This is one of the most common questions property buyers ask — and the honest answer is: it depends on where you are in the buying process. This guide breaks down exactly when each service makes sense, what each costs, and which one gives you better value for your situation.
What Is a Buyers Agent?
A buyers agent (also called a buyers advocate) searches for, evaluates and negotiates a property on your behalf from scratch. They handle the entire purchase process including finding the property. You pay a percentage of the purchase price — typically 1.5% to 2.5% — which on a $1 million property is $15,000 to $25,000.
What Is a Property Advisor?
A property advisor provides expert guidance, analysis and negotiation support for a buyer who has already found a property themselves. Collings Property Advisory charges a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST regardless of the purchase price. There is no search service — but everything else is included.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property Advisor | Buyers Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee on $800k purchase | $4,500 fixed | $12,000-$20,000 |
| Fee on $1.5M purchase | $4,500 fixed | $22,500-$37,500 |
| Property search | You find the property | They find the property |
| Market analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Negotiation | Yes | Yes |
| Auction strategy | Yes | Yes |
| Contract support | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Buyers who found a property | Buyers who need a full search |
When to Use a Buyers Agent
- You have no time to search the market yourself
- You are buying interstate and have no local knowledge
- You want full-service representation from search to settlement
- The property type you want is rare and hard to find
When to Use a Property Advisor
- You found a property yourself and want help negotiating
- You want expert analysis before making an offer
- You want professional negotiation without paying 2% of the purchase price
- You want a second opinion on value and strategy
FAQs
Can a property advisor negotiate as well as a buyers agent?
Yes. Collings Property Advisory advisors are experienced negotiators who operate with no conflict of interest — the same core skill set as a buyers agent, at a fraction of the cost.
Is a buyers agent worth it?
For buyers who need a full property search service, yes. For buyers who have already found a property, a property advisor at $4,500 typically delivers the same outcome for far less.
Why Collings?
Collings Property Advisory was built specifically for buyers who have done the hard work of finding a property and now need expert help to close the deal at the right price. Fixed fee. No commissions. No conflicts.
Whether you are buying your first investment property, building a portfolio or exploring off-market opportunities, the Collings Property Platform gives you access to off-market opportunities, portfolio tracking, investment tools and property insights powered by GeeVee AI. Join free today and start building your property future. collings.com.au/portal
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