Downsizing is one of the most emotionally and financially complex property decisions you will ever make. You are selling the family home, unlocking equity, and finding a new property that fits your next chapter — all at the same time. A Collings Property Advisor gives you independent guidance, negotiation support and a clear strategy for a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST.
The Problem Retirees Face When Downsizing
Most retirees face three challenges simultaneously: getting the best price for the family home, finding the right downsizer property, and managing the timing so they are not left without a home or paying two mortgages. Real estate agents represent the seller. Buyers advocates charge 2-3% of the purchase price. Neither is positioned to advise you independently on both sides of the transaction.
Common Mistakes Retirees Make
- Accepting the first offer on the family home without testing the market
- Overpaying for a downsizer property because of emotional attachment
- Underestimating stamp duty, moving costs and renovation costs on the new property
- Not understanding the Centrelink asset test implications of downsizing
- Failing to negotiate vendor terms (settlement date, inclusions) that suit their timeline
What a Collings Property Advisor Does for Retirees
| Service | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Property assessment | Independent value assessment of your current home |
| Downsizer property analysis | Comparable sales, investment analysis, market value assessment |
| Negotiation strategy | Offer preparation and agent negotiations on both sides |
| Timing strategy | Sell first vs buy first — what works in your market |
| Contract support | Guidance on settlement terms, special conditions and cooling off |
Property Advisor vs Buyers Advocate for Retirees
| Collings Property Advisor | Buyers Advocate | Real Estate Agent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | $4,500 + GST | $15,000-$25,000+ | Commission on sale only |
| Advises on both buy and sell | Yes | Buy side only | Sell side only |
| Independent advice | Yes | Partial | No |
| Negotiation support | Yes | Yes | Seller only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a property advisor help me with both selling and buying?
Yes. A Collings Property Advisor can advise on both the sale of your existing home and the purchase of your downsizer property for the same fixed fee. This gives you an independent perspective on both sides of the transaction.
How does the $4,500 fixed fee compare to a buyers advocate?
A typical buyers advocate charges 2-2.5% of the purchase price, which on a $1.5M downsizer property is $30,000-$37,500. Our fixed fee of $4,500 + GST saves you $25,000 or more while still giving you expert guidance and negotiation support.
Do I need to use a buyers advocate to buy my downsizer property?
Not necessarily. If you are comfortable finding the property yourself, a Property Advisor gives you the expert second opinion and negotiation support you need without paying full advocacy fees.
Why Collings
Collings Property Advisory is a new category in Australian real estate — sitting between traditional agents and buyers advocates. We charge a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST, we work for you (not the seller or buyer), and we bring the GeeVee property intelligence platform to every advisory engagement so you make your decision with the best data available.
Whether you are selling the family home, buying a downsizer apartment, or both, a Collings Property Advisor gives you the confidence to make the right move. Book a free consultation today.
Find your next property with Collings
Track suburbs, get matched to on-market and off-market listings, and manage your whole property search in one place. Access the Collings property portal.
