What Is The Private Treaty Property Sale Method? – [Pros & Cons]

While auctions get a lot of attention for their excitement and speed, private treaty sales are actually the most common method used across Australia. This approach gives sellers more flexibility, privacy, and time to negotiate, which can be ideal if you’re not in a rush.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how a private treaty sale works, what the process looks like in each state, and the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Next Step: The best way to know if a private treaty sale suits your situation is to speak with an experienced local agent. They’ll give you honest insights on pricing, buyer demand, and what approach could deliver the best result.

What Is A Private Treaty Sale?

A private treaty sale is when a seller or agent lists a property for sale at a set asking price or a suggested price range. Buyers then put in offers A private treaty sale happens when a property is listed for sale at a set asking price or price range, and buyers submit offers directly to the seller (often through their real estate agent). The seller can then negotiate with one or more interested buyers to achieve the best price and terms.

Unlike an auction, there’s no set date or public bidding. Instead, negotiations happen privately and flexibly, allowing both sides to take their time to reach an agreement.

For example, if your agent lists your home for $900,000, you might receive offers slightly above or below that figure. Your agent will handle the back-and-forth negotiations, helping you decide whether to accept, reject, or counteroffer.

This method suits sellers who prefer a calmer, more controlled process rather than the fast-paced pressure of an auction.

Harcourts Coastal has produced a short informative video on why you might want to go with a private treaty sale over other sale methods.

Private Treaty Vs. Selling At Auction

Choosing between a private treaty and an auction can shape your entire selling experience. Here’s what sets them apart:

Auctions are designed to create competition. They’re usually held on a set date, and buyers bid publicly. This method can push prices higher if multiple bidders are interested but it also comes with higher marketing costs and more pressure on the day.

Private treaties, on the other hand, allow greater flexibility. Sellers can set their asking price, negotiate on their own timeline, and take their time deciding which offer to accept. Buyers also get a cooling-off period (depending on the state), which auctions don’t provide.

In short:

• Auctions can drive up the sale price but involve more stress and uncertainty.
• Private treaty sales give sellers control, time, and privacy but may take longer to secure the right buyer.

If you’re unsure which suits your situation, it’s smart to speak with experienced local agents. They know which method works best in your suburb based on buyer demand, property type, and market trends.

How Does Selling by Private Treaty Work?

The typical steps for selling by private treaty include:

1. The seller or agent lists the property for sale at a predetermined price.
2. Buyers make offers on the property.
3. The seller or agent negotiates with buyers for the right price and contract conditions.
4. The seller and buyer agree on the price and contract conditions.
5. Contracts are exchanged and reviewed by conveyancers or solicitors.
6. The seller and buyer sign the contracts.
7. The buyer pays a deposit.
8. The cooling off period begins.
9. The cooling off period ends and contract is binding.

Private sale laws and regulations differ by state and are explored in more detail below.

Selling by Private Treaty by State

Majors differences between state and territory private sale laws include differences between cooling off periods and cancellation fees. Table 1 below shows the varying cooling off periods and cancellation fees by state. Tasmania has only recently introduced the 3-day voluntary cooling off period and previously had none. You can find more information about laws and regulations in your state below.

Table 1: Cooling off periods by state

Selling By Private Treaty In NSW

• A contract of sale must be prepared before the property is listed for sale.
• If the contract does not include all required attachments, the buyer can cancel the contract within 14 days of signing.
• Potential buyers must pay the deposit at exchange of contracts.
• Real estate agents must give signed contracts to both parties within 2 business days.

Selling Property Using Private Treaty In VIC

• Stronger laws now apply against underquoting. This refers to advertising prices that are less than what the seller will accept.
• Sellers or agents must provide a due diligence checklist to potential buyers at open houses. This ensures buyers can make themselves aware of any issues with the property.
• Interested parties sign a contract of sale to put forward an offer.
• Potential buyers pay a full or partial deposit at the time of offer.
• GST applies when purchasing a new home. Established homes are exempt.

Private Treaty In QLD

• Advertising prices listed as ‘offers over’ must state the minimum price the seller is willing to accept. Prices listed under this are considered bait advertising, which is an offence carrying high penalties.
• Potential buyers can make offers verbally or in writing. Agents will then formalise the offer using a contract of sale, which potential buyers need to sign.
• Potential buyers pay the deposit after the cooling off period is over.
• All sale contracts must include a warning statement directly above the signature section.
• The cooling off period does not apply if the buyer was a registered bidder at a failed auction within 2 days prior.
• The normal cooling off period ends at 5 pm on the last day.

