Selling without an agent in the ACT is legal, popular and so much simpler than most owners expect! An agent's job is a set of separate tasks, and each has an easy home: some with you, some with your conveyancer and inspectors, and the rest with PLBO. Here's who does what.
Who does what in an ACT private sale
| Task | Who handles it | How |
|---|---|---|
| Contract and required documents | Your conveyancer or lawyer | prepared before advertising, as ACT law requires |
| Building, pest and EER reports | Licensed inspectors and an EER assessor | booked by you or your conveyancer |
| Pricing | You and PLBO | your PLBO property comparables report |
| Photos and presentation | You and PLBO | your own on Essentials; professional from Signature up |
| Advertising | PLBO | PLBO, Domain, view, homely, Soho, realty, onthehouse and allhomes*, plus buyers agents, Facebook campaigns and notifications |
| Enquiries and inspections | You | PLBO buyer messaging and inspection registration |
| Offers and negotiation | You | PLBO offer management |
| Exchange, deposit and settlement | Your conveyancer or lawyer | trust account and settlement |
What ACT law and practice say
- Owners can sell their own property. No agent is required.
- The contract comes first. Under the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003, the contract and its required documents must be ready before the property is advertised.
- The EER goes in every ad, including your PLBO listing.
- Cooling-off: five business days for private treaty sales, with 0.25% forfeited if a buyer withdraws; none at auction; waivable with a section 17 certificate.
- Leasehold land: ACT homes sit on crown leases, and your conveyancer includes the lease in the contract. Buyers are used to it, so it's business as usual!
Four skills that make a great private sale
1. Pricing from evidence
Open your PLBO property comparables report and weigh up your extras: the EER, solar, north-facing living, a renovated kitchen, a double garage, and distance to the town centre, light rail or a sought-after school.
2. Presenting the home
Show off Canberra living: sunny living areas, the garden, leafy streets and outdoor entertaining. Shoot on a crisp, clear day. Professional presentation is included from Signature up.
3. Hosting inspections
Two set times a week, every group registered in PLBO, reports on hand for serious buyers, and video walkthroughs for interstate buyers.
4. Negotiating
- Offers in writing through PLBO
- Compare the whole offer, including the settlement date and whether a section 17 certificate will be provided
- Respond calmly and consistently
- Keep your walk-away figure private
Handy phrases for talking with buyers
- "What's your lowest price?" "We've priced it on recent sales nearby. I'm happy to consider any written offer."
- "Can I see the reports?" "Absolutely! The building, pest and EER reports are all with the contract. I'll send them now."
- Several buyers keen: "We've had strong interest, so I'm inviting best written offers by Monday at 5 pm."
- Accepting: "Fantastic! Our conveyancer will arrange the exchange today."
Helpful extras
- A registered valuer, for a formal valuation
- A floor plan and video walkthrough, which are perfect for interstate buyers
- Your energy bills, which show off a strong EER in real dollars
You've got this!
PLBO gives you the exposure, tools and guidance, and you keep the commission. Compare packages on sell my house privately in ACT, or follow the ACT 8-week plan.
*Availability on allhomes.com.au may depend on the property's location, listing type and applicable portal requirements.