Housing Agent Commission: The Real Current Rates, and the GST Trap

August 23, 2026 3 Min Read

Housing agent commission rates have moved since some guides were last updated. There’s also a common GST confusion that can add 10% to your final bill. Here’s the real current rate by state, and how to avoid being caught out.

Quick Answer: Housing Agent Commission

Housing agent commission across Australia currently averages around 2.65%, with real state variation. Tasmania runs highest at roughly 3.25%. NSW and Victoria sit around 2.35%. One older comparison guide still shows lower figures from early 2025, before rates moved. GST often applies on top of the quoted percentage, not included within it, which can add 10% to what you actually pay. On a $700,000 sale at 2.5%, that’s $17,500 in commission, plus GST if it applies on top.

Housing Agent Commission: Real Current Rates By State

Tasmania is the highest in Australia. Commission there runs around 3.25%.
NSW and Victoria sit close together. Both average around 2.35%, though Sydney and Melbourne metro rates can run as low as 1.6-1.8%.
Queensland runs above the national median. Expect roughly 2.8%, with Brisbane typically more competitive.
South Australia and Western Australia sit in the middle. SA averages around 2.9%, WA around 2.75%.
The Northern Territory and remote areas run highest. NT averages around 3.0%, with remote towns reaching close to 3.85%.

Why Some Guides Show Lower Numbers

Rates have genuinely risen. One comparison guide, last updated in January 2025, shows NSW and Victoria both around 2%. Fresher data from mid-2026 shows both closer to 2.35%.
That’s not a small gap. On a $700,000 sale, the difference between 2% and 2.35% is over $2,400.
Always check the date on any rate guide you’re reading. Commission rates move, and a guide over a year old may no longer reflect what agents are actually charging.
Ask your agent for their current rate directly. Don’t rely solely on a published average, since your specific agent’s rate can sit above or below it.

The GST Trap

GST often applies on top of the quoted rate. A commission quoted as “2.5%” may become 2.5% plus 10% GST on that commission amount, not 2.5% flat.
This changes your real final cost. On a $17,500 commission, 10% GST on top adds a further $1,750.
Always ask directly: is GST included or additional? Don’t assume either way. Get it confirmed in writing before signing a listing agreement.
This applies regardless of which fee structure you choose. Fixed percentage, tiered, or flat-fee arrangements can all have GST added on top.

A Real Dollar Example

On a $700,000 sale at 2.5% commission: that’s $17,500 before GST.
Add GST on top, and it becomes $19,250. That’s a real $1,750 difference many sellers don’t budget for.
On a $1,000,000 sale at 2.35%: that’s $23,500 before GST, or $25,850 with GST added.
Always ask for the GST-inclusive figure in writing. This is the number that should appear in your agency agreement.

What Else Affects Your Total Cost

Marketing costs sit separately from commission. Budget an additional $400 to $10,000 depending on the campaign scale.
Conveyancing or legal fees add up too. Typically $500 to $2,200.
Auctioneer fees apply if you go that route. Usually $400 to $1,000.
Commission remains negotiable. There’s no fixed government rate, so it’s worth discussing with more than one agent before committing.

FAQ: Housing Agent Commission

What’s the average housing agent commission in Australia?
Around 2.65% nationally, though it varies by state — from roughly 2.35% in NSW and Victoria up to around 3.25% in Tasmania.

Is GST included in the quoted commission rate?
Not always. GST often applies on top of the quoted percentage, which can add 10% to your final commission cost. Always confirm this in writing.

How much commission would I pay on a $700,000 home sale?
At 2.5%, that’s $17,500 before GST, or $19,250 if GST applies on top.

Have housing agent commission rates changed recently?
Yes. Some comparison guides from early 2025 show lower rates than what’s current in 2026, so always check how recently a rate guide was updated.

Is real estate commission negotiable?
Yes. There’s no fixed rate set by government, so it’s worth comparing quotes from more than one agent.