How to sell your property in ACT

Selling property in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) comes with its own steps and market considerations. Whether you're relocating, downsizing or selling an investment, having a clear plan will help you avoid unnecessary delays and maximise your result. With the right support from an ACT real estate agent, you can navigate the market with confidence.

Real estate agent fees and costs

Agent commissions in the ACT average 1.77 per cent of the sale price, including GST, according to internal data. They can be as low as 1 per cent or as high as 2.53 per cent, depending on your suburb, property value and the agent’s services. Use our Commissions Calculator to check average rates in your area.

In addition to commission, be sure to factor in:

• Conveyancing or solicitor fees
• Photography and marketing
• Optional extras like home staging and styling

Our Selling Costs Calculator can help you estimate your total costs before you hit the market.

Read the full guide on how to find the right agent to sell your home.

Choosing the right method of sale

Most properties in the ACT are sold by private treaty, which gives sellers more flexibility on pricing, conditions and timeframes. Auctions are also commonly used in high-demand suburbs of Canberra, where strong competition may lead to better sale prices.

A local agent can advise you on which method is best based on your property, timing and market conditions.

Preparing your home for sale

Presentation can make a big difference to buyer interest and offers. Make sure to:

• Declutter, clean and carry out any minor repairs
• Refresh paint or update outdated fixtures if needed
• Consider professional staging and real estate photography

A well-presented property can boost your online listing, inspection attendance, and final sale price.

Read the full guide on how to prepare your property for sale.

Setting the right sale price

Your sale price should reflect current market trends and similar property sales in your suburb. Overpricing can turn buyers away, while a realistic price attracts more interest and leads to stronger offers.

If you’re selling by private treaty, your agent will help you set an asking price. For auctions, they’ll help determine a reserve price (the lowest you're willing to accept).

To get an initial idea of how much your property is worth, you can get a property report with recent sales in your suburb and an online property value estimate.

Putting together a marketing strategy

Your agent will tailor a strategy based on your ideal buyer and property type. Most campaigns include:

• Photography and video
• Floor plans
• Listings on major property sites
• Print or digital ads
• Open homes and private inspections

Legalities and contracts

In the ACT, the contract and all the required documents must be ready for buyers to inspect whenever an offer can be made, which in practice means before you list. There are also more documents required for selling property in the ACT than in other parts of Australia. For the full checklist, refer to the ACT Government’s guide for buyers and sellers (Chapter 14).

Cooling-off period in the ACT

The standard cooling-off period in the ACT is five working days. In this time, the buyer can change their mind.

You and the buyer can agree in writing to extend it. The buyer can shorten or waive it only after getting legal advice and giving you their lawyer’s certificate. There’s no cooling-off when you sell at auction.

Standard settlement period in the ACT

The settlement period in the ACT is typically set by the seller and is usually 30 to 90 days but can be negotiated.

Read more on settlement and how to negotiate a settlement date.

Selling property in the ACT? Use our free tools to estimate your costs and plan your sale with confidence.

Selling a tenanted property in the Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT, a tenanted property can legally be sold. However, if the tenant is still in a fixed-term agreement, the landlord responsibilities must be passed onto the buyer. A fixed-term tenancy can only be ended early if both you and the tenant agree.

In the case of a periodic tenancy, you can terminate the tenancy as long as you provide 8 weeks of notice and evidence that you will be selling the property. For more information, see the ACT Government’s guidelines on ending a tenancy.

Capital gains tax in the Australian Capital Territory

Capital gains tax (CGT) applies when you sell an investment property or asset for more than you paid. The profit you made will be taxed at your marginal tax rate.

Under the current rules, if you've owned the property for at least 12 months and you're an Australian resident, you may qualify for the 50 per cent CGT discount. You usually don't pay CGT on your own home, and an inherited home can be exempt too, for example if it was the deceased's home and the sale settles within two years of the death.

For contracts signed from 1 July 2027, the part of a gain made after that date generally won't be halved, though there are exceptions, such as eligible new homes. The first stage of these changes is already law, but some details are still being settled.

For that part of the gain, the property's value at 1 July 2027 (or its cost, if you buy later) is adjusted for inflation instead. That applies if you've owned the property for at least 12 months and haven't been a foreign or temporary resident since 1 July 2027 (or since you bought it, if later).

A minimum 30 per cent tax can also apply, mainly in a year when your other income is low.

Always check with a tax professional or the ATO for specific advice. Read more on tax for selling investment property. 

Selling a deceased estate in the ACT can be more complex than a standard property transaction. The executor of the will (or administrator, if there is no will) usually needs a grant of probate or letters of administration from the ACT Supreme Court before the sale can go ahead. This provides the legal authority to manage the estate, including the sale of any assets.

Once probate is granted, the executor can proceed with preparing the property for market. It's a good idea to consult a solicitor for legal requirements and an accountant to help navigate potential tax implications.

Selling a property on your own, also known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is legal in the ACT. However, you’ll be responsible for pricing, legal paperwork, marketing, inspections and negotiations. Many sellers choose to work with an agent to achieve a better price and avoid the risks of going it alone.