The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Carrara (and How to Prepare)

The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Carrara (and How to Prepare)

Carrara is a suburb where presentation, timing, and buyer competition can work strongly in a seller’s favour—but the real result is what you keep after the hidden selling costs come out. If you plan for them early, you avoid last-minute surprises and stay in control of your net figure.

Quick Carrara snapshot (so your budget matches the local market)

Current suburb reporting shows Carrara median sale prices around $1,200,000 for houses and $870,000 for units.
For investors, Carrara units have been showing solid rental performance, with realestate.com.au reporting unit rental yields around 4.6% and a median unit rent of about $800 per week (Feb 2025–Jan 2026).
That matters because many Carrara properties attract both owner-occupiers and investors, which can lift competition when your campaign is positioned correctly.

1) Commission + marketing (the biggest “bundle” cost)

Most sellers expect commission, but marketing is where budgets blow out—especially if you add upgrades late. Marketing can include professional photography, floorplans, signboards, premium web placement, database campaigns and social advertising. In Queensland, marketing costs vary widely depending on package and exposure level.
How to prepare: ask for a clear, itemised marketing plan up front—what’s essential, what’s optional, and what’s designed to attract Carrara’s buyer pool (families, downsizers, investors).

2) Legal conveyancing + settlement disbursements

Conveyancing fees are not optional, and small disbursements (searches/administration/settlement items) add up. The more complex the sale (units, special conditions, fast settlement), the more likely extra work is required.
How to prepare: budget a fixed allowance and confirm what’s included, especially if you expect contract changes during negotiations.

3) Unit/townhouse “extras” people forget

If you’re selling a unit or townhouse, there can be additional admin steps to obtain body corporate information, provide records, and answer buyer due diligence questions. These can cost money and (more importantly) time.
How to prepare: order body corporate information early so you’re not stuck when the buyer is ready to go unconditional.

4) Mortgage discharge fees + possible break costs

If there’s a loan, lenders often charge a discharge/settlement fee. If you’re on a fixed rate, break costs can be significant and are often a true “surprise cost” until you request a payout figure.
How to prepare: request your payout figure early and ask directly about break costs.

5) Presentation costs that protect your sale price

Carrara buyers compare quickly. Money spent on “confidence items” can improve offers:

• minor repairs (paint touch-ups, door hardware, silicone, lighting)

• pressure clean, lawns/gardens

• light styling (entry, living, master)

How to prepare: focus on first impressions and the main living zones—this is where buyers feel value most.

Sell with clarity (and keep more of your result)

If you’d like a simple Carrara “net sheet” (expected selling costs + strategy to protect your final figure), we’ll map it out before you list.

📧 nortons.re@gmail.com
📞 Steven Norton – 0488 496 777
📞 Lawrence Norton – 0415 279 807
🌐 www.nortonsrealestate.com

Disclaimer

This article is general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Costs vary by property, lender, and selling method. Always seek independent advice from your solicitor/conveyancer and financial adviser.