A buyers advocate (also called a buyers agent) is a licensed property professional who searches for, evaluates and negotiates the purchase of a property on a buyer’s behalf. They are paid by the buyer — not the selling agent — which means their interests are aligned with getting you the best property at the best price.
What Does a Buyers Advocate Actually Do?
- Searches for properties that match your criteria across public and off-market listings
- Shortlists and inspects properties on your behalf
- Provides market analysis and property assessments
- Negotiates with selling agents to achieve the best price and terms
- Bids at auction on your behalf
- Manages the purchase process through to settlement
How Much Does a Buyers Advocate Cost?
Buyers advocates in Australia typically charge either:
- A percentage of the purchase price — usually 1.5% to 3%, which on a $1m property means $15,000 to $30,000
- A flat fee — typically $12,000 to $25,000 for a full search and acquisition service
When Do You Actually Need a Buyers Advocate?
A buyers advocate is the right choice when:
- You are interstate or overseas and cannot physically inspect properties
- You have no time to search for properties yourself
- You want a professional to search, shortlist and manage the entire acquisition
- You are entering an unfamiliar market and need full guidance from search to settlement
When You Do Not Need a Full Buyers Advocate
A full buyers advocate service is not necessary when:
- You have already found the property yourself
- You just want a second opinion or independent analysis
- You want help negotiating the price but do not need a full search service
- You are selling and want independent advice — buyers advocates only work for buyers
In these situations, a Collings Property Advisor gives you everything you actually need at a fraction of the cost.
Buyers Advocate vs Collings Property Advisor
| Service | Best For | Cost | Includes Search? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyers Advocate | Buyers who need full search and acquisition management | $12,000 to $30,000+ | Yes |
| Collings Property Advisor | Buyers who found the property and need analysis and negotiation | $4,500 + GST | No — you have already found it |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a buyers advocate worth the cost?
For buyers who need a full search service, yes. For buyers who have already found their property, a Collings Property Advisor delivers the same negotiation and analysis outcome at a fraction of the cost.
Can a buyers advocate help me sell?
No. Buyers advocates work exclusively for buyers. For selling advice and negotiation support, a Collings Property Advisor provides seller advisory services.
What is the difference between a buyers agent and buyers advocate?
The terms are used interchangeably in Australia. Both refer to the same service — a licensed professional who represents buyers in property transactions.
Not Sure If You Need a Buyers Advocate?
Talk to a Collings Property Advisor first. We will give you an honest assessment of whether you need full buyers advocacy or whether our $4,500 + GST advisory service is the right fit for your situation. Contact us at collings.com.au.
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.
