How to sell your property in the NT

Selling property in the Northern Territory comes with its own set of processes, legal requirements and market considerations. Whether you’re relocating, selling an investment, or navigating a life change, understanding how it all works can make a big difference. With the right prep and support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Real estate agent fees and costs

Agent commissions in the Northern Territory generally range between 2.5% and 3.3% of the final sale price. This varies depending on your suburb, agent and property value. Use our Commissions Calculator to find average rates in your area.

Alongside commission, expect to budget for marketing, legal or conveyancing fees, professional photography, and optional extras like home staging. Our Selling Costs Calculator can help you estimate the full picture upfront.

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

Choosing the right method of sale

In the NT, private treaty is by far the most common way to sell property. It gives you flexibility with price, contract terms and timeframes. Auctions are far less common, but may be suitable in high-demand markets or for unique properties where competitive bidding could boost the final price.

A local agent can help you weigh up the pros and cons based on your goals, location and property type.

Preparing your home for sale

A clean, well-maintained property with strong visual appeal will always attract more attention. These simple steps can make a big difference in buyer perception and offer outcomes.

To get your home market-ready:

• Tidy up inside and out
• Make minor repairs or cosmetic upgrades
• Declutter and depersonalise rooms
• Consider professional styling and high-quality photography

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

Setting the right sale price

If you’re selling by private treaty, you’ll need to set a listing price. This should be based on recent local sales, your property’s condition and current market conditions. For auctions, your agent will guide you on setting a realistic reserve price.

Setting the right price is key. Go too high and you risk turning buyers away, too low and you might miss out on value. To help you get an initial idea, you can get a property report with recent sales in your suburb and an online property value estimate.

Putting together a marketing strategy

A targeted marketing plan is crucial. Your total marketing spend will depend on your property’s location and your audience but it’s often worth investing in a strong campaign to drive demand.

Your agent may suggest a mix of:

• Professional photos and video
• Floor plans
• Online listings
• Social media ads or local paper ads
• ‘For Sale’ signage
• Open homes and private viewings

Legalities and settlement

The main document needed to sell a property in the NT is the contract of sale of land form, according to the NT Government. The contract is typically prepared by a conveyancer, solicitor or real estate agent, and outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.

The settlement period is usually between 30 and 90 days. This can be negotiated between you and the buyer. There’s no set cooling-off period in the NT. For private treaty sales, it’s negotiated between buyer and seller. Auctions have no cooling-off period.

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

Selling in the NT? These tools can help you plan and budget with confidence.

• Selling Costs Calculator: Calculate the costs involved in selling your property and budget effectively.
• Commissions Calculator: Pay the right commission for your suburb and maximise your sale price.
• Property Seller Course: Our 7-day email course will guide you through every step of the selling journey.

Selling a tenanted property in the Northern Territory

When selling a property with tenants in place, landlords must follow notice rules set out by Northern Territory Consumer Affairs.

• A tenanted property can be sold, but the lease continues and transfers to the buyer.
• For fixed-term leases, landlords must give at least 60 days written notice before the lease ends if they expect the tenant to vacate.
• For periodic leases, landlords can end the agreement at any time with 60 days written notice.
• To show the property to prospective buyers, landlords must be reasonable about the number of inspections.
• To show the property to prospective tenants, access can only be requested within 28 days of the lease ending.

Capital gains tax in the Northern Territory

Capital gains tax (CGT) is a federal tax applied when you sell an investment property at a profit. You’ll only pay CGT on the gain and it’s taxed at your marginal income rate.

If you’ve owned the property for more than 12 months, you’re usually eligible for a 50% discount on the taxable portion. CGT doesn’t apply if the property was your primary residence.

Talk to an accountant or the ATO for advice specific to your situation. Read more on tax for selling investment property.

If you’ve been named executor in a will, or you’re managing an estate without one, you’ll likely need to apply for a grant of representation from the NT Supreme Court before you can sell the property.

There are three types of grants, depending on the situation:

• Probate: When there’s a valid will and an executor is named.
• Letters of Administration with the Will Annexed: If there’s a valid will but no named or willing executor.
• Letters of Administration: If there’s no valid will.

Once granted, the executor or administrator is legally allowed to sell the property. Capital gains tax may apply when selling a deceased estate property. Speak with a solicitor and tax advisor to understand your obligations.

Yes, private sales (also known as For Sale By Owner or FSBO) are legal in the Northern Territory. However, going solo means you’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, inspections, negotiations and contracts yourself.

While you may save on agent commission, most sellers benefit from having a professional on board to manage the process, reduce stress and secure a better sale price.