What sellers need to know
- Monthly berth or mooring
- Insurance
- Cleaning and inspections
- Scheduled maintenance
Asking price isn’t your take-home amount
An illustrative calculation, not a valuation or a typical commission quote. All amounts are AUD.
- Advertised asking price$200,000A starting position, not a completed sale
- Agreed sale price$185,000Use the amount actually agreed
- Less example deductions
- Selling costs
- $12,000
- Preparation & holding costs
- $5,000
- Finance payout
- $40,000
- Illustrative net proceeds$128,000$185,000 − $12,000 − $5,000 − $40,000
Use your own quotes, payout figure and any applicable tax or other transaction costs. Avoid counting the same expense twice.
Yacht Broker Commission, GST and Minimum Fees
Do not compare headline commission rates in isolation. Ask whether GST is included, whether there is a minimum commission and whether photography, advertising, detailing, storage or transport will be charged separately.
Put every charge into a net-proceeds calculation at several possible sale prices.
Yacht Marketing, Preparation and Holding Costs
Berth fees, insurance, routine cleaning and mechanical attention continue while the yacht is listed. An unrealistic price can cost more in holding expenses and deterioration than a carefully supported adjustment made early.
- Monthly berth or mooring
- Insurance
- Cleaning and inspections
- Scheduled maintenance
- Finance interest where applicable
Brokerage Cancellation and Shared Commission Terms
Ask whether commission changes when another broker introduces the buyer and whether fees remain payable after the authority ends. If the agreement can be cancelled, understand notice periods and reimbursement of marketing expenses.
Calculate Net Proceeds at Three Sale Prices
Model a quick-sale, expected and optimistic outcome. For each one, subtract commission, GST where applicable, paid marketing, preparation, likely survey concessions, finance payout and holding costs to the expected settlement date.
This exposes false savings. A lower percentage can produce a weaker net result if the broker has poor reach, the campaign runs longer or the authority includes a high minimum fee.
- Use the same GST treatment for every proposal
- Include the minimum fee where it exceeds percentage commission
- Model at least one longer-than-expected campaign
Ask Which Costs Need Approval
The authority should explain which expenses are included, which require prior approval and which are payable even if the yacht does not sell. Ask for dollar amounts or caps rather than accepting broad phrases such as premium marketing.
Audit the Settlement Statement
Before settlement, request a draft statement showing the price, deposit, commission, marketing, authorised deductions, lender payment and balance due to you. Reconcile it against the signed authority and contract before possession changes hands.
Yacht Broker Fees and Commission in Australia FAQs
What costs should I include when selling a yacht?
Include broker commission, GST treatment, marketing, photography, detailing, repairs, slipping, berth or mooring fees, insurance, finance payout and settlement costs.
Is yacht broker commission the only fee?
Not always. Some agreements include a minimum commission or separate advertising, photography, preparation and cancellation charges. Request the complete schedule in writing.
How do I compare two yacht broker proposals?
Calculate likely net proceeds at several sale prices and timeframes rather than comparing commission percentages alone.
This independent guide is general educational information. Verify current registration, legal, tax, insurance and professional requirements for your vessel and transaction. Read our editorial policy.