Most property professionals in Melbourne are paid by commission. Real estate agents work for sellers. Buyers advocates charge a percentage of the purchase price. Both create financial incentives that may not align with your best interests. Collings Property Advisory is different — a fixed-fee, independent property advisor that works solely for you, without any commission or percentage-based fee.
Why Independence Matters in Property Advice
When your advisor is paid on commission, their advice is shaped by their financial outcome. An independent property advisor has no incentive to push you toward a higher price, a faster sale or a particular property. At Collings, our only incentive is giving you the best possible advice.
What Does an Independent Property Advisor Do in Melbourne?
- Provides unbiased market analysis and property valuations
- Reviews comparable sales to determine fair value
- Prepares negotiation strategy and offers
- Negotiates with agents on your behalf
- Reviews contracts and guides you through settlement
- Advises on auction strategy and bidding
- For sellers: provides independent pricing advice and private sale support
Independent Property Advisor vs Buyers Advocate vs Agent
| Service | Who Pays Them | Typical Cost | Independence? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collings Independent Advisor | You pay a flat fee | $4,500 + GST | Fully independent |
| Buyers Advocate | You pay a % of purchase price | $12,000 to $25,000+ | Mostly independent |
| Real Estate Agent | Seller pays commission | 1.8% to 2.5% of sale price | Works for seller, not buyer |
| Mortgage Broker | Lender pays trail commission | $0 upfront | Commission may influence recommendations |
Melbourne Suburbs We Serve
We provide independent property advisory services across all Melbourne suburbs with a particular focus on the inner-north, inner-east and inner-west: Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Brunswick, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, Kew, Ivanhoe, Coburg, Fairfield, Alphington, Heidelberg, Balwyn, Essendon and all surrounding suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Collings different from a buyers advocate in Melbourne?
A buyers advocate searches for and acquires property on your behalf. Collings advises and negotiates on your behalf once you have found your property — for a flat $4,500 + GST, not a percentage of the purchase price.
Can an independent property advisor help me if I want to sell privately?
Yes. We provide independent pricing advice, buyer qualification, negotiation support and offer management for sellers who want to sell privately or off-market without paying full agent commissions.
Get Independent Property Advice in Melbourne
Fixed fee: $4,500 + GST. No commission. No conflicts. Contact us at collings.com.au to book your independent property advisory consultation in Melbourne 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.
