The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Benowa (and How to Prepare)
The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Benowa (and How to Prepare)
When homeowners search costs of selling a house or hidden fees selling home, many focus on agent commission — but in Benowa, several less obvious expenses can significantly impact your final proceeds. As one of the Gold Coast’s established, lifestyle-oriented suburbs with quality family homes and growing investor interest, planning ahead for all selling costs is crucial to a smooth and profitable sale.
1) Commission is just the beginning
Agent commission in Queensland is negotiable and usually varies based on property value and marketing strategy. While this fee is often the first thing sellers consider, it’s only part of the full sales cost.
Marketing expenses — such as professional photography, property videos, floorplans, premium listing placements, and paid social advertising — are typically paid upfront and charged separately from commission.
How to prepare: Request a detailed, written breakdown of all commission and marketing costs before you sign an agency agreement.
2) Marketing costs can grow mid-campaign
Benowa’s diverse housing mix — ranging from canal-front estates in Benowa Waters to established homes near schools and parks — means competition varies across segments. If buyer interest slows or competing listings rise, sellers sometimes choose to extend premium listings, refresh imagery, or boost digital advertising during the campaign.
How to prepare: Agree on a clear marketing budget and review checkpoints before going live to avoid reactive decisions later.
3) Mandatory disclosure documentation
One of the most commonly overlooked selling costs in Queensland is seller disclosure documentation.
Form 2 – Seller Disclosure Statement is required for all residential property sales.
Form 33 – Body Corporate Disclosure Statement applies when selling a townhouse or unit.
These documents are usually prepared by your solicitor or conveyancer and are paid for by the seller. For units or townhouses, the Form 33 disclosure may also require up-to-date body corporate records, which can involve administrative fees.
How to prepare: Engage your solicitor early and allow for disclosure costs before your property is listed.
4) Body corporate and strata costs
While Benowa is predominantly homes, there are townhouse and unit developments — particularly around Benowa Waters and nearby precincts — that come with body corporate levies. Buyers often scrutinise levies, sinking fund balances, insurance, and planned capital works, which can affect negotiation and timing.
How to prepare: Have recent body corporate records, levy notices, and related documentation ready to share with prospective buyers.
5) Legal, finance, and settlement fees
Even seemingly straightforward transactions usually include:
solicitor or conveyancing fees
mortgage discharge fees charged by your lender
electronic settlement and identity verification charges
Individually modest, these costs can quietly add up and affect your final take-home amount if unplanned.
How to prepare: Ask your solicitor for a full cost estimate and confirm mortgage discharge fees with your lender early.
Benowa market snapshot
Benowa is a well-established Gold Coast suburb prized for its leafy streets, canal-side living, and proximity to shops, parks, and transport. The median house price sits around $1.7 million to $1.8 million, while units and apartments typically fall near the $880,000–$920,000 range. Both segments have experienced modest price growth and strong rental demand, making Benowa appealing to both owner-occupiers and long-term investors.
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 your sale — giving you clarity and confidence throughout the process.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or property advice. Costs, prices, and market conditions vary by property type and individual circumstances. Sellers should obtain independent legal and financial advice before proceeding.