Working in real estate requires the right qualifications and licences. Each state in Australia has different real estate licence types, training requirements and regulations. Whether you want to sell properties, manage rentals or run your own agency, you must meet eligibility requirements and complete the correct training.[ez-toc]
A real estate licence allows you to sell, lease and manage properties in Australia. Each state has different licence types and requirements. To qualify, you must complete an approved course, pass background checks and meet eligibility requirements. Some roles need extra training or experience. You must also renew your licence regularly and complete continuing professional development to stay compliant.
To work in the real estate industry, you need the right licence. Each state and territory in Australia has different licence types. These licences determine what you can and cannot do in the property sector. Below is a breakdown of the main types of real estate licences.
A full real estate agent licence allows you to:
To get this licence, you must:
These requirements can vary depending on the state or territory you are applying in. You should always check the local authorities' rules before applying.
Restricted licences apply to specific roles in real estate. These include:
The requirements for restricted licences vary. Some require a certificate of registration, while others need higher qualifications.
A corporate real estate agent licence is for businesses, not individuals. It allows companies to:
At least one licensee in charge must hold a full agent’s licence to manage the business.
Each state and territory has different requirements for real estate licences. The table below outlines key differences:State/TerritoryFull agent licenceRestricted licenceCorporate licenceNSWClass 1 or 2 real estate agent licenceProperty manager, auctioneerRequired for agency businessesVICEstate agent’s licenceAgent’s rep (restricted)Required for agency businessesQLDReal estate agent’s licenceProperty manager, auctioneerRequired for agency businessesWAReal estate agent’s licenceProperty manager, business agentRequired for agency businessesSALand agent’s licenceProperty manager, sales repRequired for agency businessesTASProperty agent licenceProperty manager, auctioneerRequired for agency businessesACTClass 1 or 2 licenceAssistant agent (restricted)Required for agency businessesNTAgent’s licenceProperty manager, auctioneerRequired for agency businessesBefore applying, check the specific eligibility requirements in your state. Each state has different processes, fees and conditions.
To get a real estate licence, you must meet certain education and qualification requirements. These vary by state and the type of licence you need. Most licences require formal training through a registered training organisation (RTO).
The minimum qualification depends on the type of licence.
You must complete your training through an RTO approved by your state’s licensing body. When selecting an RTO, check that it:
Some states list approved real estate courses on government websites.
If you have experience in a related field, you may be eligible to apply for a licence through mutual recognition. This applies if you:
If you don’t meet these criteria, you may need to complete the application for a new licence and complete extra training. Some states let you apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) to reduce study time.Before applying, check your eligibility requirements to see which qualification suits your goals. To further streamline the application process, sign up for a free Business Kitz account to securely store and manage your documentation.
To apply for a real estate licence, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. These vary by state but generally include age, residency, experience and background checks.
Most states require applicants to:
Some restricted licences, such as an assistant agent, may not require experience.
You must pass a criminal history check before getting a licence. Each state assesses offences differently, but a found guilty verdict for an offence involving fraud, dishonesty or financial crime may disqualify you.Most states also check financial integrity. You may not qualify if you are:
Each state has unique rules. Some require a licensee in charge to have extra training, while others require additional financial checks. If you held an equivalent licence in another state or territory, you may apply for mutual recognition instead of starting from scratch.If you don’t meet the full criteria, you may need to:
Before applying, check your state’s full eligibility requirements to avoid delays.
The application process for a real estate agent licence varies by state, but the core steps remain the same. You must complete the education requirements, submit the right documents and pay the necessary fees.
To qualify, you must have completed an approved training course. The required qualification depends on the type of licence:
Courses must be completed through a registered training provider or registered training organisation (RTO), and some education requirements may vary depending on your state or territory rules.
You need to submit several documents, including:
If you hold an equivalent licence in another state or territory, you may apply for recognition instead of completing a full course.
You can apply for a licence online or by mail, depending on your state. Some states process applications through Service NSW or similar agencies.
Licence fees and processing times vary depending on the state or territory. Check the relevant government authority in your state or territory for more information on fees, application processing times and licence validity periods
Many applications face delays due to errors. Avoid these mistakes:
If your application is successful, you will receive your licence and can legally work as a real estate agent. If rejected, you may withdraw your application and reapply once you meet all requirements.Utilise Business Kitz to securely store your documentation and manage contracts and clients efficiently.
