Local commercial agency with a small team
Open a small office agency with a couple of agents, covering leasing, sales and property management for businesses in your area.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A local agency with a shopfront or small office and a small team. You list and lease commercial premises, sell investment properties and may offer rent collection and lease management. A visible local office helps you win listings from owners who prefer an established presence.
Your first three steps
- Confirm the licensee-in-charge requirements with your state or territory licensing body and who in the team will hold them
- Build a budget for rent, fit-out, insurance, software and a few months of running costs before commissions arrive
- Win a handful of listings or management appointments before opening, and talk to local accountants and solicitors about referrals
Who pays
Landlords and investors, owner-occupiers selling premises, and businesses looking for a new shop, office or warehouse.
How it makes money
Commission on sales and leasing fees, plus an ongoing management fee on properties you look after, which smooths out income between deals. Team members may be paid a share of commission.
Skills that help
- Sales and negotiation
- Leading and coaching agents
- Local market knowledge
- Marketing and managing client relationships
Watch out for
- Licensing, trust account and record-keeping rules differ by state and territory, so check them carefully
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire, plus employment versus contractor arrangements for agents
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Commission income is uneven, and a lease on premises is a fixed cost, so check cash flow first
- Marketing claims and disclosure obligations on listings
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local commercial agency with a small team
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a commercial real estate agency?
Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your office, lease and set-up. A lease is a fixed cost, so check your cash flow before committing.
How much revenue can a small commercial agency make?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your team, listings and the deals you close. Commission income is uneven, so plan for quieter months.
What rules should I check before opening a commercial agency?
Check licensing, trust account and record-keeping rules, which differ by state and territory. Also check workers compensation once you hire, employee versus contractor arrangements for agents, professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and marketing and disclosure obligations on listings.
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