From 1 January 2027, eligible agencies must be offered the choice to move at least 25 per cent of eligible sale listings to a lower tier under specified REA contracts. For property advertising costs in Bendigo, that means a lower-cost tier may be an option, but the right choice depends on the campaign and the buyers you need to reach.
It’s understandable to want clear figures before committing to a sale, especially when property advertising costs sit alongside other selling expenses. Separate the listing costs from optional promotion, such as buyer-database marketing, and include auction fees in your budget if you plan to sell by auction.
This guide explains how listing tiers and database promotion differ, what can shape your advertising budget, and how auction fees fit into overall selling costs. You’ll have a clearer basis for weighing visibility against spend in Bendigo’s property market.
Key Takeaways
- From 1 January 2027, eligible agencies must be offered the choice to move at least 25 per cent of eligible sale listings to a lower tier under specified REA contracts.
- Separate online listing costs from optional buyer-database promotion when weighing campaign visibility against your budget.
- In Victoria, vendors generally pay property advertising costs, and advertising rebates or discounts must be passed on to sellers.
Online listings and buyer-database promotion
Online listings and buyer-database promotion are distinct parts of a property campaign. Their value depends on the listing’s exposure, the intended buyers and the campaign scope.
Online listing prices and tiers
Realestate.com.au listing tiers set the level of online exposure purchased for a campaign. From 1 January 2027, eligible agencies must be offered the choice to move at least 25 per cent of eligible sale listings to a lower tier under specified REA contracts. This gives eligible vendors a lower-tier option, rather than a single required level.
Before agreeing to a package, compare the tier’s inclusions and placement, and ask whether buyer-database promotion is separate. Private-sale listing packages are another option, with costs shaped by the platform and exposure selected.
Negotiating and settling advertising costs
To manage advertising costs, agree on the campaign scope and payment terms before promotion begins. Ask the agent to itemise online listing fees, buyer-database promotion and other campaign expenses. A breakdown makes it easier to adjust the package or tier to suit your priorities. In Victoria, agents must pass advertising rebates or discounts on to sellers.
In Victoria, vendors pay property advertising costs in almost all cases, so advertising can remain an expense even if the property doesn’t sell. Whether charges can be deducted from settlement proceeds depends on the written payment arrangement, so don’t assume automatic deduction. Agree on the payment method before authorising the campaign, and keep the terms with your sale records.
Victoria property selling-cost budgeting
A Victorian sale budget can include advertising, agent commission, conveyancing, auctioneering and property preparation.
Photography and floor-plan costs in Bendigo depend on the property’s size and layout, as well as the number of images or plans required. Video, drone photography and virtual tours involve different production needs, so the campaign scope and property features shape the cost.
Other costs sit alongside marketing.
These are separate budget items, not a fixed package. For example, a vendor selling by auction may need to budget for auctioneer fees as well as advertising and legal work. A home that needs staging may also require a larger preparation allowance. The property’s condition and chosen sale method influence which costs apply.
For a clearer estimate, list each campaign item separately: listing, photos, floor plan, optional video or virtual tour, and any auction costs. Compare the proposed spend with your overall selling budget. This helps you discuss campaign inclusions without confusing advertising with legal fees, repairs or commission.

Bendigo agent fees for online property listings
Online listing charges are campaign expenses, separate from an agent’s commission. In Bendigo, agent commission averages around 2.2% of the sale price, while the online listing component depends on the selected platform tier and campaign inclusions.
That distinction matters when comparing quotes. A Victoria agent-fee calculator includes 10% GST in its estimates but excludes advertising and marketing charges. So a commission estimate alone won’t show the full cost of listing a property online.
For online listings, the main cost drivers are the platform, exposure tier and any added promotion. A campaign with buyer-database marketing or extra media has a different scope from a basic online listing. The property, target suburbs and intended audience can also guide the campaign mix.
Ask for a written breakdown separating commission from listing fees and other advertising items. Check which tier is proposed, what each charge covers, and whether promotion is optional. This lets you compare campaign inclusions on a like-for-like basis instead of judging the quote by its total alone.
Budgeting for property advertising costs in Bendigo also means knowing when each expense is payable. The listing arrangement should set out the agreed advertising costs and payment terms. Keep these separate from commission in your sale budget, particularly if the campaign includes several online or promotional components.
For a property-specific discussion alongside your sale planning, arrange a free, no-obligation property appraisal.
Ollie James Real Estate
Ollie James Real Estate helps Bendigo vendors consider advertising options as they plan a residential property sale. If you’re weighing online exposure against your budget, discussing the campaign and its costs can clarify what you’re agreeing to before your property is marketed.
A free, no-obligation appraisal can also provide a starting point for considering your sale plans and likely budget. The right advertising mix depends on the property, its intended buyers and the campaign you choose, so it helps to connect these decisions rather than view listing fees in isolation.
For guidance on selling your Bendigo property, contact Ollie James Real Estate.
Set your campaign up with confidence
Your next step is to connect the campaign with what you want to achieve from the sale. A clear brief can guide decisions about buyer reach, presentation and online exposure while keeping your budget in view. Planning for property advertising costs in Bendigo is easier when you consider these choices together, rather than making each decision under pressure.
Ollie James Real Estate supports clients with residential property sales, land sales and property management. If you’re preparing to sell, a conversation can help you consider your property’s marketing needs alongside your wider plans. Plan your Bendigo property campaign with Ollie James Real Estate and take the next step with greater clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask my agent for a cheaper listing tier?
Yes. Ask your agent to show how the lower tier would present your property compared with the proposed alternative. Compare the listing preview and included exposure features, then decide whether the added prominence suits your campaign aims. This gives you a practical basis for discussing the options instead of relying on a tier name alone.
Do I pay for marketing upfront?
The payment date depends on your campaign arrangement. Before approving it, ask when an invoice will be issued and whether payment is due as a single amount or in stages. Add the agreed dates to your sale budget alongside other planned expenses. This helps you manage cash flow while the property is being prepared and marketed.
Do real estate agents pay for advertising?
An agent may organise the advertising, but placing the order doesn’t by itself establish who pays the bill. The campaign authorisation should identify the approved advertising items and who is responsible for each charge. If the campaign changes, keep a record of the revised items and costs so you can match the final account to what you agreed.
How much does it cost to sell a house in Victoria?
There isn’t one total that applies to every Victorian house sale. Build a property-specific budget by separating confirmed expenses from optional choices and any work you decide to undertake. Note when each item is payable, too, so costs due before settlement aren’t confused with amounts handled later. This makes the overall figure easier to manage as plans develop.
How much does it cost to advertise and market a property?
The campaign total depends on the advertising and media selected for the property. Ask for production costs, such as photos or video, to be itemised separately from placement costs for publishing and promoting the listing. A breakdown shows which parts are essential to the campaign and which can be adjusted before you approve the spend.