When it comes to advertising property on realestate.com.au (REA), one of the most common options sellers choose is the standard listing. A standard listing on REA allows your property to be viewed on the platform without additional promotional features. It’s a great starting point for property owners who want to get their home in front of potential buyers but are working with a modest budget.
A standard listing typically appears further down the search results page. As newer or featured properties are added, your listing can get pushed lower. While it includes essential details like photos, descriptions, map location, and inspection times, it does not offer prioritised visibility or highlighting features.
For sellers using the For Sale By Home Owner platform, a standard listing provides entry-level access to REA’s vast buyer audience without the extra cost of promotion. However, it may require more time and effort to gain visibility among hundreds of competing listings in the same suburb.
What Are Featured Listings on REA?
A featured listing on REA takes your property promotion to a higher level. It is designed to stand out more prominently on search result pages and attract more attention from potential buyers. A featured listing typically sits above standard listings and includes visual enhancements that make the listing pop out.
Key features of a featured listing include:
- Priority positioning higher on search results
- A larger listing preview box
- Agent branding (or owner branding via platforms like For Sale By Home Owner)
- Highlighted visual elements (bold or coloured banners)
- More frequent exposure on REA’s homepage and suburb pages
These enhancements lead to higher click-through rates, increased enquiries, and faster sales. If you’re in a competitive suburb or selling a property that has unique features worth promoting, upgrading to a featured listing can be a strategic move.
How Do Standard and Featured Listings Compare?
Let’s break down the key differences between standard and featured listings in a simple comparison:
Feature |
Standard Listing |
Featured Listing |
Position in Search Results |
Lower |
Higher |
Visual Highlighting |
No |
Yes |
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Visibility |
Limited |
Expanded |
Branding Opportunities |
Basic |
Enhanced |
Enquiry Potential |
Moderate |
High |
Promotion Frequency on Suburb Page |
Standard |
Increased |
If you’re weighing up the REA listing cost breakdown, featured listings cost more upfront but can often lead to a faster sale, potentially reducing your property’s time on market and avoiding price reductions.
How Does the REA Listing Cost Breakdown Vary?
The REA listing cost breakdown depends on several variables:
- Property location: Listings in metro areas like Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne tend to have higher advertising costs than listings in regional towns.
- Listing type: As we’ve discussed, standard listings are the most affordable, followed by featured and then premiere listings (the top-tier promotional option on REA).
- Duration: Most listings run for a 30-day cycle. Some platforms offer extended periods at discounted rates.
- Agency or platform used: If you list directly through an agent, you may pay additional marketing fees. With platforms like For Sale By Home Owner, the cost is more transparent and often significantly lower.
A standard listing might cost a few hundred dollars depending on the suburb, while a featured listing can range from $600 to over $1,200 depending on your location and chosen add-ons.
Why Visibility Matters When Selling Privately
Whether you’re selling through an agent or on your own, visibility on realestate.com.au is crucial. It’s Australia’s most visited real estate website, and its ranking algorithm favours properties that are newly listed, frequently updated, or upgraded to featured or premiere status.
When using a DIY platform like For Sale By Home Owner, you want to get the most exposure without overspending. Choosing a featured listing may bring in more buyers in a shorter period. This means fewer open houses, fewer follow-ups, and ideally, a quicker negotiation process.
On the other hand, if your local property market has lower competition, a standard listing might suffice. The best approach depends on your suburb, target audience, and timeframe.
Which Option Suits Your Property?
Choosing between a standard or featured listing depends on your specific goals and budget.
- Go for a Standard Listing if:
- You’re in a less competitive area
- You’re not in a rush to sell
- You want to minimise upfront advertising expenses
- Opt for a Featured Listing if:
- You’re in a high-demand suburb with lots of competing listings
- You want to attract more enquiries quickly
- Your home has standout features like a pool, new renovation, or panoramic views
Sometimes, sellers choose to start with a standard listing and upgrade later if interest is low. However, the first few days of your listing are often the most critical for buyer attention—so launching with a featured listing can help you make a strong first impression.
Can You Get REA Featured Listings Without an Agent?
Yes, absolutely. Platforms like For Sale By Home Owner make it easy for private sellers to access REA’s premium advertising tools without using a traditional real estate agent. This allows you to maintain full control over your sale while still benefiting from the same promotional power agents use.
Through such platforms, you can:
- Choose between standard, featured, and premiere listing packages
- Upload photos, floorplans, and property descriptions
- Respond to enquiries directly
- Avoid hefty commission fees while still getting nationwide exposure
This is especially valuable for sellers who are confident handling buyer negotiations but still want access to REA’s powerful listing ecosystem.
Does a Higher Cost Always Mean Better Results?
Not necessarily. While featured listings generally attract more views, the success of your sale also depends on:
- The quality of your property photos
- A compelling and clear property description
- Realistic pricing strategy
- Timely responses to enquiries
Spending more on a listing doesn’t guarantee a sale—but it significantly increases your chances of attracting serious, qualified buyers faster.
Combining strong visuals with the added exposure of a featured listing can create a competitive advantage, especially in crowded markets.
Final Thoughts: Which REA Listing Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between a standard and featured listing comes down to how quickly you want to sell, how competitive your local market is, and your overall marketing budget.
If you’re just testing the waters or selling in a slower market, a standard listing might be enough. But if you want to maximise visibility and boost buyer interest, a featured listing is a smart investment.
Using a platform like For Sale By Home Owner allows you to manage the entire process independently while choosing the listing level that fits your needs—all while having a clear understanding of the REA listing cost breakdown before you commit.
By weighing your options carefully and understanding what each type of listing offers, you can take control of your property sale with confidence and clarity.
- What Are the Differences Between Standard and Featured Listings on REA?
- When it comes to advertising property on realestate.com.au (REA), one of the most common options sellers choose is the standard listing.
- REA listing cost breakdown
Related posts:







