Selling without an agent in Victoria is legal, popular and so much simpler than most owners expect! An agent's role is really a set of separate tasks, and each has an easy home: some with you, some with your conveyancer, and the rest with PLBO. Here's exactly who does what.
Who does what in a Victorian private sale
| Task | Who handles it | How |
|---|---|---|
| Section 32 and contract | Your conveyancer or lawyer | prepared and given to buyers before they sign |
| Pricing | You and PLBO | your PLBO property comparables report |
| Photos and presentation | You and PLBO | your own on Essentials; professional from Signature up |
| Listing description | You and PLBO | Generate with AI, plus your local detail |
| 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 |
| Deposit | Your conveyancer or lawyer | held in trust |
| Settlement | Conveyancers or lawyers | electronic settlement |
What Victorian law says
- Owners can sell their own property. No agent is required.
- The Section 32 comes first. It must be given to the buyer before they sign the contract, and it discloses the title, planning, outgoings, building permits from the last seven years, services and owners corporation details (conveyancing.com).
- Cooling-off applies to most private treaty sales: 3 clear business days from when the buyer signs, with $100 or 0.2% (whichever is greater) retained if they cool off (conveyancing.com).
- Acting for others is licensed. Selling for others as a business generally needs an estate agent's licence. Selling your own home doesn't.
Four skills that make a great private sale
1. Pricing from evidence
Open your PLBO property comparables report and review recent sales of similar homes near you. Weigh up your home's extras, such as period features, a renovated kitchen, off-street parking or solar, and set a confident price.
2. Presenting the home
Declutter, clean, add warmth in winter and brightness in summer. Professional presentation is included from Signature up. Generate with AI drafts the listing, and you add the details only you know.
3. Hosting inspections
Two set times a week, every group registered in PLBO, and the Section 32 shared with serious buyers so their conveyancer can review it quickly.
4. Negotiating
- Offers in writing through PLBO
- Compare the whole offer
- 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."
- Receiving an offer: "Thanks so much! Could you put it in writing with your deposit, conditions and settlement date?"
- Several buyers keen: "We've had great interest, so I'm inviting best written offers by Monday at 5 pm."
- Accepting: "Fantastic! Our conveyancer will send the contract across today."
Helpful extras
- A registered valuer, for a formal valuation
- A pre-sale building and pest report, which buyers appreciate
- A floor plan, which is quick, affordable and loved by buyers
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 VIC, or follow the Victorian 8-week plan.
*Availability on allhomes.com.au may depend on the property's location, listing type and applicable portal requirements.