What is a buyer's agent?

A buyer’s agent (also known as a buyers’ advocate) is a licensed real estate professional who works for you, the buyer.

First Home Buyer Guide

Am I ready to buy a house?

What is a first home buyer?

Will I be able to get a loan?

Is my Credit History and Rental History important?

Buying versus renting

How much deposit do I need?

Understanding deposits

How to meet the banks genuine savings rules

Deposit calculator

Grants and schemes for FHB's

First Home Owner Grants

First Home Guarantee Scheme

Latest government announcements to help FHB’s

Getting finance pre-approval

Pre-approval process

Benefits of getting a pre-approval

Are all pre-approvals equal?

Mortgage brokers vs Banks?

Why use a mortgage broker?

How much does a mortgage broker cost?

Are all mortgage brokers equal?

How to buy a property

Pre-approval process

Benefits of getting a pre-approval

Are all pre-approvals equal?

Preparing for settlement

Going unconditional on the property contract

What does a converyancer/solicitor do for a property purchase?

What happens on the day of settlement?

Managing your mortgage

Understanding loan repayments

Extra repayments, redraw and offset accounts

When is the right time to review your home loan?

What is a buyers agent

Buyer agent are there to find you the right property, help you buy it for the best price, and guide you through the whole process, from the first search to sealing the deal.

That’s different from a regular real estate agent, who’s hired by the seller to get the highest price. A buyer’s agent works for you, not the vendor. So their job is to look after your interests, not someone else’s bottom line.
 
They’re particularly helpful if you’re short on time, feeling overwhelmed by the property market, or buying in an unfamiliar area, like relocating interstate or looking for a smart investment. Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, a buyer’s agent helps make things clearer and easier.

What does a Buyer’s Agent actually do?

A good buyer’s agent can help with every part of the buying journey. Some people want the full service, while others are just after assistance for a particular step in the process.

Here’s what they usually cover:

Property Search and Shortlist

They’ll chat with you about your goals, budget, and must-haves. Then they do the searching for you, saving you from scrolling through listings every night. They’ll shortlist properties that match and book in inspections.
 

Assessing Value and Market Trends

They know what things are really worth and how the market’s moving, which can be different to the actual listing price. This helps you avoid overpaying or getting swept up in hype.
 

Negotiating the Deal

Buyer’s agents are strong negotiators. Whether you’re buying through private sale or making a pre-auction offer, they’ll handle the back-and-forth and aim to get you the best result.
 
(For tips if you’re negotiating on your own, check out our guide on Negotiation Tactics and Traps.)
 

Bidding at Auction

If the thought of bidding in front of a crowd makes your stomach flip, you’re not alone. Buyer’s agents know how to handle auctions, they’re experienced professionals who will stay calm, stick to your budget, and don’t let emotion take over.
 
Not sure if auction is right for your situation? Our guide on Auction vs Private Sale breaks down the pros and cons.
 

Access to Off-Market Properties

Some properties never even hit the public listings. Buyer’s agents often get early access or exclusive leads through their network, meaning less competition and more opportunity for you.
 

Local Contacts and Referrals

Need a reliable conveyancer or building inspector? Your buyer’s agent likely knows who to call.
Buyers agent vs Real Esate Agent

Buyer’s Agent vs Real Estate Agent: What’s the difference?

It comes down to who they work for.
 
  • A real estate agent is hired by the seller to get the highest price.
  • A buyer’s agent is hired by you, to help you find the right property at the right price.
A buyer’s agent is legally and ethically required to act in your best interest. They’re licensed professionals who must disclose any conflicts of interest and keep your goals front and centre.

Who needs a Buyer’s Agent?

Buyer’s agents can be helpful for a wide range of people, like:

First-Home Buyers

If it’s your first time, there’s a lot to figure out. A buyer’s agent can guide you through the process and help you avoid common mistakes.
 

Busy Professionals

If your schedule’s packed and you don’t have time for inspections or chasing agents, outsourcing the legwork makes life easier.
 

