Selling without an agent in the Northern Territory 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 the rest with PLBO. Here's who does what.
Who does what in an NT private sale
| Task | Who handles it | How |
|---|---|---|
| Approved contract of sale | Your conveyancer or lawyer | the NT approved form |
| Pool compliance | You | a compliance certificate, the documents for older pools, or a statutory declaration |
| 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 |
| Deposit and settlement | Your conveyancer or lawyer | trust account and settlement |
What NT law and practice say
- Owners can sell their own property. No agent is required.
- An approved contract form is used for property sales in the NT (NT.GOV.AU).
- Cooling-off: four business days for non-auction sales, which can be waived, reduced or extended by agreement.
- Pools and spas: compliance documentation or a statutory declaration is required for residential sales (NT.GOV.AU).
Four skills that make a great private sale
1. Pricing from evidence
Open your PLBO property comparables report and weigh up your extras: a pool, an elevated breezy design, cyclone shutters, solar, a big shed, and distance to the foreshore or the city.
2. Presenting the home
Show off Territory living: shade, breezes, the pool and outdoor spaces. Shoot on a clear dry-season day. Professional presentation is included from Signature up.
3. Hosting inspections
Two set times a week, every group registered in PLBO, and video walkthroughs for interstate buyers relocating for work.
4. Negotiating
- Offers in writing through PLBO
- Compare the whole offer, including the settlement date, which is important for relocating buyers!
- 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."
- Interstate buyer: "I'd love to show you around by video. When suits you?"
- 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 prepare the contract today."
Helpful extras
- A pre-sale building and pest report, which gives buyers confidence (termite checks are valued in the Top End!)
- A registered valuer, for a formal valuation
- A floor plan and video walkthrough, which are perfect for interstate 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 NT, or follow the NT 8-week plan.
*Availability on allhomes.com.au may depend on the property's location, listing type and applicable portal requirements.