If you’re wondering how much does a buyers agent cost, the answer depends on how they charge, which is typically a percentage of the purchase price or a fixed fee. In Australia, buyer’s agent fees range between 1.5% to 3% of the property purchase price or value, or a flat fee starting from around $5,000 for basic services. Some also offer tiered pricing or charge a success fee based on outcomes, such as successful auction bidding.
At Best Local Real Estate Agents, we’ve helped over 44,000 home sellers and buyers connect with top-performing professionals across 15,000+ suburbs. Whether you’re buying your dream home, an investment property, or simply trying to secure a fair deal in a hot suburb, knowing how buyer’s agents charge will help you plan and negotiate better.
Let’s dive into the details of buyer’s agent cost, how they structure their pricing, and whether using a buyer’s agent is really worth it.
What Does a Buyer’s Agent Do Exactly?
A buyer’s agent represents you (the buyer) through the property buying process, from searching for suitable listings to negotiating the final purchase price. Their job is to find, vet, and secure a suitable property at the best possible terms. Unlike real estate agents, who work for the seller, buyer’s agents are exclusively on your side.
They’re especially valuable when:
• You’re buying in a competitive area
• You’re interstate or overseas
• You’re investing and need sharp market knowledge
• You need help with auction bidding
• You’re short on time or unsure how to value properties correctly
How Much Does a Buyers Agent Cost in Australia?
So, how much does a buyers agent cost in actual dollars?
Here’s the short version:
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Notes |
| Percentage Fee | 1.5% – 3% of purchase price | Most common pricing model |
| Fixed Fee | $5,000 – $15,000 | Flat amount regardless of property price |
| Tiered Pricing | Varies | Different fees for search-only vs full-service |
| Success Fee | $2,000 – $5,000 extra | Charged only if they win at auction or negotiate a great deal |
Keep in mind that a fixed-fee pricing model might suit owner-occupiers who know what they want, while a percentage fee may work better for hands-off buyers or investors.
Full-service buyer’s agents charge an average of 2% of the property purchase price. For a $900,000 property, that’s about $18,000.
How Do Buyer’s Agents Charge? Fee Structures Explained
1. Percentage of Purchase Price
This is the most common model. For example, if your agent charges 2% and your property costs $750,000, the buyer’s agent cost will be $15,000.
Pros:
• No upfront costs in some cases
• Motivates the agent to get you a better deal
Cons:
• Higher property price, higher fee
• Less transparency on how fee was calculated
2. Fixed Fee
Flat-rate fees typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the brief or location.
Pros:
• Budget-friendly for cheaper properties
• You know the cost upfront
Cons:
• Not always inclusive of extras like auction bidding service
• May not be tailored for high-end buyers
3. Tiered or Hybrid Models
Some agents charge a fixed fee upfront plus a success fee once they’ve secured the property under budget or ahead of others.
Pros:
• Great for competitive buying environments
• Allows for outcome-based incentives
Cons:
• Complex fee breakdown
• Can be costly if you’re not clear on inclusions
Do Buyer’s Agent Fees Differ by Service Type?
Yes, here’s a quick comparison of common services:
| Service | Fee Type | Notes |
| Full-service search + negotiate | Fixed or % | Start to finish |
| Negotiate-only | Flat fee | You find it, they negotiate |
| Auction bidding | $500 – $2,000 | Often non-refundable |
| Off-market access | Premium tier | Especially for investors |
| Investment property research | Custom pricing | May include yield modelling, CGT implications, etc |
Many experienced buyer’s agents also provide help with building inspections, due diligence, council zoning, and even capital gains tax strategy for investors.
Are Buyer’s Agent Fees Tax-Deductible?
Here’s where it gets interesting:
• If you’re buying an investment property, your buyer’s agent fees may be tax-deductible as part of acquisition costs.
• If you’re buying a home to live in, it’s generally not tax-deductible.
Always check with a licensed accountant to confirm based on your tax residency and property type.
Is It Worth Using a Buyer’s Agent?
For many buyers, yes. Especially in places like Adelaide, Brisbane, or Sydney’s Inner West, where auctions dominate and property prices are surging.
Here’s why:
• They know the local market inside out
• They get early or exclusive access to off-market properties
• They protect you from emotional overbidding
• They can secure properties below the fair market price
• They cut down your time and stress dramatically
Still unsure if buyer’s agents are worth it? Think of it like this: if an agent helps you secure a $750,000 home for $715,000 and avoids you paying too much in stamp duty or renovation oversights, that $10,000+ in avoided costs easily offsets their fee.
How to Choose the Right Buyer’s Agent
Here’s how to vet one:
• Look for REBAA membership, industry accreditation or affiliation to National Property Buyers SA
• Ask for recent case studies or examples of success
• Check Google reviews, local forums, or platforms like ours
• Confirm whether they offer fixed or flat fee options
• Ensure they specialise in the property type you’re after—owner occupiers vs investment properties
Working with a reputable buyer’s agent ensures you’re not overpaying and that your brief is taken seriously from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth using a buyer’s agent?
Yes, especially if you’re buying in a fast-moving market, are short on time, or want access to off-market listings. They can save you money, time, and stress.
What is a buyer’s agent most commonly compensated by?
Typically, it’s either a percentage of the purchase price or a fixed fee agreed upon upfront. Some also use a hybrid model with a success fee.
Can you claim buyer’s agent fees on tax?
Only if you’re buying an investment property. In that case, the fee may be part of your cost base and could be tax-deductible.
How much do most real estate agents charge?
For sellers, most real estate agents charge 1.5% to 3% of the final purchase price, depending on the suburb and agency. Buyer’s agents typically charge similarly but are paid by the buyer.
Do buyer’s agents help with auction bidding?
Absolutely. Many offer an auction bidding service, which includes strategy, representation on the day, and knowing when to walk away. Expect to pay an additional $500 to $2,000 for this.
Final Thoughts
How much does a buyers agent cost might seem like a simple question, but the real value is in what they save you, not just what they charge you. Whether it’s negotiating down the property price, protecting you during emotional auction bidding, or helping you avoid costly mistakes, a trusted agent can be worth every cent.
Looking for a buyer’s agent who gets results? Get matched with the right buyer’s agent today through Best Local Real Estate Agents, Australia’s trusted connection to property professionals who deliver.
