The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Burleigh Waters (and How to Prepare)
The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Burleigh Waters (and How to Prepare)
Burleigh Waters is one of those Gold Coast suburbs where buyers pay a premium for lifestyle, water proximity, and liveability—but when you sell, the “sold price” isn’t the full story. What matters is your net result, and that’s where the hidden costs of selling a house can creep in.
Burleigh Waters snapshot (why costs feel bigger here)
Over the last year, Burleigh Waters median prices have been reported at around $1,830,000 for houses and $942,500 for units, with rental yields shown at about 3.8% (houses) and 4.8% (units).
That mix of owner-occupiers and investors means your presentation, price strategy, and contract readiness can directly affect competition—and your final sale outcome.
1) Agent commission + marketing spend (the “two-part” cost)
Most sellers think about commission, but marketing is where budgets can drift. A strong Burleigh Waters campaign often includes professional photography, floorplans, signboard, database marketing, premium online placement, and paid social.
Hidden fee risk: late “add-ons” (extra photography, video, boosted advertising) after you’re already live.
How to prepare: ask for an itemised marketing schedule upfront, so you can choose what’s essential and what’s optional.
2) Conveyancing and settlement disbursements
Legal fees are unavoidable, but sellers often underestimate the extra small items: searches, settlement adjustments, administration costs, and contract variations if negotiations get detailed.
How to prepare: ask your solicitor/conveyancer for a total estimate including disbursements, not just the base fee.
3) Unit/townhouse extras (Body Corporate costs + delays)
If you’re selling a unit or townhouse, buyers (and their solicitors) will want body corporate information early. In Queensland, the body corporate certificate fee is prescribed (and there’s an extra fee for priority turnaround).
Hidden cost risk: paying priority fees because documents weren’t ordered early—and losing momentum if the buyer is ready to sign but can’t complete due diligence.
How to prepare: order certificates and key records before you launch.
4) Mortgage discharge fees + possible break costs
If there’s a mortgage, lenders commonly charge mortgage discharge / settlement fees. If you’re fixed-rate, break costs can be the big surprise.
How to prepare: request a payout figure early and ask directly: “Are break costs likely?”
5) Pre-sale presentation: small spends that protect your price
In Burleigh Waters, buyers compare hard—especially with homes near water, schools, and shopping. Pre-sale spends often include: pressure cleaning, paint touch-ups, minor repairs, garden tidy-up, and light styling (entry + living + master).
How to prepare: spend where buyers feel it most: street appeal and main living spaces.
Sell with clarity — Norton’s Real Estate
If you’d like a simple “net sheet” showing likely selling costs and a tailored plan to protect your result in Burleigh Waters, we’ll map it out clearly before you list.
Disclaimer
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Costs vary by property type, lender, body corporate requirements, and selling method. Always obtain independent advice from your solicitor/conveyancer and financial adviser.