frequently asked questions

What is Buy It Privately?

Buy It Privately is an affordable and user-friendly online service that allows vendors Australia-wide to list their properties for sale without employing the services of a real estate agent, meaning NO agent fees and NO commission fees.

Buy It Privately also provides a FREE accessible service for those looking to buy a property in Australia. Buyers can access a full range of up-to-date property listings and enjoy the flexibility of dealing direct with vendors, cutting out the real estate agent 'middle man'.

How does Buy It Privately work?

Vendors wanting to SELL a property in Australia simply click on the 'sell' button on the homepage and follow the step-by-step instructions to become a Buy It Privately member. You must register as a Buy It Privately member before you can list your property online.

To list your property there is a one-off fee of $150 + GST for a six month listing or $250 + GST for a 12 month listing. There are NO additional fees unless you choose to purchase a "Private Sale" billboard to erect out the front of your property for $50+ GST (includes delivery Australia-wide).

For a limited time only we are offering listings for just $50 + GST for 12 months. This is a saving of $200.

Once you have completed the registration process, you will be guided through the set-up of your listing by filling out the user-friendly templates. The template fields highlight the features and characteristics of your property including the size of your house and land plus specifics such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

You can load up to 20 photographs to showcase your property. Images must no larger then three megabytes.

Property information and photographs can easily be modified at any time by logging into the Buy It Privately members' area and updating the fields in the template.

Those looking to BUY property in Australia simply click on the 'buy' button on the Buy It Privately homepage to begin their property search. A map of Australia appears with the option to click through to a selected state as well as options to search within a particular suburb, for a distinct property type, such as a townhouse or acreage, and within a specific price range.

Buyers can register to become a Buy It Privately member to receive property alerts on listed properties that match what they're looking for.

Buy It Privately is a FREE service for buyers.

Why should I use Buy It Privately instead of going through a real estate agent?

The major benefit of using Buy It Privately is the huge savings you can enjoy with NO real estate agent fees and NO commissions. Typically, real estate agents charge up to three per cent commission, so if your property is valued at $350 000 this means a saving of $10 500.

Most real estate agents also recommend a marketing budget of one per cent of the property's value. Again, based on a property value of $350 000, this adds up to a fee of $3500.

Based on the above assumption, you could save $14 000 by listing your property on Buy It Privately. This money could be better spent on your new home.

To list your property for sale on Buy It Privately there is a one-off fee of $150 + GST for a six month listing or $250 + GST for a 12 month listing. There are NO additional fees unless you choose to purchase a "Private Sale" billboard to erect out the front of your property for $50 + GST (includes delivery Australia-wide).

For a limited time only we are offering listings for just $50 + GST or 12 months. This is a saving of $200.

Buy It Privately offers you control over the buying and selling process. You can arrange inspection times that suit you - not your real estate agent's schedule. You know your property better than anyone else, so who better to point out its features than you. Why employ a real estate agent to act as the messenger.

Dealing direct offers you instant first-hand feedback. An online buyer can access information and view photographs of your property before contacting you, ensuring the sales prospect is qualified.

Buy It Privately is simple and easy to use. Once you have registered to become a Buy It Privately member you can list your property for sale immediately without having to wait for appraisals or an agent to list it on the market for you. Being an online service Buy It Privately provides maximum exposure 24 hours a day, seven days a week to prospective buyers Australia-wide. You are not restricted to the opening hours of a real estate agent's office or local area marketing.

Buy It Privately is a FREE service for those looking to buy a property in Australia. Properties listed are always current with new listings daily. Buyers have the opportunity to view a property online before deciding to physically inspect the premises, ensuring time is not wasted on ill-suited prospects.

Buyers can become a Buy It Privately member to receive property alerts on listed properties that match what they're looking for.

If my property is listed on Buy It Privately how can I be sure it will be seen?

Buy It Privately is supported by a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes a mix of traditional and new media campaigns. The team at Buy It Privately is fully committed to 'getting the word out' as much as possible.

In addition to your listing, your property could also appear in Buy It Privately's 'featured properties' section on the homepage. Properties displayed as featured properties are determined by a rotation system and do not incur extra costs for the prominent positioning.

Those accessing Buy It Privately to buy a property can register to receive FREE property alerts notifying them when listed properties match their specifications. These specifications may be a specific location, a preferred style of home or a particular price point. Should your property match the requirements of a buyer, they will be notified immediately about your listing.

I am looking to buy a property, where do I start?

Buy It Privately offers a FREE service for those looking to buy a property in Australia.

To start looking for properties simply click on the 'buy' button on the Buy It Privately homepage. A map of Australia will appear with the option to click through to your selected state. If you know the postcode of the suburb or town that you're looking to buy in, enter this in the box below and press 'go'.

