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Home › Real Estate Calculators & Tools › Real Estate Agent Fees & Commission Calculator › Brisbane (QLD) Agent Fees & Commission Calculator
Selling a home in Brisbane can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time. Between finding the right agent, preparing your property for sale, and understanding all the paperwork, it’s easy to overlook one crucial detail real estate agent commission.
Agent commission is the fee you pay your agent for helping sell your home. It covers their service, time, marketing, and expertise in getting you the best possible price. But not all agents charge the same rate and understanding how commission works can help you save thousands while still achieving a top sale result.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about agent fees and commission in Brisbane, including:
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when selling your Brisbane property and how to find an agent who’s worth every dollar.
Key Takeaways Average Brisbane agent commission sits around 2.45%. Rates vary depending on suburb, property type, and competition. Inner-city areas often see lower rates, while outer suburbs may be slightly higher. Agent commissions are fully negotiable. Since deregulation in 2014, you have the freedom to compare and negotiate fees. Always request written quotes and compare inclusions. Focus on value, not just price. The cheapest agent isn’t always the best. An experienced agent who negotiates a better price for your home can earn you tens of thousands more. Always check what’s included in your commission. Marketing, advertising, and photography can add up. Ask for a detailed breakdown so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Transparency protects you. Review your Form 6 carefully, ensure GST is clarified, and only sign when you understand every line.
Key Takeaways
When selling your Brisbane home, one of the first questions you’ll have is, “How much will my agent charge me?” The good news is that Queensland including Brisbane has one of the most competitive real estate markets in Australia, meaning commission rates can often be negotiated.
The average commission rate in Brisbane sits around 2.45% of the property’s final sale price. However, this figure isn’t set in stone. In 2025:
Here’s a quick breakdown example for context:
Remember, these estimates exclude 10% GST, which is charged on top of your agent’s commission.
Brisbane’s real estate market has been one of Australia’s strongest performers in 2024–2025. Brisbane recorded:
As property prices rise, many agents are able to work on slightly lower percentage commissions because their total dollar earnings increase per sale. However, top-performing agents who consistently achieve record sales still command premium rates and they’re often worth it.
In essence, commission rates tend to move opposite to property prices: when the market is hot, rates are often lower because homes sell faster; when demand cools, agents may charge slightly higher rates to cover more extensive marketing and open homes.
While Brisbane’s average commission is around 2.45%, the rest of Queensland shows more variation:
So even within the same state, location matters a lot. Always compare multiple agent quotes in your exact suburb to understand what’s reasonable in your area.
The calculator above should only be used as a general guide, as laws governing regulation can change and property markets can fluctuate, altering how commissions or fees may be charged.
Understanding the structure behind an agent’s fee is just as important as the percentage itself, because the structure shapes the incentives and the final dollars you pay, and it can also guide how your agent behaves during negotiation and at the pointy end of accepting offers. In Brisbane, most agents will quote a simple percentage, though many will happily customise the structure if you ask, so it’s worth knowing your options, running the maths, and choosing the model that supports your goals, whether that’s certainty on cost, a sharper push for a premium price, or a balanced approach that rewards outstanding results. Below are the common structures explained in plain English, with everyday examples so you can see how each one works in practice.
With a straight percentage, the agent’s fee is a fixed slice of the final sale price, and because it scales with the result, it naturally aligns the agent’s payoff with getting you more at the finish line. This is the most familiar model in Brisbane, and it’s easy to compare between agents because you can plug any expected selling price into a simple formula and see the likely fee. For example, if your home sells for $850,000 at 2.2%, the commission is $18,700 (excl. GST) and $20,570 (incl. GST), which keeps the calculation clean and transparent, and lets you focus on the thing that matters most, which is the agent’s ability to lift buyer competition and push the price higher.
Good for: Simplicity, clear alignment, easy comparisons.Watch out for: A low percentage isn’t always “cheaper” if it comes with weaker marketing or a softer negotiating approach, because a stronger result usually outweighs a small difference in the rate.
A fixed fee is a set dollar amount regardless of the final price, which can give you cost certainty upfront and protect your budget if your home is likely to sell above expectations. Sellers who prefer predictability often like this model, because there are no surprises if the campaign goes viral or a bidding war breaks out, yet it can reduce the agent’s upside incentive to grind for every last dollar on auction day or during a private treaty negotiation. For instance, you might agree to a $15,000 flat fee (incl. GST) whether you sell for $780,000 or $820,000, and while that can feel comforting, you’ll want to be confident your agent is still motivated to stretch the price band as far as the market will allow.
Good for: Budget certainty, straightforward paperwork.Watch out for: Weaker incentive to push beyond the “easy” sale price; consider pairing a modest flat fee with a small success bonus to keep motivation high.
A tiered structure pays one rate up to a target price and a higher rate only on the amount above that target, which is popular with sellers who want to reward true outperformance without overpaying if the result is just “okay.” For example, you might agree to 2.0% up to $800,000, then 6.0% on any amount above $800,000; if the agent secures $840,000, the commission would be $16,000 on the first $800k (excl. GST) plus $2,400 on the additional $40k, totalling $18,400 (excl. GST) and $20,240 (incl. GST). This model creates a clear scoreboard for the agent to chase, and it’s a fair way to pay more only when you get more.
