What Is a Buyer's Agent and Why More Australians Are Using One in 2026

Article Highlights

• A Buyer’s Agent is a licensed professional who represents property buyers exclusively, never sellers, throughout the entire purchase process.
• Buyer’s Agents provide access to off-market properties, on-market due diligence and inspections, expert negotiation and thorough due diligence for all properties, often saving clients tens of thousands of dollars.

The Australian property market has never been more competitive. In this environment, more buyers are asking: What is a Buyer’s Agent, and could one help me secure the right property at the right price?

If you’ve been scrolling through endless listings, missing out on properties, can’t get to auctions, or feeling overwhelmed by the buying process, you’re not alone. That’s precisely why Buyer’s Agents have become one of the fastest-growing professions in Australian real estate. Let’s break down what they do, how they differ from traditional real estate agents, and why so many property buyers are choosing to work with one.

What Is a Buyer’s Agent?

A Buyer’s Agent (also sometimes called a buyer’s advocate) is a licensed professional who works exclusively for property buyers. Unlike selling agents who represent vendors, a Buyer’s Agent acts solely in your best interests throughout the entire purchase process, from search and evaluation through to negotiation and settlement.

Think of them as your dedicated advocate in what can often feel like an uneven playing field. They search for suitable properties, conduct thorough due diligence, assess current market value, negotiate on your behalf and manage the whole process from start to finish.

The Key Difference Between a Buyer’s Agent and Real Estate Agents

Traditional real estate agents work for the seller. Their job is to achieve the highest possible purchase price for their client, the vendor. They’re legally and ethically bound to represent the seller’s interests, not yours.

A Buyer’s Agent flips that dynamic entirely. We work for you, the buyer. We never accept sales commission from vendors, and we never act in the same transaction for both parties. Our sole focus is helping you find the ideal property and secure it at the best possible price.

This distinction matters more than you might think. When you’re dealing with a selling agent, every piece of information they share is filtered through their obligation to their client. A good Buyer’s Agent brings local expertise, extensive knowledge of recent sales data and negotiation skills that level the playing field for the buyers.

What Does a Buyer’s Agent Do During the Purchase Process?

So, what do Buyer’s Agents actually do? The answer is: quite a lot. Here’s what a full-service Buyer’s Agent handles on your behalf.

Property Search and Evaluation

We tap into our extensive network to find properties that match your brief, including off-market opportunities that never hit the open market. In cities like Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where listings are tight, off-market properties can be the difference between success and months of frustration or a higher buy price.

Due Diligence and Inspections

We arrange building inspections, review engineering reports, review reports, analyse rental yield and capital growth potential, and assess whether the property purchase price reflects true market value. We have a unique 15 pillars of success and checklists to make sure we only present properties that fit your budget, criteria, and strategy. This thorough due diligence helps you avoid costly mistakes down the track.

Negotiation and Auction Bidding

Whether it’s a private sale or auction bidding, we handle the negotiation process with a clear strategy. Our job is to secure the right property at the right price, not get swept up in the emotion of the moment.

Contract Review and Settlement

We work alongside your solicitor, settlement agent, or conveyancer to review sale terms, ensure conditions are met, and guide you through to settlement. You’re never left wondering what happens next.

What Will a Good Buyer’s Agent Cost?

Let’s talk money. Most Buyer’s Agents in Australia charge either a percentage-based success fee (typically upto 3% of the purchase price) or a fixed fee ranging from $8,000 to $30,000 plus GST, depending on the scope of the brief and the city.

Many agencies also charge a small upfront engagement fee (sometimes called a commitment or retainer fee). This covers initial search and evaluation work, with the balance due on settlement.

At You&Me, we structure our Buyer’s Agent fees as a small commitment contribution plus a success fee calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, minus the commitment amount.

For investment property buyers, it’s worth noting that Buyer’s Agent fees are often tax-deductible as a cost associated with acquiring the asset. Always check with your accountant, but this can offset a meaningful portion of the engagement fee.

How a Buyer’s Agent Saves You Time, Money, and Stress

Time-poor professionals, first home buyers, and property investors all share one thing in common: they want peace of mind. A Buyer’s Agent delivers that in three tangible ways.

Save Time

Searching, inspecting, and evaluating properties is a full-time job. We do the legwork so you don’t have to spend every weekend at open homes or every evening scrolling through listings. Our local real estate agents’ network and off-market access mean we uncover more opportunities, faster. In fact, we get between 10 and 30 off-market opportunities a week.

Save Money

Professional negotiation skills and market knowledge often result in purchase prices well below where most believe the property sits, based on market conditions. Many of our clients save more than the cost of our fee through better negotiation alone. We also help you avoid costly mistakes, such as overpaying for a property with hidden structural issues, a bad strategy position, or poor capital growth prospects.

Reduce Stress

The buying process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling work, family, a social life, and a property search across state lines. We handle the complexity, keep you informed, and ensure every step is completed correctly. You get to focus on your life while we focus on finding your perfect property.

If you’re wondering what to consider when buying a house, working with a Buyer’s Agent means you’ll have expert guidance on every decision, from location, strategy, and layout to financing and settlement.

Choosing the Right Buyer’s Agent: Licensing, Local Expertise, and Guarantees

Not all Buyer’s Agents are the same. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right partner for your property purchase.

Licensing and Professionalism

Every Buyer’s Agent must hold a relevant licence under their state’s real estate regulations. In WA, that’s governed by the Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978; in Queensland, it’s the Property Occupations Act 2014. Licensed professionals operate under strict trust-account rules and codes of conduct, so always verify credentials.

Local Network and Expertise

A Buyer’s Agent who knows the local market inside out brings real value. They understand which suburbs offer the best rental yield, where infrastructure spending will drive future growth, and how to interpret recent sales data. If you’re buying in Perth, Melbourne, or Brisbane, choose someone with feet on the ground in those cities.

Transparent Fees and Guarantees

Beware of vague fee structures or agencies that won’t put their promises in writing. A good Buyer’s Agent will clearly explain their engagement fee, success fee and any rebates or guarantees.

Track Record and Reviews

Look for agencies with strong client testimonials and a proven track record. You&Me has earned more than 200 five-star Google reviews. Results matter.

Ready to Find Your Dream Home With a Buyer’s Agent?

The Australian property market isn’t slowing down. With listings tight, prices rising, and competition fierce, having a licensed Buyer’s Agent in your corner can be the difference between securing your dream home and watching it slip away.

Whether you’re a first-home buyer navigating the process for the first time, a property investor chasing capital growth and rental yield, or a time-poor professional relocating interstate, a Buyer’s Agent offers local knowledge, negotiation skills, and peace of mind.

We search, evaluate, and negotiate so you secure the right property at the right price. If you’re ready to take the stress out of buying and gain access to off-market opportunities, book a discovery call with our team today.