How do I sell a property in Brisbane?
Start with a property-specific appraisal, compare agents and agree on a campaign and budget. Prepare the home and sale documents, launch the chosen marketing campaign, assess offers with your agent and solicitor, then work through the contract conditions and settlement. The strategy should reflect your property, the likely buyers and your timing.
Request a free appraisalHow is a likely selling range established?
A useful appraisal starts with recent sales of genuinely comparable properties. For a house, compare land, accommodation, condition, parking and site characteristics. For an apartment, compare the building, floor area, level, outlook, layout, parking and ownership costs.
Current listings show the competition buyers can inspect today. They are asking prices, so they should not be treated as completed sales. Your agent should explain the differences between your property and each comparable, the evidence date and the reasons for the suggested range.
View selected recent sales and their published evidence.
An agency appraisal is different from a formal valuation. Confirm the required assessment with your lender or professional adviser if you need a valuation for lending, a dispute or another formal purpose.
What should I budget for when selling?
Ask for an itemised proposal before appointing an agent. Costs depend on the agreed service, campaign and property; there is no single fee that applies to every sale.
| Cost | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Agency commission | The agreed amount or calculation, GST and when payment becomes due. |
| Marketing | Photography, floor plans, portal advertising, signage and any optional extras. |
| Property preparation | Cleaning, repairs, gardening, styling and the likely benefit of each expense. |
| Legal and settlement work | Your solicitor’s quote, searches, required documents and transaction-specific costs. |
| Other personal costs | Moving, storage and any lender or tax matters to check with the appropriate adviser. |
Auction, private treaty or off market?
The choice should follow the evidence about the property and buyer pool. Ask why the recommended approach suits your circumstances.
| Method | How it works | What to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Auction | A public campaign works towards a scheduled bidding event. | Likely competition, campaign budget and the plan if the property does not sell on the day. |
| Private treaty | Buyers negotiate during the campaign, usually with an asking price or guide. | Pricing evidence, buyer feedback and when the strategy will be reviewed. |
| Off market | The property is introduced to a selected group of potential buyers. | Privacy, the size of the buyer pool and whether broader exposure would help. |
What should I prepare before listing?
- Confirm your priorities. Decide what matters most: timing, flexibility, privacy or a particular move.
- Review the evidence. Obtain a current appraisal and compare the proposed strategy and costs.
- Prepare the property. Address cleaning, maintenance and presentation before committing to major work.
- Gather the documents. Ask your solicitor which disclosure statement and certificates are required, and arrange for buyers to receive them before signing a contract. For an apartment, gather relevant body corporate information.
- Agree on communication. Set expectations for inspection feedback, campaign reporting and reviewing offers.
Campaign time and settlement time are different. Your solicitor can explain the contract milestones, while your agent can help plan preparation, inspections and marketing.
Source: Queensland Government: seller disclosure scheme. Requirements depend on the property and transaction; seek advice on your sale.
Start with advice for your suburb
An apartment in South Brisbane and a character house in East Brisbane need different comparisons. Our suburb guides explain the property details to examine before setting a price or making planning assumptions.
Common questions about selling
How should I choose a real estate agent in Woolloongabba?
Ask each agent for recent comparable sales, a written pricing rationale, a proposed campaign, itemised costs and a clear communication plan. Look for experience with your property type and location. Compare the evidence and service offered, rather than choosing solely on the highest quoted appraisal.
Can I sell my home off market?
An off-market campaign introduces the property to selected buyers without a full public advertising campaign. It can suit owners who value privacy or want to test specific buyer interest, but a smaller audience may reduce competitive pressure. Agree on a timeframe, price expectations and the trigger for moving to a public campaign.
What should I compare when I receive offers?
Compare the offered price alongside deposit, finance and inspection conditions, settlement timing and any other conditions. The highest price may involve different risks or timing from another offer. Your agent can explain the commercial differences; your solicitor should advise on the contract before you sign.
Does a higher appraisal mean an agent will achieve a higher sale price?
No. An appraisal is an opinion of a likely selling range, not a buyer’s offer or a guarantee. Ask which comparable sales support the range, how your home differs from those properties and how the proposed strategy will reach likely buyers.
Do I need to wait for spring to sell?
No single season is best for every property. Your timing should reflect competing listings, likely buyers, the property’s presentation and your own plans. Ask for a current assessment of the local market before choosing a launch date.