Key takeaways:
A buyer's agent represents the buyer, not the seller. They can help with property searches, assessments, negotiations and auction bidding.
Services range from full-service to task-specific support. You can engage an agent for the entire purchase or individual services, depending on your needs.
Full-service buyer's agent fees generally average 2–3% of the purchase price, plus GST and an engagement fee, according to REBAA. Fixed-fee options may also be available.
A buyer's agent may save time and help you avoid overpaying. However, lower purchase prices and overall savings aren't guaranteed.
Choosing the right agent requires more than comparing fees. Check their local experience, track record, service inclusions and potential conflicts of interest.
A buyer's agent, also known as a buyer's advocate, is a licensed property professional who represents buyers when searching for, assessing and negotiating property purchases. Unlike a selling agent, who represents the property owner, a buyer's agent works in the buyer's interests.
Buyer's agents assist first-home buyers, existing homeowners and property investors across different budgets and residential property types, from apartments to family homes and investment properties.
So whether you're a first-home buyer, upgrading or investing, a buyer's agent can manage the entire buying process or assist with specific tasks, such as property searches, negotiations or auction bidding.
Here's how buyer's agents work, what they charge and whether using one could be worthwhile.
What does a buyer's agent do?
A buyer's agent can manage several stages of a property purchase, from identifying suitable properties to negotiating a sale. Their responsibilities depend on the services you engage them for. Key services include:
Understanding your requirements: Reviewing your budget, preferred locations, property type and buying goals to narrow your search.
Finding suitable properties: Searching listings and identifying potential pre-market or off-market opportunities through industry contacts.
Assessing properties: Reviewing comparable sales, property features and local market conditions to help determine a reasonable purchase price.
Coordinating inspections: Arranging viewings and recommending independent building, pest, strata or legal checks where needed.
Negotiating and auction bidding: Negotiating with selling agents or bidding at auctions on your behalf, within your agreed limits.
Coordinating the purchase: Liaising with selling agents, conveyancers and other professionals to help manage contract reviews and pre-settlement requirements.
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How does a buyer's agent work?
Working with a buyer's agent typically involves six stages, from defining your property requirements to settlement. The process varies depending on your goals and the services you agree on.
1. Initial consultation and engagement
Your agent will discuss your budget, preferred suburbs, property requirements and buying timeline. They may also check whether you have home loan pre-approval. You'll then agree on the services required and review an engagement agreement covering fees, payment terms and responsibilities.
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2. Property search and shortlisting
Your agent will develop a search strategy based on your brief and shortlist suitable properties, supported by relevant market research. They'll provide updates and refine the shortlist based on your feedback, in line with your agreed communication arrangements.
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3. Property inspections and due diligence
Your agent may inspect shortlisted properties with you or independently, highlighting potential issues that need further investigation. They may also recommend independent building, pest or strata checks.
Before signing a contract or bidding at auction, arrange for a qualified conveyancer or solicitor to review the contract and provide legal advice. Your buyer’s agent can help coordinate this process, but does not replace your legal representative.
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4. Negotiation or auction representation
You'll agree on a maximum purchase price, preferred terms and negotiation strategy before making an offer. Your agent can then negotiate with the seller's representative or bid at auction on your behalf, following your agreed instructions and spending limit.
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5. Contract and settlement coordination
Once your offer is accepted or you win at auction, your agent may coordinate with your conveyancer, mortgage broker and selling agent. This can include monitoring contract deadlines, arranging the final inspection and helping prepare for settlement.
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6. Settlement and ongoing support
Your agent's involvement may end at settlement, although some offer post-purchase assistance, such as property handover support or referrals to other services. Check what's included in your agreement and whether additional services attract separate fees.
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Aussie offers buyer's agent services through packages including Buyer Assist, Buyer 360 and Investor Pro, with different levels of support depending on your property goals.
What types of buyer's agent services are available?
Buyer's agents offer full-service or limited-service packages, depending on how much support you need.
Service | What's included | May suit |
|---|---|---|
Full-service | Property searches, assessments, negotiations and purchase coordination. | Buyers wanting end-to-end support. |
Finding and shortlisting properties that meet your requirements. | Buyers comfortable managing the purchase themselves. | |
Buyers seeking professional negotiation support. | ||
Buyers who prefer someone to bid on their behalf. |
Services and fees vary between agents, so confirm what's included and excluded before signing an agreement.
How much does a buyer's agent cost?
Buyer's agent fees in Australia depend on the agent, location and services provided.
According to the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA), full-service fees generally average 2–3% of the property's purchase price, plus GST and an engagement fee. Some agents charge fixed fees instead.
Here's how common fee structures compare:
Fee type | Indicative cost | How it works |
|---|---|---|
2–3% of purchase price, plus GST | Based on the final purchase price. | |
Varies | An agreed fee based on the services and search requirements. | |
Fee including GST, excluding any additional engagement fee | Covers bidding at auction on your behalf. | |
Varies | Covers negotiating a property you've already found. | |
From $1,000 to 50% of the total fee, according to REBAA | May be deducted from the final fee or charged separately. |
These are indicative costs, not standard industry rates. Confirm whether GST and additional charges are included in your quote.
