With rising living costs and higher interest rates, agents will have to negotiate and offer competitive rates for quality services, as home owners have become more careful with their spending, including when selling their property.

According to the real estate agent comparison service bRight Agent, there has been a surge in sellers seeking to reduce their campaign costs by comparing multiple agents’ services and negotiating commission rates.

Co-founder of bRight Agent, Angelina Scott, said sellers had been actively taking steps to reduce their expenses, with agents’ commissions among the highest costs and among the most negotiable.

“Every dollar counts right now,” Scott said.

“We’re seeing more home owners take control of the process and make sure they’re not overpaying on agent fees. It’s a simple step that can lead to meaningful savings.”

She said that while some owners haggle, many Australians were unaware they could shop around and get the best agents for their buck.

“Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make, but many home owners still accept the first agent and commission rate they’re given,” Scott said.

“In reality, there can be significant differences between agents – not just in service, but in what they charge. Comparing options can make a real difference.”

Across Australia, the national median agent commission is 2.65 per cent, with noticeable differences between states.

Real Estate Agent Commission Rates 2026 State of the States Report found that Tasmania recorded the highest agent fees in the country, with a median of 3.25 per cent.

Tasmania was then followed by the Northern Territory at 3 per cent and South Australia at 2.9 per cent.

Queensland and Western Australia ranked in the top five, with agent fees at a median of 2.8 per cent and 2.75 per cent, respectively.

In comparison, NSW and Victoria both see agent fees reach a 2.35 per cent median, while agents in the ACT charge the least across the country, with a median of 2.23 per cent

Scott said negotiating commission can deliver significant savings, with even a slight reduction often putting thousands of dollars back into a seller’s pocket.

“In a tougher market, those savings can go a long way,” Scott said.

“Whether it’s reducing financial stress, helping fund your next move, or simply keeping more of your equity, it all adds up.”

While agent rates vary across the country, Scott emphasised that cheaper fees don’t come at the expense of service, with sellers still free to choose the agent they trust most.

“It’s not just about price – it’s about finding the right balance between experience, service and cost.”

“For anyone thinking of selling, it’s worth taking a few extra steps upfront. Comparing agents and understanding your options isn’t just smart – in this market, it’s essential,” she concluded.

This article was first published on Real Estate Business, a sister-brand of Property Buzz.