In today’s modern property market, timing, insight, and negotiation are everything. Just as was experienced back in the months leading up to July 2023, Adelaide homes are now selling in under 30 days since the turn of the year. That’s considerably higher than the over 30 days currently being the median selling days for Melbourne and at least 13 more compared to the 43 for Sydney.
Right now across Australia, investment property buyers are getting outbid, not because they don’t have the needed budget, but because they lack insider access.
In this kind of environment, buying property isn’t just about turning up at an auction or finding something online. It’s about knowing where to look, what to avoid, and how to move faster (and smarter) than the next buyer. That’s exactly what our property buyers agents at Best Local Real Estate Agents do.
Let’s see how buyers agents work, why more Australians are turning to them, and how they can help you find, secure, and negotiate the right property at the right price.
What is a Property Buyers Agent?
A property buyers agent (sometimes called a buyers advocate) is a licensed real estate agent who represents the buyer, not the seller. Their role is to act in your best interests throughout the entire property buying process, from the initial search to negotiating the purchase price and finalising the property purchase.
Unlike a selling agent who works to secure the best deal for the seller, a property buyers agent is on your side, ensuring you buy at the right price, under the best possible conditions.
According to the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA), more Australians are engaging buyers agents today. There’s a growing demand for services that offer deep local markets expertise and access to off market property opportunities.
Why Use a Property Buyers Agent?
Buying property is not only about finding “one particular property” you like. It’s about securing the ideal property at the best possible purchase price, with future capital growth and rental yield potential.
A professional property buyers agent offers:
- Access to off market properties not advertised publicly.
- Skilled auction bidding representation to outsmart competitors.
- Market insights that help you avoid overpaying.
- Expert negotiation skills to lower your purchase price.
- Guidance through the entire purchase process, saving you months of stress.
If you want to save time, buy property smartly, and invest with greater confidence, hiring a buyers advocate makes a real difference.
How a Buyers Agent Helps with Investment Properties
For property investors, having an investment property buyers agent can be a game changer as they:
- Identify suburbs with strong capital growth potential.
- Analyze rental yield forecasts.
- Recommend properties aligned with your financial goals.
- Negotiate with property managers for rental-ready properties.
For example, a well-connected buyers agent may uncover an off market property in Adelaide offering a 4.2% gross rental yield, outperforming the market average. This deep industry access, combined with strategic buying advice, is what gives property investors a significant edge.
Commercial Property Buyers Agent: A Specialist’s Role
When it comes to commercial property, the stakes are even higher. A specialist buyers agent commercial property:
- Evaluates tenant risk profiles.
- Understands zoning laws and planning restrictions.
- Reviews commercial lease structures.
- Assesses long-term capital appreciation prospects.
Hiring a commercial property buyers agent ensures your investment isn’t just attractive on paper but solid in practice — protecting your future income streams.
In cities where commercial property returns are forecasted to outperform some residential assets, expert advice is invaluable.
Navigating the Property Buying Process with a Buyers Agent
The typical property buying process with an agent looks like this:
- Briefing and Strategy: Defining your goals, budget, and criteria.
- Property Search: Tapping into both listed and off market properties.
- Due Diligence: Assessing property condition, value, and legal status.
- Auction Bidding or Negotiation: Using strategic tactics to secure the right property.
- Contract and Settlement Support: Guiding you through paperwork and final steps.
Throughout this journey, your property buyers agent acts as your personal advisor, ensuring your money is invested wisely.
How Much Does a Property Buyers Agent Cost?
Buyers agents typically charge:
- A fixed fee (e.g., $7,000–$15,000 depending on the service level), or
- A percentage of the property purchase price (commonly 1.5%–2.5%).
Some agents offer a tiered service: full-service buying, or negotiation-only (for those who find a property but want expert help closing the deal).
Remember, a top property buyers agent will often save you more on the purchase price than their fee — plus, they’ll help you avoid costly mistakes.
However, as warned by the REBAA, be careful of “volume-based” buyer’s agents who are more interested in upfront fees than offering a professional and objective service.
Choosing the Right Property Buyers Agent
When selecting buyers advocates, consider:
- Experience and specialisation (e.g., residential, commercial, or investment property).
- Professional indemnity insurance coverage.
- Reputation and client testimonials.
- Knowledge of local markets.
- Transparent fee structure without hidden commissions from vendor agents.
A great local buyer’s advocate understands the nuances of your property search and offers tailored advice, not a cookie-cutter service.
Property Buyers Agents vs. Regular Real Estate Agents
Here’s the big distinction:
| Buyers Agent | Real Estate Agent |
| Works for the buyer | Works for the seller |
| Helps you buy at the right price | Helps seller get top dollar |
| Focuses on your needs and budget | Focuses on seller’s price expectations |
| Finds and assesses properties | Markets and sells properties |
In short, a property buyers agent fights for you not against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth using a buyer’s agent?
Yes! Especially in competitive cities like Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. A property buyers agent can access off market property, negotiate better purchase prices, and guide you safely through the complex buying process. Many buyers save significantly more than the agent’s fee.
What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a real estate agent?
A buyers agent represents the buyer’s interests exclusively, helping you secure the right property at the right price. A real estate agent, or selling agent, represents the seller and aims to get the highest price possible for the vendor.
What’s the point of a buyer’s agent?
A property buyers agent saves you time, money, and stress. They manage the property hunt, shortlist suitable options, attend inspections, bid at auctions, and negotiate fiercely to get you the best possible purchase price.
How much does a buyer agent earn in Australia?
On average, a buyers agent earns between $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, success rate, and client volume. Top-performing agents in high-demand areas may earn even more.
Can a property buyers agent help with my first investment property?
Absolutely. A skilled investment property buyers agent can guide first-time investors toward suburbs with strong capital growth, evaluate cash flow prospects, and avoid costly investment traps, setting you up for long-term success.
Let a Property Buyers Agent Be Your Advantage
In a hot property market like Adelaide, where emotional buyers can drive up prices, using a property buyers agent can mean the difference between buying smartly and regretting your decision later.
At Best Local Real Estate Agents, we ensure every buyer gets an edge. Partnering with our experienced property buyers agents means you’re no longer just another bidder or browser; you’re a savvy, informed player in the property market.
Whether you’re aiming to buy property, secure your first investment property, or tap into the lucrative commercial property sector, finding the right buyer’s advocate can be the best decision you make on your property journey.
Take the guesswork out of your next property purchase. Find your perfect buyer’s agent match now? Send us a message for more enquiries.