A list of properties that fall within your designated postcode will appear on the following screen. You can refine your search using the boxes to the left of the screen. The site allows you to search within surrounding suburbs and towns, for a distinct property type such as a townhouse or acreage, the number of bedrooms you require, your preferred land area and for properties in a particular price range.

When you find a property that matches what you're looking for, click on the profile to be taken to the full details. Here you can view additional photographs plus find out the exact location of the property in the Google Map below.

You will notice that some sellers list their contact details allowing direct contact while others include a 'contact seller' button. This approach facilitates communication via Buy It Privately's email server without revealing the seller's personal details. You may find however that after initial contact is made, the seller may choose to provide you with their direct contact details.

As a buyer you can also choose whether to reveal your contact details to the seller. When you select 'contact seller' it is up to you whether you fill in your name or email address in the message or leave this blank. Your message will be sent to the seller regardless. Buy It Privately's email server allows the seller to reply to your message without knowing your details. Again, you may find that after initial contact is made you may choose to provide your contact details.

Does it cost to search for a property on Buy It Privately?

There is NO cost to search for properties listed on Buy It Privately.

You can register to become a Buy It Privately member to receive alerts on listed properties that match what you're looking for. As soon as a property is listed that meets these specifications, you will be notified immediately by email. Buyer property alerts are a FREE service offered by Buy It Privately.

How do I register to receive free buyer property alerts?

If you are in the market to buy a property you can register to receive Buy It Privately's FREE buyer property alerts. You will be notified by email immediately once a property is listed that matches what you're looking for.

Simply register to become a Buy It Privately member by clicking on the 'Not a member? Sign up now' link on the homepage. This will take you to the members' registration area where you will be required to fill out the registration form with your details. When you have completed the form click the 'register' button to be guided through the remaining steps.

Once your membership is approved you can login to the Buy It Privately members' area to record information on the type of property you are looking to buy, your preferred town or suburb and your preferred price range.

You can login to the Buy It Privately members' area at any time to modify your property search criteria.

How do I contact the owner of a property?

You can contact the owner of a property via the details included on their property listing. Some sellers choose to list their telephone numbers and email address for direct contact, while others include a 'contact seller' button facilitating communication via Buy It Privately's email server. You may find that after initial contact is made, the seller may choose to provide you with their contact details to speed up the communication process.

Do I have to supply my contact details if I want to enquire about a property listing?

You can enquire about a property listing without revealing your contact details by using Buy It Privately's email server. When you select 'contact seller' leave the fields for your name and email address blank and just type your query in the space provided and click 'send'. Your message will be sent to the seller without listing who it's from. The seller simply replies to the message which is directed to your email inbox via Buy It Privately's email server.

What happens once I have bought a property on Buy It Privately?

Once you have bought a property, Buy It Privately recommends immediately contacting a conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the legal documentation and oversee the settlement process. Please visit our 'useful services' section for a list of businesses that can assist.

I want to sell my property, how do I get started?

Before you list your property on Buy It Privately it's important to have all legal paperwork complete including the contract of sale. Visit the 'conveyancers' and 'solicitors' links in our useful services section for a list of businesses that can assist with preparing the contract.

To get started on Buy It Privately simply click on the 'sell' button on the homepage and follow the step-by-step instructions. You will be taken to the members' registration area where you must register as a Buy It Privately member before you can list your property online.

To list your property for sale on Buy It Privately there is a one-off fee of $150 + GST for a six month listing or $250 + GST for a 12 month listing. There are NO additional fees unless you choose to purchase a "Private Sale" billboard to erect out the front of your property for $50 + GST (includes delivery Australia-wide).

For a limited time only we are offering listings for just $50 +GST for 12 months. This is a saving of $200.

Payments must be made in full by MasterCard, Visa or American Express before your property can be listed.

You will then be guided through the set-up of your listing by completing the user-friendly templates that highlight the features and characteristics of your property. This includes the size of your house and land plus specifics such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

You can load up to 20 photographs to showcase your property. Images must be no larger than three megabytes.

Property information and photographs can easily be modified at any time by accessing the Buy It Privately members' area and updating the fields in the template.

Sellers can login to the members' area as well as opt to receive fortnightly email updates highlighting the number of potential buyers watching your property, the number of enquires you have received, the number of times your property listing has been viewed and the last time your property listing was viewed.

How much will I save by selling my property on Buy It Privately?

The amount you will save by selling your property on Buy It Privately depends on the price of your property and the commission fees of the real estate agent. Typically, real estate agents charge up to three per cent commission, so if your property is valued at $350 000 this means a saving of $10 500.

Most real estate agents also recommend a marketing budget of one per cent of the property's value. Again, based on a property value of $350 000, this adds up to a fee of $3500.

Based on the above assumption, you could save $14 000 by listing your property on Buy It Privately. This money could be better spent on your new home.

How much does it cost to sell my property on Buy It Privately?

