However, this comes at a cost—and not just for the listing itself.
Most agents will require:
- A marketing budget upfront, usually around $1,500 to $3,000
- A percentage commission on the sale (often 2-3%)
- Charges for optional extras, even if your property doesn’t sell
This is why more sellers are turning to platforms like For Sale By Home Owner, where you can still list on REA without paying high commissions. Private sellers can purchase listing packages tailored to their budget while retaining control of their sale process.
How Does For Sale By Home Owner Help Reduce Costs?
For Sale By Home Owner allows private sellers to legally list their properties on REA by partnering with licensed real estate agents in compliance with platform rules. This gives you exposure to millions of buyers without going through a traditional agent.
The benefits of using For Sale By Home Owner include:
- Fixed-price advertising packages
- No hidden commission fees
- No need to share your final sale price with agents
- Full control of your sale, inspections, and negotiation process
Typical packages range from $699 to $999, including access to REA, Domain, and other property portals. This is a fraction of what you’d pay through a real estate agency, especially when factoring in commission costs.
Should You Choose Premium Listings as a Private Seller?
While standard listings offer a cost-effective start, highlight or premier upgrades may be worth it if you’re in a competitive market. These premium options place your property higher in search results, catch more eyes, and could lead to quicker sales.
Ask yourself:
- Is your property unique or high-value?
- Are you in a saturated local market?
- Do you need to sell quickly?
If the answer is yes to any of these, consider investing in a highlight or premier listing. Private sellers using For Sale By Home Owner can opt for upgraded visibility packages without the commission fees attached to agent listings.
What Else Should You Budget for?
Besides your REA listing, be prepared for the following related costs:
- Conveyancing or legal services: $800 – $1,500
- Building & pest inspection (buyer request): $300 – $500
- Staging or professional photos: $300 – $1,000
- Open home materials or signage: $50 – $200
While not directly part of the REA listing, these expenses help you present your home in its best light, encouraging faster, higher offers.
Final Thoughts: Know the REA Listing Cost Breakdown Before You Start
The REA listing cost breakdown varies depending on how you list your property, what tier of exposure you choose, and whether you’re selling privately or with an agent. While REA is a powerful tool to market your property, costs can quickly escalate if you’re not careful.
Using a platform like For Sale By Home Owner gives you the flexibility to control your costs, avoid commission fees, and still enjoy the exposure REA offers. Whether you choose a standard listing or go all out with a premier package, understanding what you’re paying for helps you stay in control of your property sale.
Being informed is the first step to a successful sale—make sure your investment in advertising works smartly for your needs and your budget.