Selling By Private Treaty In SA

• Potential buyers put in an offer via a signed sale contract. This becomes binding if the seller signs it.
• Potential buyers should include a contract expiry condition in the sale contract.
• Potential buyers pay the deposit when submitting the offer.
• The cooling off period begins after both parties sign the sale contract or the buyer receives the vendor’s statement. Whichever occurs later determines the beginning of the cooling off period.

Private Treaty Considerations In WA

• Offers are made using two forms: either the Contract for Sale of Land and General Conditions or the Strata Title by O & A and the General Conditions.
• Buyer beware applies, as sellers are not required to fully disclose potential issues with the property. However, agents must inform buyers of any issues they are reasonably expected to know.
• Buyers can choose their own settlement agent or may settle the property themselves.
• Counter offers are done in writing by amending the O & A. This only becomes binding when the final price and conditions are agreed by both parties.
• Buyers must lodge the O & A within a set time to avoid penalties.

How Private Treaty Works In ACT

• Accepted offers are not binding. Until contracts are exchanged, sellers can accept an offer from another interested party.
• All sale contracts must have all required documentation attached.
• Advertised prices must be in line with what the seller will actually accept.
• Cooling off periods can only be waived or changed with a signed certificate from a seller.

Selling By Private Treaty In NT

• Offers are made through the real estate agent or directly to the seller.
• Offers should be in writing, e.g., an email. Agents will usually transfer offers to a contract of sale and present to potential buyers to sign.
• Sellers can later ignore verbally accepted offers. This can occur even when the potential buyer has paid for services to purchase the property.
• Potential buyers should conduct all necessary research and inspections to ensure no issues exist with the property.

Private Treaty Laws in TAS

• Current legislation emphasises buyer beware when entering into a real estate contract. Sellers are not legally required to fully disclose known problems with the property.
• There is a new voluntary cooling off period of three days. However, if both parties choose not to use it, no cooling off period applies.
• Potential buyers make an offer by signing a contract, which includes the standard conditions of sale and the particulars of sale.

What Happens If Your Property Doesn’t Sell By Private Treaty

If your property has been listed for some time and still hasn’t sold, it may be time to make a few changes. Here are five steps you can take to get your property sold as soon as possible:

1. Update or refresh your listing
   Potential buyers usually notice when listings become stale. To refresh your add, try reordering photos or taking new ones. Updating your description will also help revitalise your listing and encourage potential buyers to attend an open house. If you’re not sure how your listing can be improved, have a friend or family member take a look. A fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference.
2. Reduce the price
   Consider whether the price you have your heart set on is too high. If so, reduce the price to meet market expectations. Your price may originally have been fair, but the market could have changed since you listed your property. This could now mean your price is too high and needs reevaluating.
3. Take your property off the market
   After three months without a sale, it can pay to remove your listing for a few months. When you relist, potential buyers will likely see it as a fresh, new listing and be more inclined to attend your open house.
4. Reassess your property’s staging
   If you haven’t done anything to stage your property, now is a good time to remedy that. Have your agent or friends and family do a walk-through and give you tips on what could be improved. You may need to focus on decluttering, cleaning, optimal furniture placement or adding accessories with wow factor. Whatever is lacking will be affecting your advertising strategy, so it will pay to make improvements. If you have already invested time in staging, it might be time to shake it up and try something new.
5. Check out other properties
   If you need ideas on what you can do to catch the eye of potential buyers, try visiting similar properties. Other sellers are also trying to get a sale and their efforts may give you some great ideas.

Pros and Cons of Private Treaty

Private treaty is the most common way to sell in Australia, but it comes with both pros and cons. You may find that the disadvantages don’t suit your individual needs. In this case, an auction might be your best bet. Learn more about the pros and cons to see if a private treaty sale is right for you:

Looking To Sell?

If you’re looking to sell, consider whether private treaty will bring you the advantages you’re looking for. A trusted real estate agent can help you to make the right choice for you by discussing all possible options. They have industry experience behind them and can offer expertise that may help bring you the best price in the best time frame.

If you’re still looking for a quality real estate agent you can trust, comparing those in your local area is a great first step. Our free comparison service is quick and easy to use and will provide you with a list of suitable agents to interview. Ask the experts and get your property marketed the right way from the start.

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Related Readings

• Process of Selling a House – Step-by-Step Guide
• Property Sale by Tender
• How to Market Your Property for a Quick Sale
• Conveyancing Costs – Fees by State
• Vendor Finance – Pros & Cons