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February 16.2026
3 Minutes Read

SA Property Sellers Face Australia’s Third Highest Fees: What You Need to Know

SA Property Selling Fees: Smiling agents in branded shirts on porch.

The Current Landscape of Real Estate Commissions in South Australia

In South Australia, homeowners face rising property seller fees, with the state now ranking third highest in the country for real estate agent commissions. According to a recent report by bRight Agent, the median agent commission in the state is set at an eye-watering 2.9%, trailing only behind Tasmania and the Northern Territory. In comparison, the national average is substantially lower at 2.65%. This disparity shines a spotlight on the growing financial burden property sellers experience, particularly in rural regions where commissions can reach as high as 3.65%.

Understanding the Reasons Behind High Commissions

As bRight Agent's co-founder, Aaron Scott, emphasizes, the steep commissions reflect a lack of competition in the marketplace. In areas like Whyalla Norrie and Yorketown, where property transactions might be few and far between, agents leverage their monopolistic position to charge higher fees. Without numerous agents to choose from, homeowners often find themselves forced to accept the prevailing rates. It's crucial for consumers to examine various options and encourage competitive pricing strategies to ease this financial pressure.

What Are Buyers Really Paying For?

Interestingly, not every spend in the real estate process directly translates into better outcomes for the seller. According to Jacob Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, higher commissions can often correlate with more comprehensive service offerings. Sellers should expect enhanced marketing efforts, improved negotiation tactics, and thorough project management when they pay more. Understanding how each agent structures their fees can help sellers recognize the value being delivered.

Making Sense of the Additional Selling Costs

Besides agent commissions, sellers must navigate a slew of additional costs associated with property transactions. From marketing expenses that can range from $3,500 to $6,500 to legal fees that may cost between $700 and $1,300, the total cost of selling a property can quickly add up to between 2.5% and 4.2% of the final sale price. The importance of being well-informed about these diverse charges cannot be overstated, as it aids sellers in planning budget-wise. For instance, in the case of a $750,000 sale, the overall selling costs can balloon between $18,000 and $32,000.

How to Approach Selling Responsibly

Educated decision-making is integral to a successful property transaction. Homeowners need to be proactive about comparing agent fees, examining the totality of costs involved, and understanding the potential for negotiation. Even a small percentage difference in commission rates can lead to savings translating to thousands of dollars back in their pockets. Sellers are encouraged to analyze the full financial picture prior to engaging an agent.

Future Trends in South Australian Property Sales

Looking ahead, the South Australian property market will likely experience fluctuations, influenced by broader economic changes and potentially evolving regulatory frameworks. As awareness of selling costs and transparency around commissions grows, it is hoped that such shifts will foster more competitive practices in the real estate sector. Homeowners must stay informed and adapt to these trends to safeguard their financial interests.

Your Next Steps

For anyone looking to sell their property in South Australia, the importance of being informed cannot be overstated. By understanding current commission trends, additional fees, and the competitive landscape, sellers can make more strategic decisions. To stay ahead of the curve and lead the conversation on property transactions, consider subscribing to Property Newcastle for the latest updates, trends, and expert advice delivered right to your inbox.

