When it comes to advertising your property on realestate.com.au (REA), one of the most important choices you'll make is deciding between a standard listing and a premium listing. These two options offer very different levels of exposure and cost, and understanding these differences is crucial—especially for private sellers. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, with a focus on the REA premium listing fees and the actual value they provide compared to standard listings.
How Does a Standard REA Listing Work?
A standard REA listing is the most basic and affordable listing type on realestate.com.au. It allows you to post your property for sale with all the essential information: property description, images, price, and contact details.
However, there are limits to its visibility. Standard listings typically appear toward the bottom of search results. Unless your property is newly listed or searched for using very specific filters, it can easily get buried among hundreds of other listings.
Here are a few key characteristics of a standard REA listing:
- Basic exposure on search results
- No premium placement in user feeds
- Lower cost compared to upgraded listings
- Suitable for low-competition markets or smaller budgets
If you're in a regional or slow market, a standard listing might suffice. But in competitive urban areas, where properties flood the site daily, standard listings may not get the traction needed to generate serious inquiries.
What Makes a Premium Listing Different?
A premium REA listing is a step above—actually, several steps above. These listings are designed to capture attention and offer maximum exposure on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Premium listings appear higher in search results, often above standard and even feature listings. This prime positioning dramatically increases your property's visibility, click-through rates, and ultimately, your chances of selling faster and at a better price.
Here’s what you typically get with a premium listing:
- Top-of-page placement for longer durations
- Larger thumbnail images and more prominent branding
- More exposure across the site (including in “Suggested Properties”)
- Access to enhanced analytics and campaign performance data
- Boosted mobile visibility
These upgrades come at a cost, which brings us to a key consideration: REA premium listing fees.
How Much Do REA Premium Listing Fees Cost?
REA premium listing fees vary based on location, competition, property type, and market demand. For instance, listing a premium home in Sydney or Melbourne will cost significantly more than doing the same in a rural town.
On average:
- Standard listings may cost between $200 and $500.
- Premium listings can range from $1,200 to over $3,000, depending on your suburb and property type.
These fees are one-time payments for a specific duration, usually between 30 to 60 days. Some sellers see this as an investment rather than a cost—especially if premium exposure means fewer days on market and a higher selling price.
At For Sale By Home Owner, we offer private sellers direct access to REA's standard and premium listings through our tailored packages. This allows sellers to avoid traditional agent commissions while still leveraging the top-tier visibility that premium listings provi.
Is a Premium Listing Worth the Investment?
The real question is whether the added visibility justifies the REA premium listing fees. For many sellers, especially in high-demand markets, the answer is a resounding yes.
Studies have shown that premium listings receive significantly more clicks, views, and inquiries than standard listings. The more exposure your property gets, the higher your chances of attracting genuine, qualified buyers. That could translate into a quicker sale and a better price.
Some situations where premium listings make sense include:
- Selling in a competitive suburb
- Time-sensitive sales
- High-value properties
- Properties with unique features that need extra attention
If your marketing budget allows, going premium can be the difference between a slow, stagnant campaign and a fast, successful sale.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between a standard and premium listing depends on your budget, timeline, and market conditions. If you're looking to maximise visibility and engagement, then investing in a premium listing may be the smartest move.
However, if you're not in a rush or your property is in a less competitive market, a standard listing—paired with strategic promotion—can still yield solid results.
For Sale By Home Owner helps sellers make informed decisions about which listing type suits their situation best. Whether you choose standard or premium, we ensure that your listing is presented professionally and reaches the right audience.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between a standard and premium REA listing is essential when planning your property sale. While standard listings offer an affordable entry point, premium listings provide the visibility needed to compete in busy markets—but at a higher cost.
Ultimately, evaluating the benefits against the REA premium listing fees is about understanding the value of exposure and how much you’re willing to invest to sell faster and for the best price.
If you're unsure which listing type is right for your situation, reach out to the For Sale By Home Owner team. We can help you navigate REA’s options and ensure your property gets the attention it deserves.
