Buyer’s agents have gone from niche to need in just a few years, especially in Australia’s high-stakes, fast-moving property market.
Once seen as a luxury for high-end buyers, they’re now being used by first-home buyers, busy professionals, and families upsizing in competitive suburbs.
So, what do they actually do? And do I need a buyer’s agent to buy a home in Australia?
It’s a fair question. And like most things in property, the answer depends on your situation.
In this guide, we walk through the key scenarios where a buyer’s agent can make a big difference, and when you might be fine going it alone.
You’ll also find a quick self-check quiz, real examples from Aussie customers, and a clear, judgment-free guide to help you decide what’s right for you.
Buying your first home? Let’s talk about buyer’s agents
If you’re a first-home buyer, you’re probably feeling the pressure.
You’re entering one of the most competitive property markets in the world, often with limited knowledge, a tight budget, and more questions than answers. And you're competing against seasoned investors, upsizers, and developers.
That’s where a buyer’s agent can help.
What a buyer’s agent can do for you:
Cut through the noise. They filter out the unsuitable listings and focus on what matches your brief and budget. Our Buyer’s Agents also have access to off and premarket properties that haven’t been listed publicly.
An expert in your corner. Buyer’s Agents are expert negotiators that can often secure a better price or terms than you might on your own. Aussie Buyer’s Agents save customers an average of up to $44,000^ on purchase price.
Explain the process. From contracts to zoning and strata reports, they break down what matters.
“We’re professional property buyers. While most people will only purchase one to three homes in their lifetime, we’ve bought hundreds. We know what a good deal looks like, and we’ve got the networks to make it happen, anywhere in Australia.” - Franklin Webber, Aussie Buyer’s Agent
Take Catriona, for example. She had been searching for over a year but was often too unwell to attend inspections.
With limited stock in her preferred area, we tried a different approach, contacting residents in a complex she loved. It paid off.
We found a home that hadn’t even hit the market and helped her secure it quickly and with less pressure. The result? She avoided another drawn-out search and saved $55,000 in the process.
You might also be interested in: Are buyer’s agents worth it? How going it alone stacks up
Scenario #1: Investors needing strategic support
When you’re buying as an investor, you’re not just looking for a home. You’re buying a financial asset. That means return on investment, rental yield, growth potential, and risk management.
How a buyer’s agent helps:
Suburb selection with data. They use tools like LocationIQ and PropertyXplorer to analyse capital growth trends, vacancy rates, and future infrastructure.
Access to off-market stock. Many of the good investment opportunities never get listed publicly.
Portfolio strategy. For serial investors, an agent can help plan your next few moves, not just your next property.
Negotiation power. An experienced agent knows what a property is worth and what it isn’t.
In another case, Michelle and Dominic were looking for a retirement home after months of searching without luck. They found a great property, formerly a display home, in a competitive suburb.
Even though there were multiple offers, we helped them structure theirs with a safety net if the bank valuation didn’t match. When the valuation did come in low, we negotiated the price down by $30,000 and got the deal done without delay.
You might also be interested in: How to buy off-market property before anyone else sees it
Scenario #2: Interstate buyers needing local expertise
Buying a home or investment property in a different state can be risky. Different building standards, unfamiliar market trends, and limited local knowledge can all lead to expensive mistakes.
Where a buyer’s agent steps in:
Suburb knowledge. They understand the nuances of street-by-street value, school catchments, and future developments.
On-the-ground inspections. They can inspect on your behalf and send detailed video walkthroughs.
Shortlisting and due diligence. They filter properties, run data reports, and coordinate with local professionals.
Donna, also relocating, had spent nearly a year confined to a narrow market due to a limited pre-approval amount.
After reviewing her situation, she chose to update her approval and expand her options. Within a week, she inspected and bought a property that ticked the boxes, saving time, stress, and $13,000.
Quick quiz: Do you need a buyer’s agent?
Here’s a practical self-check to help you weigh things up. If you answer yes to several of these questions, it may be worth considering a chat with a buyer’s agent.
Question |
Do you feel overwhelmed by the buying process or don’t know where to start? |
Are you short on time to attend inspections, do research, or chase listings? |
Are you buying in a location you don’t live in or know well? |
Do you struggle with negotiating or reading between the lines of an agent’s pitch? Have you been house-hunting for months with no success? |
Are you worried about buying the wrong property or missing red flags? |
Do you want access to off-market or pre-market homes? |
Are you trying to buy under pressure (tight deadline, baby on the way, etc.) |
What a buyer’s agent actually does
You might be wondering how a buyer’s agent earns their fee. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key services they provide:
What they do | How it helps you |
Research and shortlist properties | Saves time and filters out unsuitable listings |
Attend inspections on your behalf | Reduces stress and gives honest, expert feedback |
Negotiate price and terms | Could save you thousands or help you avoid costly traps |
Assess suburb and property data | Helps you find areas for long-term growth |
Uncover off-market opportunities | Expands your pool of options in tight markets |
Coordinate pre-settlement and due diligence | Avoids delays and last-minute surprises |
Develop long-term strategy | Useful for investors, upgraders and portfolio builders |
You might also be interested in: Unlocking Australia’s hidden homes with buyer’s agents
When you might not need an agent
Plenty of Aussies buy property without a buyer’s agent. And in some cases, it might make sense:
You know the area well and have bought before
You have trusted contacts (builder, solicitor, broker) supporting you
You’re not in a rush and enjoy researching and attending inspections
You’re confident negotiating and reviewing contracts
If this sounds like you, then going solo might be a fine option. But even then, it can help to get a no-pressure consultation to confirm your strategy.
Make buying easier, consider an expert
Buying a home is a huge step. And while you don’t need a buyer’s agent to purchase in Australia, the right one can help you move faster, avoid costly mistakes, and make smarter long-term decisions.
“Real estate agents know us, and they’d often rather work with us than a first-time buyer. That gives our clients a serious edge. I always say, you could try fixing a plumbing issue yourself, or you could call a plumber and get it done right the first time.” - Franklin Webber, Aussie Buyer’s Agent
Whether you’re buying your first place, your next investment, or relocating to a new city, you don’t have to do it alone. A buyer’s agent is like a property co-pilot there to back you, guide you, and keep you on track.
And the first step? It’s easy. Book a free initial strategy call with Aussie today.