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02.15.2026

Adelaide Homebuyers: Why Mortgage Traps Are a Growing Concern

Update Understanding Brisbane's Mortgage Landscape For many first-time homebuyers in Adelaide and beyond, navigating the real estate market can feel overwhelming, especially when they encounter additional costs like stamp duty. Recent insights reveal that South Australians are now borrowing to cover their stamp duty payments—a trend that's transforming how Australians enter the property market. The High Costs of Home Ownership According to research from money.com.au, 46% of buyers across Australia are also taking out loans to cover the upfront costs associated with homeownership, including stamp duty. In Adelaide, these costs are particularly striking; the median dwelling value stands at $916,000, which includes a hefty $53,347 in stamp duty. This can add a staggering $108,923 to the total cost of a home over 30 years. At the same time, buyers in regional South Australia, with a lower median price of $495,000, are still facing significant burdens, with stamp duty costing an additional $26,059 on their loans. When rolled into a mortgage, these costs can amount to $53,207 over three decades. Showcasing how critical financial decisions today can haunt buyers in the future, especially during troubling economic times. The Perspective of First Homebuyers Debbie Hays, a mortgage expert from money.com.au, explains the dilemma many first homebuyers face: paying stamp duty can feel like a second deposit. This has led many young buyers to roll those taxes and fees into their mortgages. Claudia Grentell and Tristan Thomson are a prime example; after searching for homes for six months, they decided that bundling their stamp duty fees into their mortgage was the optimal way to finally enter the market. This choice, although beneficial in getting them into a home, means they will now pay interest on that added debt for the next 30 years—a reality that can lead to long-term financial strain. Why Stamp Duty Matters Ray White Group's economist Nerida Conisbee emphasizes the impact of stamp duty on the entire property market. She points out that taxation policies can lead to quick shifts in market dynamics. For buyers and sellers, changes in policies related to stamp duty can create urgency or delays in transactions, further influencing the housing market's movement. Alternative Solutions for Homebuyers For buyers looking to mitigate some of these costs, Hays recommends strategies such as utilizing an offset account or a redraw facility to decrease interest payments over time. It’s crucial for prospective homeowners to explore all financing options available and seek expert guidance to avoid the pitfalls that come with higher mortgage debt. Knowledge of the Newcastle property market, for example, can offer insights into potential alternative options or strategies when looking to purchase property does these costs apply. The Bigger Picture: Insights Beyond Adelaide Interestingly, while Adelaide homeowners face unique challenges, broader trends can be identified across various markets, including Newcastle. With noticeable price variations and mortgage conditions depending on the region, understanding local market nuances can provide potential buyers across Australia with advantages. As more buyers contemplate their financial futures in a fluctuating economy, it becomes ever more critical to stay vigilant and informed. Any successful property transaction requires comprehensive knowledge of both local and national trends, particularly regarding financing and costs. For those with aspirations of owning homes in growing markets like Newcastle, understanding mortgage structures and their implications will serve as a fundamental step in shaping a successful path forward. Conclusion: The Path Ahead for Property Buyers Whether you are diving into the Adelaide market or considering options in Newcastle, remaining aware of the property landscape is essential. It is an intricate web of costs, policies, and strategic planning. To stay ahead in this fast-paced environment, interested buyers are encouraged to subscribe to Property Newcastle today for the latest insights, trends, and expert advice directly to their inbox. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to lead the conversation on property.

