The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in New Farm (and How to Prepare)
The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in New Farm (and How to Prepare)
When homeowners search costs of selling a house or hidden fees selling home, most expect agent commission to be the main expense. In New Farm, however, the real costs of selling often extend well beyond that headline figure. As one of Brisbane’s most tightly held and lifestyle-driven inner-city suburbs, sellers can face a range of less obvious costs tied to presentation, disclosure, body corporate requirements, and legal compliance.
Understanding these early allows you to plan properly and protect your final sale result.
1) Commission is only part of the selling equation
Agent commission in Queensland is negotiable and varies depending on property type, price point, and demand. In New Farm, commission is typically only one component of the overall selling cost, with marketing expenses charged separately and usually paid upfront.
Marketing may include professional photography, videography, floorplans, premium online listings, and targeted digital advertising—particularly important in a high-expectation, design-focused suburb like New Farm.
How to prepare: Ask for a clear, written breakdown of commission and marketing costs before signing an agency agreement.
2) Marketing and presentation costs can escalate
New Farm buyers are discerning. Heritage homes, renovated apartments, and river-adjacent properties are closely compared, and presentation matters. Sellers are often surprised by the cumulative cost of styling, minor cosmetic repairs, professional cleaning, and mid-campaign advertising upgrades if buyer enquiry slows.
How to prepare: Prioritise high-impact presentation items and agree on a defined marketing budget with review points before launching.
3) Mandatory disclosure costs: Form 2 and Form 33
A commonly overlooked expense when selling in Queensland is seller disclosure documentation.
Form 2 – Seller Disclosure Statement is required for all residential property sales.
Form 33 – Body Corporate Disclosure Statement is required for units and apartments.
These documents are generally prepared by your solicitor or conveyancer and are paid for by the seller. In New Farm, where apartment sales are common, Form 33 often requires up-to-date body corporate records, which may involve strata search or administration fees.
How to prepare: Engage your solicitor early and budget for disclosure costs before your property goes live.
4) Body corporate and apartment-specific costs
New Farm has a high proportion of boutique and riverfront apartment buildings. Buyers frequently scrutinise levies, sinking fund balances, insurance coverage, and planned capital works. Sellers may need to clear levy arrears or respond to detailed due diligence requests during the contract period.
How to prepare: Have levy notices, AGM minutes, insurance certificates, and sinking fund summaries ready before listing.
5) Legal, finance, and settlement fees
Most sales also involve:
solicitor or conveyancing fees,
mortgage discharge fees charged by lenders,
electronic settlement and identity verification costs.
While individually modest, these fees can materially impact your net proceeds if not planned for early.
How to prepare: Request a full cost estimate from your solicitor and confirm discharge fees with your lender before listing.
New Farm market snapshot
New Farm remains one of Brisbane’s most prestigious inner-city suburbs, prized for its riverfront lifestyle, heritage charm, and proximity to the CBD. Median house prices commonly exceed $3 million, reflecting limited supply, while unit prices often sit around the $900,000 to $1.1 million range, depending on size, outlook, and building quality. Strong owner-occupier demand and consistent rental interest continue to support long-term investment appeal.
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 the sale process.
Disclaimer This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or property advice. Costs, prices, and market conditions vary depending on property type, building, and individual circumstances. Sellers should obtain independent legal and financial advice before proceeding.