Real Estate Agent Commission in Mandurah: What Sellers Should Know

When selling a property in Mandurah, commission is only one part of the overall selling strategy. The right question is not simply which agent charges the lowest percentage, but which agent has the pricing, marketing and negotiation strategy most likely to leave you with the strongest net result after settlement.

How real estate commission works

Commission is the agreed selling fee, generally payable when a property sale completes, subject to the written authority you sign with the agency. The structure may be percentage-based, fixed, tiered or otherwise negotiated between the seller and agency. The agreement should clearly state how commission is calculated, when it becomes payable and whether GST is included.

Check the written selling authority before you sign

In Western Australia, the written selling authority is a legally binding agreement between the seller and the agency. Before signing, check the agreed commission calculation and whether GST is included, the length of any exclusive-rights period, the maximum authorised marketing spend, any offering fee or other expenses, and exactly when payment can become due. There is no government-set commission rate: the amount can be negotiated and must be recorded in the authority.

Exclusive rights and introduced-buyer clauses deserve particular attention. Depending on the agreement, commission may still be payable if you sell privately or through another agent during an exclusive period, or if a buyer introduced during that period purchases later. Read the actual dates and conditions rather than assuming an authority simply ends without further obligations. Agreed changes should be recorded in writing and initialled by both parties. See WA Consumer Protection’s official guidance on selling a property for the current requirements.

Commission and marketing are different costs

Marketing is generally a separate part of the campaign and can include professional photography, video, online portal upgrades, floorplans, signage and targeted digital advertising. A lower commission does not automatically mean a lower total cost, and a higher commission does not automatically mean a better result. Sellers should compare the complete strategy, not just one number.

What if the property does not sell?

Commission is commonly payable on completion of a sale, but advertising and marketing are separate commitments. WA Consumer Protection advises that these costs can remain payable even when the property does not sell unless a no sale, no fee arrangement is negotiated in the written authority. Ask what you authorise upfront, whether further spending needs your written approval, whether costs include GST, and what happens if you withdraw or change agents. An agent cannot charge more for advertising and other outgoings than you authorised in writing or the agent actually paid for those services.

What should Mandurah sellers compare?

To see how these priorities translate into a real Mandurah campaign, explore our approach to selling property in Mandurah, including two different Gibla Street homes sold by Beshay Realty. These examples show how presentation and positioning can vary between homes, not what another property is guaranteed to achieve.

When comparing agents, look at recent results in your area, how the agent intends to position your property, the quality of presentation, database reach, follow-up strategy, negotiation process and how clearly feedback will be communicated throughout the campaign.

For premium or unusual homes, the difference between an average and an exceptional negotiation can easily matter more than a small difference in commission. The same applies when a property requires a more targeted buyer profile or a different approach to standard suburban stock.

Compare the total cost against your expected net proceeds

Instead of comparing percentages in isolation, ask each agency for a written, itemised proposal covering:

• Commission: the agreed formula, GST treatment and when it becomes payable.
• Marketing: what is included, the maximum authorised spend, payment timing and what happens if no sale occurs.
• Authority terms: exclusivity, introduced-buyer provisions, expiry and any other agreed expenses.
• Campaign service: photography, buyer follow-up, inspection reporting, negotiation and who will handle the sale.
• Net outcome: a realistic comparison that also allows for settlement, discharge and other property-specific selling costs, without treating a price estimate as a guarantee.

For the broader budget, read our guide to selling costs in Western Australia. A Mandurah appraisal should help you compare strategies and explain the proposed fees for your particular home; it is not a substitute for reading the signed authority.

Ask for the full selling proposal

A proper proposal should set out the recommended pricing strategy, likely buyer profile, marketing plan, expected campaign costs, commission structure and what happens from launch through to settlement. That gives you a true like-for-like comparison between agents.

If you are considering selling in Mandurah or the Peel region, request a property appraisal from Beshay Realty to discuss your property, likely market position and a tailored selling strategy.