Good for: Aligning incentives with stretch outcomes, motivating agents to exceed your reserve.Watch out for: Set realistic tier thresholds, because if the first tier is too high, the structure won’t actually kick in and you’ll just be paying a base rate.
A hybrid combines a lower-than-usual percentage with a performance bonus that’s triggered by a specific event, such as beating an independent valuation, hitting a pre-agreed price band, or selling within a short campaign timeframe at (or above) a floor price. An example could be 1.8% commission plus a $3,000 bonus if the sale exceeds $900,000, which gives you decent baseline value and adds a carrot for the agent to push for a headline result. This can feel more flexible than a strict tier, and it’s useful if you want the certainty of a competitive commission with a targeted reward for excellence.
Good for: Balancing cost control with a powerful incentive, customising to your property’s situation.Watch out for: Define the trigger in writing and keep it objective (price achieved per the contract), so there’s no debate later.
Strictly speaking this isn’t a “commission” type, yet it changes your total cost and how you compare quotes, because some agents package professional photos, floorplans, copywriting, signboards, and portal upgrades inside their commission, while others quote a lean commission and bill marketing separately. If one agent is 2.2% including a $3,000 marketing suite and another is 2.0% plus $3,000 marketing upfront, the second can end up costing more if the sale price is higher, so always calculate all-in apples-to-apples numbers. Asking for a line-item breakdown keeps the conversation clear and stops you paying twice for the same item.
Good for: Clarity on total spend and campaign quality.Watch out for: Upfront, non-refundable marketing fees if you withdraw or change your mind; confirm refund rules before you sign.
In Brisbane, many homes sell by private treaty, while auctions are common for high-demand suburbs and unique properties, and the commission structure can subtly interact with your sale method. A tiered or hybrid structure often pairs well with auctions because it rewards premium outcomes above your reserve, while a simple percentage is perfectly fine for private treaty where negotiation happens one-on-one with serious buyers. Discuss with your agent how their fee structure supports the chosen method, because the right incentives can sharpen the final stretch of negotiations where thousands are often won or lost in minutes.
Good for: Matching incentives to your chosen method.Watch out for: Paying for extras you may not need if your strategy changes (e.g., auction upgrades if you switch to private treaty).
Again, not a commission “type,” but how you appoint the agent affects pricing power and motivation, because an exclusive agency gives one agent responsibility for your campaign, which usually means stronger commitment, clearer accountability, and better control over buyer management. An open listing allows multiple agents to try selling your property at once, which can sound competitive, but it often dilutes responsibility, scrambles messaging, and can reduce the effort any single agent invests. Exclusive appointments commonly come with keener commission or richer inclusions, because the agent knows they’ll be the one to benefit from their hard work.
Good for: Consistent messaging, motivated agents, cohesive strategy.Watch out for: Cooling-off clauses and minimum terms; always know your rights if you wish to terminate or switch.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so pick the structure that matches your property and priorities, and then ask each agent to quote under the same structure so your comparison is fair. If you want cost certainty, a fixed fee or low percentage can work, but if you want to maximise sale price, a tiered or hybrid structure that rewards outperformance often generates the best net result. Most importantly, make the structure part of your negotiation, because good agents will tailor a fee model that aligns with your desired outcome, and they’ll happily show you past campaigns where that model worked for sellers just like you.
Understanding how agent fees are regulated or rather, not regulated in Queensland can save you confusion and help you negotiate smarter.
Before May 2014, Queensland had a regulated fee structure under the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000. Agents could charge up to:
That meant commission rates were fairly consistent across the state, and there was little room for negotiation.
However, in May 2014, the Queensland Government passed the Property Occupations Act 2014, which deregulated real estate agent commissions. This reform gave agents the freedom to set their own fees and compete based on service quality, marketing approach, and results, not just price.
The change was designed to increase competition and give home sellers more choice and flexibility when selecting agents.
Today, Queensland agents can charge any fee they see fit, provided it’s clearly outlined in the Form 6 Appointment of Real Estate Agent, the official contract between you and your agent.
Here’s what you should know:
This deregulated system works in your favour, it lets you shop around, compare different service levels, and choose the best value, not just the lowest number.
You can learn more directly from the Queensland Government’s Office of Fair Trading.
Even in a deregulated system, consumer protection laws still apply. Under Queensland’s Property Occupations Act 2014:
If you ever feel unsure, you can contact the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for guidance before signing any agency agreement.
Deregulation gives Brisbane home sellers more power but it also means you need to be proactive. Always review your Form 6 carefully, compare at least three agents, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about how fees are calculated.
Transparency is your best protection, and reputable agents will always take the time to explain everything before you commit.
Yes, commissions are 100% negotiable. You can ask for a lower rate or request a performance-based structure.
Yes. Commission quotes may exclude GST, so always confirm whether the rate is inclusive or exclusive of GST.
Usually the agent’s service, property inspections, buyer management, and negotiation. Marketing and advertising may be included or billed separately.
Generally, no, unless you agree otherwise in your Form 6. However, some agents charge marketing fees upfront.
Use a comparison platform like Which Real Estate Agent to compare performance, local experience, and commission side-by-side.
Because demand, average prices, and buyer competition differ. High-value suburbs usually attract slightly lower percentage commissions.
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