The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Labrador (and How to Prepare)
The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Labrador (and How to Prepare)
Labrador is one of the Gold Coast’s most active, practical lifestyle suburbs — close to the Broadwater foreshore, shops, schools and transport. That demand is great for sellers, but the sale price isn’t the full story. What matters is what you net after the hidden fees of selling a home are taken out.
Labrador market snapshot (so your budget matches reality)
Recent suburb data shows median prices around $1,162,500 for houses and $770,000 for units in Labrador. Rents are reported around $830/week for houses (≈3.9% yield) and $700/week for units (≈4.3% yield), which is why Labrador attracts both owner-occupiers and investors.
1) Agent commission + marketing spend (the “two-part” cost)
Sellers often focus on commission, but marketing is the cost that creeps up if it isn’t locked in from day one. A comprehensive QLD marketing campaign is often $2,000+, depending on inclusions (photos, floorplan, premium portal upgrades, signage, paid digital).
How to prepare: ask for an itemised marketing schedule (what’s included vs optional upgrades) before you sign.
2) Conveyancing + settlement disbursements
Legal fees are unavoidable, but sellers commonly under-budget for the smaller extras: searches, settlement adjustments, admin charges, and contract variations.
How to prepare: request a total estimate including disbursements, not just the base conveyancing fee.
3) Unit/townhouse costs sellers forget (Body Corporate paperwork)
If you’re selling a unit or townhouse, buyers will want body corporate information quickly. In Queensland, a body corporate certificate fee is $84.10 (and there’s an extra fee if you need it within 24 hours).
Hidden cost risk: paying priority fees because documents weren’t ordered early — and losing buyer momentum while they wait.
4) Mortgage discharge fees + possible break costs
If there’s a mortgage, lenders often charge a discharge/settlement fee. And if you’re on a fixed rate, paying out early can trigger break costs.
How to prepare: request a payout figure early and ask the lender directly whether break costs apply.
5) Pre-sale presentation (small spends that protect your price)
In Labrador, buyers compare quickly. The best-value spend is usually:
pressure clean + gardens/entry
minor repairs (paint touch-ups, door hardware, silicone)
light styling in living + master
How to prepare: focus on the first 30 seconds: street appeal and the main living area.
Sell with clarity — Norton’s Real Estate
If you want a simple Labrador “net sheet” (likely selling costs + strategy to protect your result), 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 seek independent advice from your solicitor/conveyancer and financial adviser.