Real estate agent commission in Queensland: typical rates and what the Form 6 must say

Queensland has had no regulated commission rate since fee deregulation in 2014. Every rate is negotiated between you and the agent, and it must be written into the appointment form before the agent does any work for you. This guide sets out the typical ranges published by third parties, what pushes a rate up or down, and the rules in the Property Occupations Act 2014 that protect you.

Typical commission ranges in Queensland

Published estimates cluster between about 2.3 and 2.9 per cent of the sale price, with 2.5 per cent the figure most sources describe as common:

| Source and date | Figure | |---|---| | Reapit data via Elite Agent, six months to February 2026 | Average 2.33% in Queensland | | PropertyNow, 2026 | Usual range 2.3% to 2.9%, with 2.5% most common | | OpenAgent, Queensland fees page, 2026 | State average about 2.56%; Brisbane about 2.52% | | Canstar citing OpenAgent | Brisbane about 2.78% | | LocalAgentFinder, Central Queensland, 2026 | Regional example: 3.14% |

Two things stand out. First, the sources disagree by nearly half a percentage point for Brisbane alone, which is a reminder that these are averages of quoted or self-reported rates, not a market price. Second, regional Queensland sits consistently above the capital. Lower prices and fewer transactions mean an agent has to charge a higher percentage to earn the same fee per sale.

On a $900,000 Brisbane house, 2.5 per cent is $22,500 before GST and $24,750 with GST. The same percentage on a $550,000 Ipswich house is $13,750 before GST.

What moves the rate

• Sale price. Higher-value homes attract lower percentages because the dollar fee is already large. Agents selling above $2 million in inner Brisbane often quote under 2 per cent.
• Competition between agents. Suburbs with many active agents (most of inner and middle Brisbane, the Gold Coast coastal strip, the Sunshine Coast) tend toward the lower end. In a regional town with two agencies, there is less pressure on the rate.
• Method of sale. Auction campaigns sometimes carry a slightly higher commission to reflect the extra work, plus an auctioneer's fee of a few hundred dollars.
• Tiered or incentive structures. Some agents propose a base rate up to an agreed price and a higher rate on anything above it, for example 2 per cent to $900,000 and 10 per cent of the excess. These can align interests if the base is realistic. If the base is set low they are a way of charging more.
• Inclusions. A rate that includes photography, floor plans and portal listings is not comparable to one that charges them separately.

GST

Agents' commission attracts 10 per cent GST. Queensland's appointment form must state the commission as a GST-inclusive figure; the Real Estate Institute of Queensland reminds agents of this in its guidance on no standard commission in Queensland. When comparing quotes, ask each agent to state the rate with and without GST so you are comparing like with like.

What the Form 6 must contain

The Property Occupations Act 2014 requires a written appointment (the PO Form 6 for residential sales) before an agent can act for you or claim commission. Under the Act an agent who is not licensed, not authorised, or not properly appointed is not entitled to sue for, recover or keep any reward (Property Occupations Act 2014 s 89). The Form 6 must set out:

• the commission and when it is payable;
• the services the agent will provide;
• the expenses the agent may incur on your behalf, such as advertising, and when they are payable;
• the source and estimated amount or value of any rebate, discount, commission or benefit the agent may receive for those expenses (s 104(1)(c)(v)); and
• the type of appointment: open listing, sole agency or exclusive agency, and its term.

For a sole or exclusive agency on residential property the maximum term is 90 days per appointment, and an appointment with a longer term is ineffective from the start (ss 103, 110 and 112 of the Act; see the Queensland Government's guide to appointing an agent). You can reappoint the agent for further terms of up to 90 days each. If you agree to a term longer than 60 days, either party can end the appointment with 30 days' written notice after the first 60 days.

The difference between sole and exclusive agency is who gets paid if you find the buyer yourself. Under an exclusive agency the agent is paid regardless. Under a sole agency, you are not liable for commission if you sell privately. Most Brisbane campaigns use exclusive agency; it is a fair trade for a short term and a committed campaign.

Marketing costs are separate

Commission is usually only part of what you pay. Marketing in Brisbane typically runs from a few thousand dollars for a portal listing, photography and a signboard to well over $10,000 for a premium campaign with video and print. The Form 6 must itemise what you have approved and whether it is payable up front, at settlement or if the campaign is withdrawn. Our selling costs guide covers the other items.

How to negotiate

1. Get three written proposals with the commission stated with GST, the marketing itemised, and the agreement term stated.
2. Ask what the agent's last five sales in your suburb achieved against their initial guide. A strong negotiator with a slightly higher rate usually leaves you with more money than a cheap one.
3. Negotiate the term before the rate. A 60-day exclusive appointment keeps the agent focused and gives you an exit if the campaign stalls.
4. If you want a performance incentive, set the base at the realistic appraised price, not below it.
5. Get the final numbers into the Form 6 before signing. The form is the only thing that counts if there is a dispute.

Compare agents near you

Our Queensland suburb pages rank agents by sales in the suburb, days on market, price achieved and verified reviews, with the "why ranked here" line showing the inputs for each agent. Commission is not an input to the ranking and we never present commission figures as our own data until they come from settled sales we can see.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a standard commission rate in Queensland?+

No. Commission has been deregulated since December 2014. Every rate is negotiated and must be written into the Form 6 appointment before the agent starts work.

What is a typical commission in Brisbane?+

Published estimates for 2026 range from about 2.3 to 2.8 per cent of the sale price depending on the source. These are third-party averages, not our data, and rates vary with price and suburb.

Does the commission include GST?+

The Form 6 must state a GST-inclusive figure. Ask agents to quote both so you can compare proposals accurately.

How long can an exclusive agency run in Queensland?+

A maximum of 90 days per appointment for residential property. You can reappoint the agent for further 90-day terms.

Can I sell the property myself under an exclusive agency?+

You can, but the agent is still entitled to commission during the term. Under a sole agency you are not liable for commission on a private sale. Check which box is ticked on the Form 6.