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

1. Turn each line into a line item with an estimate

2. Decide whether you will rent first or buy, then remove what does not apply

3. Add your contingency for income gaps and a ten percent buffer

4. 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