Property Investors

Buying an investment property in a new area? A buyer’s agent knows what makes a good long-term purchase and where to find value.
 

Expats or Interstate Buyers

If you’re buying remotely, a buyer’s agent can act on your behalf by attending inspections, bidding at auctions, and making sure everything stacks up.
How needs a buyers agent
Why use a buyers agent

Why Use a Buyer’s Agent?

Here’s how a buyer’s agent can add real value to your property journey:
 

Save Time

They handle the research, shortlisting, and inspection bookings so you don’t have to spend every weekend on the road.
 

Market Know-How

They know local streets, price movements, and which suburbs are on the rise (so you’re not buying blind).
 

Find Hidden Opportunities

Off-market properties and pre-market deals can give you a big edge, particularly in competitive areas.
 

Take the Pressure Off

Negotiating or bidding is high-stress. Having someone in your corner who knows what they’re doing gives you confidence and control.
 

Avoid Mistakes

They’ll help you steer clear of common traps, such as overpaying, skipping due diligence, or rushing into a deal. More traps to look out for

Do You Need One?

Not everyone hires a buyer’s agent, however they should be a consideration if:

 

  • You’re unsure how to value a property or navigate a hot market
  • You don’t have time to search or inspect
  • You’re moving from out of town or overseas
  • You want help negotiating or bidding at auction
At the end of the day, a buyer’s agent is a professional on your team. If you wouldn’t sell without an agent, why would you buy without one?
 
 

What Does It Cost?

Fees can vary, depending on the level of service. The most common models are:

 

  • Fixed fee: a set amount for a defined scope of work
  • Percentage fee: usually 1.5% to 3% of the property price
Some agents also offer “negotiation only” or “auction day” packages for a lower cost. It’s worth comparing options to see what suits your needs best.
How to choose a good buyers agent

How to Choose a Good Buyer’s Agent

Ask these questions before signing on:

 

  • Are they fully licensed and insured?
  • Do they only work with buyers (not also selling)?
  • Do they know your target area inside and out?
  • Can they show recent successful purchases?
  • What exactly is included in their fee?

 

A good buyer’s agent should be upfront, transparent, and focused on helping you get a great result.

Get the answers to your questions.


One of our team will touch base within four business hours.

Meet our First Home Buyer Specialists

Minji Kim

Minji Kim

Finance Broker
Matthew Mannaert

Matt Mannaert

Finance Broker
Albert Kavcic

Albert Kavcic

Finance Broker
Matthew Papuga

Matthew Papuga

Finance Broker
Sally Whitworth

Sally Whitworth

Finance Broker
Russel Shaw

Russel Shaw

Finance Broker
John Empey

John Empey

Finance Broker
Sharon D'Costa

Sharon D’Costa

Finance Broker
Richie Kasai

Richie Kasai

Finance Broker

First Home Buyer Guide

Am I ready to buy a house?

What is a first home buyer?

Will I be able to get a loan?

Is my Credit History and Rental History important?

Buying versus renting

How much deposit do I need?

Understanding deposits

How to meet the banks genuine savings rules

Deposit calculator

Grants and schemes for FHB's

First Home Owner Grants

First Home Guarantee Scheme

Latest government announcements to help FHB’s

Getting finance pre-approval

Pre-approval process

Benefits of getting a pre-approval

Are all pre-approvals equal?

Mortgage brokers vs Banks?

Why use a mortgage broker?

How much does a mortgage broker cost?

Are all mortgage brokers equal?

How to buy a property

Pre-approval process

Benefits of getting a pre-approval

Are all pre-approvals equal?

Preparing for settlement

Going unconditional on the property contract

What does a converyancer/solicitor do for a property purchase?

What happens on the day of settlement?

Managing your mortgage

Understanding loan repayments

Extra repayments, redraw and offset accounts

When is the right time to review your home loan?

Get the answers to your questions.


One of our team will touch base within four business hours.