Buyers advocate fees in Australia typically range from 1.5% to 2.5% of the purchase price — which means $15,000 to $25,000 on a $1,000,000 property, and $22,500 to $37,500 on a $1,500,000 property. Some advocates charge a flat fee instead, typically ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the scope of service. This guide breaks down exactly what you pay, what it covers, and when a fixed-fee property advisor is a more cost-effective alternative.
Buyers Advocate Fee Structures in Australia
Percentage of Purchase Price (Most Common)
| Purchase Price | 1.5% Fee | 2.0% Fee | 2.5% Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600,000 | $9,000 | $12,000 | $15,000 |
| $800,000 | $12,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $22,500 | $30,000 | $37,500 |
| $2,000,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 |
All fees exclusive of GST. Percentage fees apply to the final purchase price.
Fixed Fee (Less Common)
Some buyers advocates charge a flat fee rather than a percentage. Flat fees typically range from $8,000 to $15,000 for a full-service engagement depending on the advocate and the scope. Some also charge an upfront engagement fee of $1,000 to $3,000 plus a success fee on completion.
What Does a Buyers Advocate Fee Cover?
A full-service buyers advocate engagement typically includes:
- Initial consultation and brief preparation
- Active property search across on-market and off-market sources
- Property shortlisting and due diligence
- Comparable sales analysis and property assessment
- Negotiation or auction bidding on your behalf
- Contract review guidance
Full-service buyers advocacy is best suited to buyers who do not have time to search themselves, are buying in an unfamiliar market, or want complete end-to-end representation.
When Is a Fixed-Fee Property Advisor a Better Choice?
If you have already found a property yourself and simply need expert analysis, negotiation support, and professional representation in the offer process — you do not need full-service buyers advocacy. You need a property advisor.
A Collings Property Advisor provides exactly that for a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST — saving you $10,000 to $40,000 compared with a full buyers advocacy engagement on the same property.
Buyers Advocate vs Property Advisor — Side by Side
| Full Buyers Advocacy | Collings Property Advisory | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Buyers who want someone to find and buy property for them | Buyers who have found a property and want expert guidance and negotiation |
| Typical cost | $15,000 to $37,500 (percentage) or $8,000 to $15,000 (flat) | $4,500 + GST fixed fee |
| Property search | Yes — full search service | Not required — you’ve already found the property |
| Comparable sales analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Negotiation support | Yes | Yes |
| Auction strategy | Yes | Yes |
| Contract support | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are buyers advocate fees tax deductible in Australia?
For investment properties, buyers advocate fees are generally treated as a capital cost and added to the cost base of the property for CGT purposes — they are not deductible in the year of purchase. For owner-occupied properties, they are not deductible. Always confirm with your accountant.
Do I have to pay a buyers advocate if they don’t find a property?
Most buyers advocates charge an upfront engagement fee (typically $1,000 to $3,000) that is non-refundable, plus a success fee only on completion. If no property is purchased, you typically only lose the engagement fee.
Is a buyers advocate worth the cost?
For buyers who need full search and acquisition support in a competitive market, yes — the value of expert search and negotiation typically exceeds the fee. For buyers who have already found a property, a fixed-fee property advisor at $4,500 delivers the same negotiation and analysis value at a fraction of the cost.
Get Independent Property Advisory for a Fixed Fee
If you have found your property and need expert analysis, negotiation support, and professional representation in the offer process, a Collings Property Advisor delivers everything you need for a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST — no percentage, no hidden fees, no conflict of interest.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today. Visit collings.com.au/property-advisory or call us to speak with a property advisor today.
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