One of the most common questions Australian homeowners ask when considering selling without an agent is: What is the cost to list on REA as a private seller? Realestate.com.au (REA) is Australia’s leading real estate portal, boasting millions of monthly visitors. It’s a powerful platform for showcasing your property to potential buyers—but it’s not free, especially if you’re selling without a licensed real estate agent.

The cost to list on REA as a private seller can range anywhere between $399 to $1,100, depending on the package, location, and the marketing upgrades you choose. However, unlike traditional agent listings, private sellers cannot directly upload their property to REA. Instead, they must use an authorised listing service like For Sale By Home Owner, which acts as the intermediary between private sellers and REA.

Why Can’t Private Sellers List Directly on REA?

REA restricts direct access to their platform and allows only licensed real estate agents or authorised property listing services to upload listings. This is where brands like For Sale By Home Owner come in. They are REA-approved listing providers who bridge the gap, enabling private sellers to reach the massive audience REA attracts without needing a full-service real estate agent.

These services typically offer multiple packages tailored to your budget and goals, making it possible to get listed on REA without paying thousands in commissions.

What Packages Are Available for Private Sellers?

When using a platform like For Sale By Home Owner, you’ll often be able to choose from a range of packages that vary in price, visibility, and features. Here’s a typical breakdown:

1. Basic REA Listing Package ($399 – $499):
   • Standard listing on REA.
   • Property listed until sold.
   • Basic photo uploads.
   • Customer support.
2. Enhanced Visibility Package ($599 – $799):
   • Priority placement on REA.
   • Professional photography (in some packages).
   • Social media sharing.
   • Open home scheduling tools.
3. Premium Marketing Package ($899 – $1,100+):
   • Highlighted listing on REA (top of search results).
   • Additional exposure across affiliated sites.
   • Professional signage.
   • Support for legal forms and documents.

The cost to list on REA as a private seller can increase based on these add-ons, but even at the top end, it’s far less than the 2–3% commission charged by real estate agents.

What Determines the Final Cost of Your REA Listing?

Several factors affect how much you end up paying for your REA listing:

• Your property’s location: Properties in high-demand metro areas may require upgraded listings to stand out.
• The visibility tier you choose: REA offers standard, featured, and highlight listings—the higher the tier, the better the exposure (and the higher the cost).
• Whether you need extras: Professional photography, copywriting, or property signage will all raise the overall price.
• Time on market: Some listing services offer unlimited time until sold, while others may charge extra after a certain period.

With careful planning, you can select a package that suits both your needs and your budget.

How Does Using “For Sale By Home Owner” Help You Save?

One of the biggest advantages of using For Sale By Home Owner is the dramatic cost saving it offers compared to using a traditional real estate agent. You pay a fixed upfront fee, and in return, you receive access to platforms like REA and Domain, professional support, and optional marketing tools.

Here’s how it benefits you:

• No commission fees – You keep 100% of your sale.
• Control your sale – Schedule open houses, negotiate directly with buyers, and set your own price.
• One-time listing cost – You pay once and list until sold (with most packages).

Plus, For Sale By Home Owner ensures that your listing meets all REA requirements, so you can focus on attracting the right buyer.

What’s Included in the REA Listing Cost for Private Sellers?

Here’s what your REA listing fee through a platform like For Sale By Home Owner usually includes:

• Listing on realestate.com.au and Domain
• Professional photos upload option
• Custom property description
• Open for inspection scheduling
• Unlimited listing duration (in most plans)
• Email and phone inquiry forwarding
• Support for legal contracts and forms

Some services even offer templates for contracts, access to conveyancers, and marketing materials like brochures or flyers.

How Does the Cost Compare to Using an Agent?

Let’s break it down:

Selling Method	Typical Cost
Using a real estate agent	2%–3% of sale price + marketing ($15,000+)
Private listing with REA	$399–$1,100 total (no commission)

If you sell a property for $700,000:

• Agent commission at 2.5% = $17,500
• REA listing via FSBO service = ~$699

The savings are clear—and substantial.

Can You Upgrade Your Listing After Posting?

Yes. Most listing platforms allow you to upgrade your REA listing after it’s live. If you start with a basic listing and find that your property isn’t getting the visibility you hoped for, you can usually add features like:

• Highlighted or Premier status on REA.
• Video tours.
• Social media advertising boosts.
• Professional signage upgrades.

This flexibility allows private sellers to manage their costs effectively, adding enhancements only when needed.

Is Listing on REA Worth the Price for Private Sellers?

Absolutely—REA is one of the most visited real estate platforms in Australia, and access to its audience can dramatically increase your chances of a successful sale. Even though you can’t list directly without an agent, the cost to list on REA as a private seller through a service like For Sale By Home Owner is well worth the investment.

The visibility and traffic REA provides are unmatched, and when paired with the right marketing strategy, even a basic listing can result in quality buyer inquiries and a fast sale.

Final Thoughts: Is It Cost-Effective to List on REA Without an Agent?

Yes. Listing on REA as a private seller is not only possible but also highly cost-effective when done through an authorised provider like For Sale By Home Owner. You gain access to one of the biggest real estate audiences in the country, maintain control over your sale, and avoid costly agent commissions.

Whether you’re looking to sell your investment property, family home, or holiday house, understanding the cost to list on REA as a private seller gives you a powerful head start. Take advantage of the savings, manage your budget wisely, and enjoy the independence of selling your home your way.