Working with a Buyers Agent

Advantages

Buyers agents offer local market knowledge, help you interpret price guides and comparable sales, and can access both on-market and, in some cases, off-market opportunities. Their role is to represent you—the purchaser—rather than the seller, which can be especially useful in competitive markets like Sydney.

A neutral overview of the role is set out in What Is a Buyers Agent?, which explains how buyers agents differ from selling agents and how they fit into the broader advice framework.

The Process

A typical engagement begins with clarifying your brief—budget, property type, preferred suburbs and time frame. From there, a buyers agent may:

• Source and shortlist suitable properties
• Arrange or attend inspections and provide feedback
• Coordinate due diligence (for example, building, pest and strata reports) with your professional advisers
• Assist with negotiation or auction bidding in line with your instructions

This structured approach is designed to reduce stress and keep your key requirements and constraints front of mind. Our property buyer checklist can be used as a general tool to track tasks across this process.

Service & Agreements

Buyers agent services are usually tailored to your needs. Some people engage a buyers agent for a full search and acquisition service, while others prefer negotiation or auction bidding only. The scope, duration and fees are set out in a written buyers agency agreement.

It is important to understand which suburbs and property types are covered, how communication will work with your solicitor, accountant and lender, and what happens if you do not purchase within the agreed timeframe.

Our buyers agent fees guide provides a neutral overview of common fee models (fixed, percentage-based and retainer/success-fee structures) that you can discuss with your own advisers.