Real estate agents who hold a licence within one state may not need to start from scratch when moving to another. The mutual recognition scheme allows licensed agents to apply for a licence in another state without completing full training again.
Under mutual recognition, an agent who held an equivalent licence in one state can apply for the same or a similar licence in another state. This applies across all Australian states and territories. However, the new state may still require agents to meet local rules.To apply for mutual recognition, you must:
Always check local rules before you apply for a class 1 or class 2 real estate agent licence under mutual recognition.
To keep working in the real estate industry, you must renew your real estate agent licence on time. You must also meet continuing professional development (CPD) requirements and follow industry regulations.
Each state sets different renewal periods. Most require renewal every one to three years. If you do not renew by the deadline, you may need to reapply and meet new training requirements.Most states also require CPD to keep agents updated on laws and best practices. CPD involves:
Check with your state’s licensing body to confirm the CPD hours needed for your licence holder status.
If you hold a current restricted licence, you may need to apply for an upgrade to a full agent’s licence. To qualify, you must:
Once approved, you can manage real estate transactions, supervise staff and operate a real estate agency.
If you fail to meet renewal deadlines or training requirements, you may be disqualified from holding an estate agent’s licence. Always renew on time to avoid disruptions to your career.
The service type you need depends on your role. A full real estate agent licence lets you sell, lease or manage real estate. A restricted licence is for property managers, auctioneers or business agents. A corporate licence allows a company to operate a place of business and employ licensed agents.
Processing times vary by state. Some applications are approved within 14 days, while others take longer. In Victoria, licences are valid until 30 June the following year and must be renewed annually.
If you plan on buying or selling rural land, you may need a stock and station agent licence. This allows you to handle farm sales, livestock auctions and rural property leases.
Each state has different rules for applicants with past offences. If you had a conviction within the last decade, you may still qualify depending on the offence. You may need to apply for permission or provide extra documents.
Yes, you can transfer your licence under mutual recognition. You must apply in the new state and meet any extra requirements. Your current licence must be valid and issued within three years.
A class 2 licence allows you to sell and lease property under a licensed licensee in charge. To qualify, you must have successfully completed a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice through an approved training provider.
The Victorian Property Fund supports consumer protection and industry regulation. It covers claims against dishonest or failed agencies and funds public housing projects. Applicants in Victoria may need to contribute to this fund when applying for a licence.
A station agent can sell rural properties and livestock but may not handle residential real estate. If you want to sell homes or commercial properties, you need a real estate agent licence.
Most states require renewal every one to three years. If your licence expired within the last renewal period, you might need to reapply. Some states allow reinstatement without full retraining.
Yes, a property management licence allows you to lease or manage real estate. However, you cannot handle property sales without upgrading to a full real estate agent licence.
Yes, but you need a valid licence for the state where you work. If you move, you may transfer your licence under mutual recognition to work anywhere in Australia.
If you don’t renew on time, you may need to reapply and meet updated training requirements. Some states allow a grace period before full retraining is required. Always check renewal rules to avoid delays.
Running a real estate agency starts with the right agent licence. To qualify, you must meet eligibility requirements, complete formal training and pass background checks. Each state has different rules, so ensure you meet local licensing conditions before applying.Once licensed, you must renew on time and complete continuing professional development to stay compliant. If expanding to another state, you may apply for mutual recognition to transfer your licence.Managing legal paperwork can slow business growth. Business Kitz simplifies compliance with our Document library of over 100 ready-to-use legal templates, secure document storage via our Document vault and seamless digital signing for all contracts, forms and documents. Whether you are hiring staff, setting up policies or managing clients, Business Kitz helps keep your operations run smoothly.Take the next step toward building your real estate business and sign up for a free Business Kitz account today!Disclaimer: This content is intended to be used for educational and informational purposes only. Business Kitz does not offer legal advice and cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or suitability of its website content for a particular purpose. We encourage you to seek professional advice from a licensed professional and verify statements before relying on them. We are not responsible for any legal actions or decisions made based on the information provided on our website.Unless expressly stated otherwise, all content, materials, text, images, videos and other media on this website and its contents are the property of their respective copyright owners.
