The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Main Beach (and How to Prepare)
The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Main Beach (and How to Prepare)
If you’re selling in Main Beach, the headline price can look fantastic — but the net result (what lands in your account) depends on the quieter costs that add up fast. In a premium market, even small percentage-based fees become big dollars.
1) Agent fees and marketing — the “big two”
Most sellers focus on commission, but the total selling cost is usually a combination of commission + advertising/marketing spend. Commission in Queensland is commonly negotiated as a percentage of the sale price, and marketing can range from modest to premium depending on your strategy (photos/video/floorplan/online features).
Tip: In Main Beach, high-quality presentation tends to matter more because buyers compare lifestyle, views, and building quality closely.
2) Conveyancing and settlement disbursements
You’ll typically pay a conveyancer/solicitor for the legal work plus settlement disbursements (searches/administration). Fees vary by complexity, but it’s smart to budget for professional costs rather than assuming “it’ll be minor.”
3) Unit-specific costs (Body Corporate records)
If you’re selling an apartment, there are often extra admin items — including obtaining Body Corporate information/certificates. In QLD, the government-set fee for a body corporate certificate (s205) is $84.10 (standard).
Tip: Order these early so contract timelines don’t get jammed up.
4) Mortgage exit and discharge costs (the sneaky one)
If there’s a mortgage, your lender may charge a mortgage discharge fee, commonly a few hundred dollars.
If you’re on a fixed rate, you may also face break costs, which can be significant and aren’t always obvious until you request a payout figure.
5) Pre-sale repairs, styling, and “buyer-proofing”
In Main Beach, buyers can be picky. Common pre-sale spends include:
Minor repairs and paint touch-ups
Professional styling or furniture hire
Window/glass, air-con servicing, grout/silicone refresh
These aren’t mandatory — but they can materially change your final price and days on market.
Is Main Beach still good for investment?
Main Beach remains appealing to investors due to lifestyle demand and limited supply. Rental yields reported across the suburb sit roughly around ~2.9% (houses) and ~3.2% (units), and units have shown strong buyer activity.
For sellers, that investor demand can translate into competition when your property is priced and presented correctly.
Simple pre-sale budget checklist
Before you list, get figures for: commission + marketing, legal costs, Body Corporate certificates (if applicable), mortgage payout/break costs, and a presentation allowance.
Call Norton's Real Estate
If you’d like a clear “sell cost breakdown” and pricing strategy tailored to your home (house or unit), we’ll map out the best plan to protect your net result.
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 accountant before proceeding.