To list your property for sale on Buy It Privately there is a one-off fee of $150 + GST for a six month listing or $250 + GST for a 12 month listing. There are NO additional fees unless you choose to purchase a "Private Sale" billboard to erect out the front of your property for $50 + GST (includes delivery Australia-wide).

For a limited time only we are offering listings for just $50 + GST for 12 months. This is a saving of $200.

Once a listing has expired it can be extended for a further six months for $150 + GST or 12 months for $250 + GST. An email notification will be sent 30 days before the cut-off date, then seven days prior and again one day prior alerting you that your listing is due to expire.

Should your property sell within the six month or 12 month period, the extension is obviously not required.

What size is the Buy It Privately "Private Sale" billboard?

The Buy It Privately "Private Sale" billboard is a 600mm x 900mm corflute sign and points to www.buyitprivately.com.au for further information about the property.

What payment options are available to list my property on Buy It Privately?

Buy It Privately accepts MasterCard and Visa credit cards only.

Can I adjust my property listing once it's up on Buy It Privately?

Property listings can easily be modified at any time by logging into the Buy It Privately members' area and updating the fields in the template. You can make changes to the description of your property, its price and upload new photographs. This is a simple and straightforward process.

Do I need to include my contact details if I list my property for sale on Buy It Privately?

Buy It Privately provides sellers with the option to include their contact details in their property listing such as their name, contact telephone numbers and email address or withhold these details and facilitate communication through Buy It Privately's email server.

When communicating with an interested potential buyer, a seller may choose to provide their contact details or continue communication through the email server.

Does Buy It Privately assist in the sale of my property?

Buy It Privately does NOT assist in the sale of properties. We provide the necessary tools to connect buyers and sellers however do NOT offer advice or become involved in the private sale transaction. Visit our 'useful services' section for a list of handy resources that can assist this process.

Does Buy It Privately guarantee the sale of my property?

Buy It Privately does NOT guarantee the sale of properties. We have no influence over a property's price, location or condition which are key considerations when looking to purchase a property.

What happens once I have accepted an offer?

Once a seller has accepted an offer, Buy It Privately recommends immediately contacting a conveyancer or solicitor for legal transfers and advice. Please visit our 'useful services' section for a list of businesses that offer these services.

How long does my property stay on Buy It Privately after it's sold?

It is up to the seller to remove their listing from Buy It Privately once their property has sold. The seller may choose to remove their listing immediately or login to the members' area and mark their property as 'sold'. Once the property is marked 'sold' it will remain on Buy It Privately for two weeks. The property will otherwise remain on Buy It Privately until the six or 12 month listing duration expires.

Is there a limit to the number of properties you can list on Buy It Privately?

There is no limit to the number of properties you can list on Buy It Privately however there is a listing fee per property. To list your property for six months the listing fee is $150 + GST and for 12 months the fee is $250 + GST. For a limited time only we are offering listings for just $50 + GST for 12 months. This is a saving of $200.

What advertising packages does Buy It Privately offer?

Buy It Privately offers businesses exceptional advertising opportunities including banner advertising, page sponsorship, content integration and listings in our 'useful services' directory.

The Buy It Privately team can work with you to tailor a specific online campaign that ensures maximum exposure for your business and the services it offers. Should you need assistance with producing online artwork, our design experts can assist with efficient and cost-effective options.

How much does it cost to advertise on Buy It Privately?

Buy It Privately works closely with potential advertisers to develop online advertising packages specific to a company's marketing objectives and budget. The cost of an advertising package is unique to each advertiser and depends on these considerations. Please contact us if you would like a tailored advertising package developed for you.

Buy It Privately also offers an online directory of useful services where businesses can list their company details and information about their services for $100 + GST for 12 months. This is a cost-effective way to promote your business to an audience that requires accessible, convenient and reliable solutions to facilitate the buying and selling process.

How do I add my business in the 'useful services' directory?

You can instantly enter your business in Buy It Privately's 'useful services' directory by following the step-by-step process.

Firstly, you will need to sign up as a Buy It Privately member by clicking on the 'Not a member? Sign up now' link on the homepage. This will take you to the members' registration area where you are required to fill out the registration form with your details. When you have completed the form click the 'register' button to be guided through the remaining steps.

Once your membership is approved you can access the Buy It Privately members' area to 'add a directory listing'. The directory listing template will ask you what type of business you are (such as a conveyancer, solicitor, home loan provider, removalist, landscape gardener etc), the description of your business and your business's contact details.

Before you can list your business on Buy It Privately, the directory listing fee of $100 + GST for 12 months must be paid in full. Payments must be made via MasterCard, Visa or American Express.

When this process is complete your business listing will appear instantly in Buy It Privately's 'useful services' directory.

You can login to the members' area at any time to modify the details of your directory listing.

How many photographs can I include in my property listing?

You can load up to 20 photographs to showcase your property. Images must be no larger than three megabytes.