Relocating to the Gold Coast: a realistic budget checklist
A practical checklist
Relocating is exciting, but costs add up quickly if you do not map them early. Use this checklist to plan real numbers and keep a calm buffer if work is not locked in yet.
Selling in your current location
Agent commission, marketing, staging
Legal fees, mortgage discharge or break fees
Pre-sale repairs and compliance checks
Storage if dates do not align
Flights and freight
One-way airfares, extra baggage, unaccompanied luggage
International shipping or domestic removals, packing, insurance
Furniture and whitegoods
If changing style or moving to an apartment, buying on the Gold Coast is usually easier
Allow roughly AUD 6,000 to 10,000 for basic furniture for a three bedroom home
Allow up to AUD 50,00 or more for a more premium furniture package
Allow AUD 2,500 to 3,000 for essential appliances or up to AUD 10,000 for premium
Shipping and storage
International shipping part load often AUD 6,000 to 15,000. A 20 ft container often AUD 12,000 to 18,000, plus insurance or biosecurity if needed
Short term furniture hire can bridge a few weeks while you shop or wait for a shipment
Storage on either side if settlement or lease dates do not align
Landing and short stay
Serviced apartment or hotel for a period of time
Rental Car
Groceries and essentials
Renting a home
Rental bond, typically four weeks rent
Rent in advance, often two weeks
Utility connections, electricity, gas, internet
Contents insurance, any pet fees or cleaning
Application pack ready on day one, photo ID and proof of funds or employment
Buying a home
Deposit, building and pest inspection
Conveyancer or solicitor, searches and settlement adjustments
Transfer duty, lender fees, mortgage registration
Home insurance from unconditional date
Buyer’s agent fee if you engage one
Second removal if you rent first, reconnection costs
Gold Coast due diligence, flood checks and insurance quotes
Vehicles and transport
Car purchase or lease, stamp duty, registration, CTP
Insurance, toll account, public transport go card
If importing a car, include compliance, quarantine and registration steps
Kids and care
Childcare bond or enrolment fee, uniforms and supplies
School levies, uniforms, textbooks, laptop if required
Before and after school care setup
Life admin
Groceries and household setup, small appliances and furniture gaps
Phone plans and internet, mail redirection
Medicare, TFN, banking, licences and ID updates
Pet transport, registration, vet check and supplies
Banking and payments
Allow for FX margins and transfer fees if moving funds internationally
Contingency and income gap planning
If you do not have a job lined up, plan for 12 to 16 weeks of living costs to cover a typical search and onboarding
Minimum buffer three months of core expenses rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transport, insurance and schooling
Add a ten percent buffer across all one-off move costs
Keep at least one month of expenses in a fast-access account
If moving in peak season, add a peak pricing buffer. Short stay and car hire can add several thousand dollars over 2 to 4 weeks
Costs people forget
Peak season removalist surcharges
Strata or body corporate fees timing if buying an apartment
Locksmith and pest control on day one
Window coverings, whitegoods and outdoor items that do not fit the new home
Short notice pet boarding, quarantine or airline crate fees
Professional licences or blue cards if required for work
Seasonal pricing - summer and school holidays
Short stay and serviced apartments plus 20 to 60 percent in Dec to mid Jan, plus 80 to 120 percent over Christmas and New Year and school holidays
Holiday houses plus 40 to 100 percent in Dec to Jan, Easter, and school holidays
Rental cars often 2x off-peak in Dec to Jan and late September
Tips to reduce cost Book early, ask for weekly or monthly rates, widen the search beyond beachfront, and confirm inclusions such as parking, Wi-Fi, utilities, cleaning and linen
How to use this checklist
Turn each line into a line item with an estimate
Decide whether you will rent first or buy, then remove what does not apply
Add your contingency for income gaps and a ten percent buffer
If you want a calm second set of eyes on flood risk, strata health and value, I can help
I offer family relocation services at a reasonable cost. I am based on the Gold Coast and can be in Brisbane quickly if needed. See how I work and get in touch at jodenvirbuyersagent.com.au.
Jo Denvir Gold Coast Buyers Agent | Trusted Advocate for Premium Property Buyers