Selling your home

Set a realistic price

The research you’ve done on property sales in the area will help you set a realistic selling price.

Consider:

• the median prices of properties sold in South Australia by suburb
• the asking price of similar homes – check the listings on individual and aggregated real estate websites.

It's illegal to misrepresent the price to potential buyers. This includes advertising the property at a selling price lower than:

• an agent's estimated price
• the amount you’re willing to accept.

Decide how you want to sell the property

Selling a property can be complex and time-consuming, which is why most people hire an agent. If you decide to sell your property without an agent, we recommend that you employ a qualified conveyancer or solicitor to help you meet all the legal requirements. Most people sell their property by offer/private treaty or by auction. Only a registered auctioneer can sell a property by auction.

Preparing your property for sale

You could sell your property in its current condition or you could carry out repairs and upgrades to make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Consider what is needed but also the cost compared to any increase in the selling price. Your decision will also help you set realistic timeframes to carry out any maintenance work or ‘staging’- temporary décor and aesthetics.

Advertising and marketing

By law, advertised information must be factual, accurate and up to date, including information passed on orally and in photos.

A buyer can withdraw from a contract of sale on the basis of misrepresentation if something isn't accurate and they could take legal action.

If you are planning to advertise the property yourself, consider:

• where you will advertise and how much it will cost
• how to present your property to appeal to the right buyer - families, retired people, first home buyers
• if you will:
  • take photos and videos or hire a professional
  • create and print brochures or hire a professional.

Hosting open inspections

You will usually open your home for inspection so potential buyers can view the property. This can be by appointment or at an advertised time – open inspection.

Most open inspections last for 30 to 45 minutes and need to be hosted.

A buyer's information notice (form R3) (39.7 KB PDF) must be available to potential buyers during inspections.

You or your agent can record contact details for each person as they enter the property. This is a security precaution and also helps in following up with interested buyers.

You should also make sure:

• personal items and valuables are removed
• pets are not at the property during inspections.

Contracts and cooling off

The contract of sale can be signed once you have accepted an offer from a buyer or the highest auction bid has reached or exceeded your reserve price. Your agent will prepare the contract of sale. If you are selling the property yourself then a conveyancer or solicitor will be able to assist with this stage.

This is the date that the property is legally transferred from your name to the buyer. Your conveyancer or solicitor will represent you throughout this process.

After settlement, you hand over possession of the property to the buyer.

Find out more about settlements.