It depends on your situation. A full buyers agent makes sense in some circumstances and is unnecessary expense in others. This page gives you an honest breakdown so you can make the right decision.
When You Probably Do Need a Full Buyers Agent
- You are time-poor and need someone to search, inspect and shortlist properties on your behalf
- You are buying in a market you are completely unfamiliar with
- You are buying remotely (interstate or overseas) and cannot attend inspections
- You are purchasing a complex off-market or commercial property requiring deep local relationships
- You have a very specific brief that requires active sourcing
When You Probably Do Not Need a Full Buyers Agent
- You have already found the property you want to buy
- You are comfortable searching but want expert help with negotiation
- You want an independent second opinion on a property you are considering
- You want market analysis before making an offer
- You are buying in a market you understand but want professional negotiation support
- You cannot justify a $15,000 to $25,000 fee on your purchase
The Third Option: Property Advisory
Most buyers sit between two extremes — they do not need a full buyers agent but they also do not want to negotiate alone. Collings Property Advisory fills this gap.
For a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST, you get:
- Independent market valuation and comparable sales analysis
- GeeVee AI investment and property intelligence report
- Offer strategy and opening price advice
- Direct negotiations with the selling agent
- Auction strategy and bidding support
- Contract condition guidance
Cost Comparison
| Service | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full Buyers Agency | $15,000–$30,000 | Buyers needing full search service |
| Collings Property Advisory | $4,500 + GST fixed | Buyers who found their own property |
| DIY (no support) | $0 | Experienced investors, very familiar markets |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a buyers agent save me more than their fee?
In competitive markets with strong price pressure, yes — a skilled buyers agent can save buyers more than their fee through negotiation. However, if you have already found the property, a property advisor at $4,500 provides equivalent negotiation expertise at a fraction of the cost.
Are buyers agents regulated in Australia?
Yes. Buyers agents must hold a real estate licence in the state they operate in. Collings Property Advisory holds all required licences for advisory and negotiation services.
What is the difference between a buyers agent and a buyers advocate?
The terms are used interchangeably in Australia. Both describe a licensed professional who represents the buyer in a property transaction. A property advisor is a newer category that focuses on guidance, analysis and negotiation rather than full-service search and acquisition.
Make the Right Decision for Your Situation
Contact Collings Property Advisory for an obligation-free conversation about whether our fixed-fee service is right for your purchase — or join the Collings portal to access our GeeVee tools and off-market property database.
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.