Example: Buyer's agent fees on a $1 million property
For a $1 million property with a 2% full-service buyer's agent fee:
Item | Amount |
|---|---|
Property purchase price | $1,000,000 |
Buyer's agent fee (2%) | $20,000 |
GST (10%) | $2,000 |
Total buyer's agent fee | $22,000 |
This example excludes additional engagement fees. Any upfront retainer may be credited towards the total or charged separately, depending on the agreement.
Disclaimer: This example is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a quote or guaranteed fee. Actual buyer's agent fees vary by provider, property price and services provided. Additional engagement fees or charges may apply. Confirm all costs, including GST and any upfront payments, with your chosen buyer's agent before proceeding.
What should you check before agreeing to the fees?
Before engaging a buyer's agent, confirm:
Total fees: Does the quote include GST and other charges?
Upfront payments: Is the retainer refundable or deducted from the final fee?
Payment terms: When are fees due, and what happens if you don't buy?
Additional costs: Are any services charged separately?
Cancellation terms: What fees apply if you end the agreement early?
Request a written fee breakdown and compare quotes to understand the total cost before committing.
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What are the benefits of using a buyer's agent?
A buyer's agent can save time, provide local market insights and help you make informed property decisions, particularly when buying in an unfamiliar area. Key benefits include:
Save time: Focus on suitable properties rather than searching through listings yourself.
Access local expertise: Gain insights into suburb trends, recent sales and property values, especially when buying interstate.
Explore more opportunities: Potentially access pre-market and off-market properties through industry connections.
Get negotiation support: Use professional experience to assess prices, negotiate offers and approach auctions.
Reduce purchasing risks: Identify potential property concerns and arrange further checks before committing.
These benefits may be particularly valuable for first-home buyers, investors and homeowners purchasing in unfamiliar markets.
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Can a buyer's agent help you save money?
Potentially. A buyer's agent may help you avoid overpaying by assessing comparable sales and negotiating a price that reflects market conditions.
However, a lower purchase price doesn't necessarily mean an overall saving once agent fees are included.
For example, if an agent negotiates a $15,000 reduction but charges $20,000 for their services, the fee exceeds the negotiated reduction by $5,000.
The service may still offer value through time savings and professional support.
Savings aren't guaranteed. Consider the total cost, your buying experience and the support you need when deciding whether a buyer's agent is worthwhile.
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Can a buyer's agent help in a slower property market?
Yes. Slower market conditions may create more opportunities to negotiate, particularly when properties take longer to sell, or buyer competition eases.
According to Cotality's October 2026 Home Value Index, national dwelling values fell 1.1% in September, marking six consecutive monthly declines and a 5.2% drop from their March peak. Capital city properties also took a median of 39 days to sell, up from 23 days a year earlier.
A buyer's agent can use recent sales, listing history and local market conditions to assess where sellers may be more open to negotiating price or contract terms.
However, national trends don't apply equally to every suburb or property. Local demand, property quality and seller circumstances remain important.
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How do you choose a buyer's agent?
Look for a buyer's agent with relevant local experience, appropriate credentials and transparent fees. Looking into their track record and service terms can help you find someone suited to your property goals. Before engaging a buyer's agent, consider:
Local experience: Ask about their knowledge of your preferred suburbs, property types and/or values and market conditions.
Track record: Ask about recent purchases, client references and experience with buyers in similar circumstances.
Service inclusions: Understand what's included and excluded from their services.
Fee transparency: Request a written breakdown of fees, payment terms and additional charges.
Conflicts of interest: Ask about referral fees, commissions or other benefits received from third parties.
Communication: Confirm who'll manage your search and how often you'll receive updates.
Contract conditions: Review the agreement's duration, cancellation terms and fees if you don't purchase.
These checks reflect guidance from Consumer Affairs Victoria and REBAA's professional standards.
Are buyer's agents licensed in Australia?
Yes, they are. Buyer's agents must meet the licensing or registration requirements of the state or territory where they operate. Depending on local regulations, they may hold a real estate agent's licence or work under a licensed agency. You can verify their credentials through regulators such as NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria or Queensland's Office of Fair Trading.
Explore Aussie's buyer's agent services to learn more about your options.
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Is using a buyer's agent worth it?
A buyer's agent can help simplify property searches, assessments and negotiations, particularly if you're buying in an unfamiliar market or want professional support. Whether the service is worthwhile depends on your budget, experience and how much assistance you need.
Aussie can help with your property search and home loan.
Explore Aussie's buyer's agent services for support finding and purchasing a property, while an Aussie Broker can help you compare home loan options and understand your borrowing capacity.
Buying a home? Talk to an Aussie Buyer’s Agent about the support you need.
An Aussie Broker can also help you understand your borrowing capacity and compare home loan options.