02.14.2026

Why Politicians Secretly Prefer Rising House Prices Over Affordability

Update Why Housing Affordability is a Political Paradox Australian politicians often tout their commitment to tackling housing affordability, yet the actual measures implemented seem more focused on fleeting solutions than sustainable change. Many governmental policies, such as first-home grants and low-deposit schemes, appear to assist first-time buyers but inadvertently inflate property prices instead of addressing fundamental issues like supply constraints and zoning barriers. An alarming reality is that 94% of federal politicians own property, raising questions about their motivations—many benefit directly from stable or rising prices, perpetuating a system that favors the affluent over future homeowners. Strategic Decisions: Who Benefits from Rising Prices? With nearly 70% of Australians owning or paying off their homes, decreasing property values could provoke significant backlash from an electorate who view real estate as their primary form of wealth. Politicians may consider falling prices not only politically untenable but also detrimental to economic stability, given that Australian banks and the broader economy rely heavily on a robust real estate market. As rates climb, political leaders grapple with an inconvenient truth: rising prices create wealth for current homeowners, while effectively alienating younger generations seeking to enter the housing market. The Illusion of Efficiency in Housing Policies Instead of directly tackling the issue of housing supply, the government engages in what economist Saul Eslake refers to as “politically palatable” measures that do not lead to real affordability. By stimulating buyer demand without enhancing inventory, policies worsen the affordability crisis—even as they masquerade as solutions. For instance, the recent diverging paths taken by states like Montana, which are dismantling zoning restrictions to build new homes, highlight the complexities in addressing a multi-faceted issue that requires long-term vision. Current Trends: Real Estate Dynamics in Newcastle In Newcastle, the property market faces similar challenges. An increasing number of consumers are finding it challenging to navigate an environment with skyrocketing house prices. Current data suggests that the average household income does not align with the ever-increasing costs associated with buying or renting property in the region. This disparity indicates that while consumer demand rises, the fundamental question of supply and infrastructure remains fundamentally unanswered. Time for Action: What Can Be Done? Given the current societal pressures stemming from housing unaffordability, insights can be drawn from progressive reforms seen in states like Oregon, where efforts to lessen zoning constraints have resulted in increased housing availability, and subsequently, stabilized rents. The lessons from these initiatives urge local governments in Newcastle and elsewhere to adopt similar approaches that emphasize better development opportunities while ensuring that the housing remains affordable for all. The Importance of Community Engagement and Political Will The political landscape around housing often reflects a barrier against necessary policy change. Communities need to advocate for increased transparency and collaboration amongst elected officials to address this crisis. Elected leaders in Newcastle should prioritize discussions on facilitating town halls where practical solutions to the housing crisis can be explored, emphasizing the need for cooperation across the political spectrum, rather than maintaining the status quo. As consumers navigate the challenging landscape of the real estate in Newcastle, staying informed is paramount. Subscription to resources that provide up-to-date property market insights will not only assist potential homebuyers in making educated choices but will also help citizens voice their needs for change more effectively.

02.14.2026

Understanding AREIT Weekly Updates: Navigating the Newcastle Property Market

Update AREIT Market Performance Overview The Australian Real Estate Investment Trust (AREIT) sector experienced a week of mixed results, highlighting the ongoing volatility in property investments. Key performers included Goodman Group, which saw a remarkable 7.4% gain, along with Cromwell Property Group at 6.0%. In contrast, significant declines were recorded, notably for HMC Capital Ltd at -20.7% and Acumentis Group Ltd at -8.2%. This week's fluctuations reflect broader trends and attitudes within the real estate market. Top Winners and Losers in AREIT With a closer look at stock performance, some standout gains included: Goodman Group: +7.4% Cromwell Property Group: +6.0% Charter Hall Retail Reit: +4.2% Homeco Daily Needs Reit: +3.6% Vicinity Centres Re Ltd: +2.4% On the flip side, losses were attribute to: HMC Capital Ltd: -20.7% Dexus: -3.0% Ingenia Communities Group: -2.80% Scentre Group Ltd: -2.3% The Bigger Picture: Trends in the Newcastle Property Market As the AREIT sector navigates these ups and downs, the broader Newcastle property market is seeing significant trends. With houses for sale in Newcastle becoming increasingly popular, not to mention a rise in new property developments, buyers are having more options than ever. The Newcastle real estate market continues to capture interest among both investors and homebuyers alike, bolstering confidence in future property valuations. Investment Insights in the Context of AREITs Investors often seek to understand how market trends, such as those seen in the AREIT sector, can affect their own property decisions. With an eye on opportunities in residential sectors, such as affordable property in Newcastle, savvy investors can position themselves to benefit from the cyclical nature of the real estate market. Following AREIT performance can provide valuable indicators for making informed decisions in buying or selling property. Conclusion: Navigate the Changing Real Estate Landscapes In summary, the performance of the AREIT sector is a reflection of the dynamic nature of property investments. As markets fluctuate, those looking for houses for sale in Newcastle or seeking property investment opportunities should stay informed of these changes. Knowledge is power in real estate, and understanding the broader trends can provide a competitive edge. If you're interested in the latest happenings in the Newcastle property market or if you're looking to invest, now is the time to explore options that suit your investment strategy!

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