The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Runaway Bay (and How to Prepare)
The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home in Runaway Bay (and How to Prepare)
When homeowners research costs of selling a house or hidden fees selling home, most focus on agent commission. In Runaway Bay, however, many of the true costs of selling are less obvious and only emerge once the process is underway. With a strong mix of waterfront homes, apartments, and long-held properties, understanding these hidden costs early can protect your final sale result and prevent unnecessary delays.
1) Commission is only part of the overall cost
Agent commission in Queensland is negotiable and varies depending on property type, price point, and demand. What sellers often overlook is that commission usually sits alongside marketing costs, which are typically paid upfront and are separate from the agent’s fee.
Marketing can include professional photography, floorplans, online listings, social media advertising, and buyer database promotion—particularly important in a lifestyle market like Runaway Bay.
How to prepare: Ask for a clear, written breakdown of commission and marketing costs before signing an agency agreement.
2) Marketing costs can increase mid-campaign
Runaway Bay attracts downsizers, lifestyle buyers, and investors. If buyer enquiry slows or comparable listings increase, sellers may choose to extend premium listings, refresh photography, or increase digital advertising during the campaign.
How to prepare: Set a defined marketing budget and agree on review points before going to market, rather than making reactive decisions later.
3) Mandatory disclosure costs: Form 2 and Form 33
A commonly underestimated selling expense in Queensland is seller disclosure documentation.
Form 2 – Seller Disclosure Statement is required for all residential property sales.
Form 33 – Body Corporate Disclosure Statement applies to units and townhouses.
These documents are usually prepared by a solicitor or conveyancer and are paid for by the seller. For apartments, Form 33 relies on current body corporate records, which may involve strata search or administration fees.
How to prepare: Engage your solicitor early and allow for disclosure costs before launching your campaign.
4) Body corporate and waterfront-specific costs
Runaway Bay has a high proportion of units and waterfront properties. Buyers often scrutinise body corporate levies, sinking fund balances, insurance arrangements, and planned maintenance—particularly in older or waterfront buildings. Sellers may also need to clear levy arrears or respond to additional due diligence requests.
How to prepare: Have levy notices, AGM minutes, and insurance certificates ready prior to listing.
5) Legal, finance, and settlement fees
Most sales also include:
solicitor or conveyancing fees,
mortgage discharge fees charged by lenders,
electronic settlement and identity verification costs.
While individually modest, these costs add up and can affect your net proceeds if not planned for.
How to prepare: Request a full estimate from your solicitor and confirm discharge fees with your lender early.
Runaway Bay market snapshot
Runaway Bay remains a tightly held coastal suburb, valued for its Broadwater access, marinas, and proximity to Harbour Town. Median house prices commonly sit around the mid-$1 million range, particularly for well-located or waterfront-adjacent homes. Unit prices often range from the high $600,000s to $800,000s, depending on outlook and building quality. Strong lifestyle appeal and consistent rental demand continue to make Runaway Bay attractive to both owner-occupiers and investors.
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.