TL;DR
In Queensland, you can legally sell without an agent. You will still need a solicitor for the contract. The two main paths are: private sale (you manage marketing and negotiations yourself) or a direct cash sale to a buyer like Eleva Property (no marketing, no open homes, settlement in 2–6 weeks). A direct sale trades some price for certainty and speed.
Is It Legal to Sell Without an Agent in Queensland?
Yes. Queensland law does not require you to use a licensed real estate agent to sell your property. You are free to sell privately — to a known buyer, through your own marketing, or through a direct buyer — as long as the sale is documented correctly and handled by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
What you cannot do is act as an agent for someone else's property without a real estate licence. But selling your own property is a different matter entirely.
What You Still Need — Even Without an Agent
Removing an agent from the process does not remove legal requirements. The following still apply:
- A solicitor or conveyancer to prepare the contract of sale (Form 1 in QLD) and manage the settlement process. Budget $800–$1,500 for a straightforward residential sale.
- A disclosure statement — you must disclose known defects, body corporate levies (for strata), and any charges on the title.
- A cooling-off period — Queensland residential buyers get a 5-business-day cooling-off period unless it is an auction purchase or the period is waived by certificate.
- Building and pest reports — usually buyer-provided, but you may need to facilitate access.
- Any outstanding council notices or orders attached to the property must be disclosed.
Option 1: Private Sale — Managing It Yourself
A private sale means you handle everything an agent would normally do: photography, copywriting, listing (on platforms like realestate.com.au if eligible, or social media), open inspections, buyer enquiries, price negotiation, and contract coordination with your solicitor.
The upside: You save 2.5–3% agent commission, which on a $700,000 property is $17,500–$21,000. Marketing costs (professional photos, listing fees) are still $1,500–$4,000 depending on platform.
The downside: Managing inspections, fielding calls at all hours, and negotiating without experience can be time-consuming and stressful. Many private sellers accept lower offers because they lack comparable sales data or negotiating confidence. The net saving is often smaller than it looks.
Option 2: Direct Cash Sale
A direct sale to a property buyer like Eleva Property removes the entire marketing process. You receive an offer based on the property's current condition and comparable sales, negotiate if needed, and proceed to settlement — typically in 14 to 42 days.
The upside: Certainty. No open homes, no falling-through contracts, no extended days-on-market. If you have a tenanted property, need to settle an estate, are relocating, or simply want a clean and fast exit, a direct sale removes significant uncertainty.
The downside: The offer reflects current as-is value, not a post-renovation market value. If your property has significant renovation upside, you may achieve more through a joint venture or by completing a property reset before listing.
Comparing the Three Paths
| Factor | Agent sale | Private sale | Direct cash sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical timeframe | 6–12 weeks | 4–12 weeks | 2–6 weeks |
| Agent commission | 2.5–3% | Nil | Nil |
| Marketing costs | $2,000–$6,000 | $500–$3,000 | Nil |
| Open homes required | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price certainty | Market dependent | Market dependent | Agreed upfront |
| Effort required | Low | High | Very low |
| Suitable for renovated properties | Best option | Good option | As-is only |
| Suitable for distressed or estate sales | Possible | Difficult | Well suited |
How a Direct Sale with Eleva Works — Step by Step
- Contact us: Fill in the contact form or WhatsApp us. Provide the property address and a brief description of its condition and your timeline.
- Desktop assessment: We review comparable sales data and provide an indicative offer range within 24–48 hours. No obligation at this stage.
- Property inspection: If the range suits you, we arrange a brief inspection at a time that works for you or your tenant.
- Formal offer: We present a written offer with settlement terms. You can negotiate or take independent advice before accepting.
- Contract exchange: Your solicitor prepares the contract. We sign simultaneously. Cooling-off period applies unless waived.
- Settlement: Handled by both parties' solicitors. Funds clear to your account on settlement day.
When a Direct Sale Makes the Most Sense
A direct sale is the right choice when one or more of the following apply:
- You need to settle within 4–6 weeks (relocation, financial stress, estate administration)
- The property is tenanted and you do not want to manage open homes or tenant negotiations
- The property needs significant work and you lack the capital or desire to fund a renovation
- A previous sale campaign fell through and you want certainty this time
- You want to avoid agent fees and marketing costs entirely, even if it means accepting current market value
When a Direct Sale Is Not the Right Fit
If your property is in good condition and you have 8–12 weeks and the energy for a proper campaign, a traditional agent sale will likely achieve a higher sale price. If the property needs work but you want to maximise net proceeds, consider our Property Partnership — we fund the renovation and share in the upside, which typically outperforms an as-is direct sale by a meaningful margin.
Common Questions
Next Steps
If you are considering selling your SEQ property and want to understand all your options honestly — direct sale, private sale, JV partnership, or traditional agent — we are happy to talk through what makes the most sense for your specific situation. No pitch, no obligation.
Get in touch or read our full FAQ for more detail on how each service works.