The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Ashmore (and How to Prepare)
The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Ashmore (and How to Prepare)
When homeowners search costs of selling a house or hidden fees selling home, most think agent commission is the biggest expense. In Ashmore, however, many sellers are surprised by the behind-the-scenes costs that only become apparent once the sale process is underway. With a strong mix of family homes, townhouses, and units, planning ahead for these common expenses can protect your return and reduce stress.
1) Commission is only one part of the bill
Agent commission in Queensland is negotiable and varies depending on property type, price point, and service level. While commission is often discussed first, it typically excludes marketing costs, which are usually paid upfront and charged separately.
Marketing may include professional photography, floorplans, online listings, videography, targeted social ads, and buyer database campaigns that help your property stand out.
How to prepare: Request a written breakdown of commission and marketing expenses before signing an agency agreement.
2) Marketing costs can increase mid-campaign
Ashmore attracts families, investors, and downsizers, creating competition at different price points. If buyer enquiry slows or comparable listings increase, sellers may opt to extend premium advertising, refresh imagery, or increase digital exposure during the campaign.
How to prepare: Agree on a defined marketing budget and set review checkpoints pre-launch to avoid costly reactive decisions.
3) Mandatory disclosure costs: Form 2 and Form 33
One commonly underestimated expense in Queensland real estate is seller disclosure documentation.
Form 2 – Seller Disclosure Statement is required for all residential property sales.
Form 33 – Body Corporate Disclosure Statement applies to units and townhouses.
These forms are typically prepared by your solicitor or conveyancer and are paid for by the seller. For townhouses or units, Form 33 draws on current body corporate information and may involve strata search or administration fees.
How to prepare: Engage your solicitor early and allow for disclosure costs before your property goes to market.
4) Body corporate and strata costs for townhouse/ unit owners
Ashmore has a number of townhouse and unit complexes that attract both investors and owner-occupiers. Buyers often scrutinise levies, sinking fund balances, planned works, and insurance arrangements. Sellers may need to clear levy arrears or respond to additional due diligence requests.
How to prepare: Gather recent levy notices, AGM minutes, insurance certificates, and building reports before listing.
5) Legal, finance, and settlement fees
Most sales also include:
solicitor or conveyancing fees,
mortgage discharge fees charged by lenders,
electronic settlement and identity verification costs.
Individually modest, these fees add up and can affect your final proceeds if not considered early.
How to prepare: Ask your solicitor for a full estimate and confirm discharge fees with your lender early in the process.
Ashmore market snapshot
Ashmore remains a highly sought-after suburb on the Gold Coast, prized for its schools, parks, and proximity to Broadbeach and Southport. Median house prices frequently sit in the mid-$900,000s to just over $1 million, while unit prices generally range from the mid-$500,000s to high-$600,000s, depending on size and location. Strong demand and relative affordability compared to neighbouring suburbs continue to make Ashmore attractive to both owner-occupiers and investors seeking long-term growth.
Sell with clarity and confidence
When you work with Norton’s Real Estate, selling costs are explained clearly from the outset, so there are no surprises at any stage of the sale process.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or property advice. Costs, prices, and market conditions vary depending on property type and individual circumstances. Sellers should obtain independent legal and financial advice before proceeding.