A buyers advocate (also called a buyers agent) is a licensed professional who searches for, evaluates and negotiates property on behalf of a buyer. They work exclusively for the buyer, not the selling agent. Their fee is typically $15,000 to $25,000 or 1 to 2% of the purchase price.
What a Buyers Advocate Does
- Researches and shortlists properties matching your criteria
- Arranges and attends inspections on your behalf
- Conducts due diligence (comparable sales, zoning, building reports)
- Bids at auction or negotiates private sale price
- Manages the contract and settlement process
What a Buyers Advocate Costs in Australia (2026)
| Fee Structure | Typical Range | On a $1M Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | $10,000 to $18,000 | $10,000 to $18,000 |
| Percentage of purchase price | 1.5 to 2.5% | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| Success fee (some advocates) | $8,000 to $12,000 | $8,000 to $12,000 |
Do You Actually Need a Buyers Advocate?
A buyers advocate is most valuable when you are time-poor, buying in an unfamiliar market, or need someone to bid at auction on your behalf. However, many buyers who have already found their property do not need the full search service. In those cases, a Collings Property Advisory session at $4,500 plus GST covers property assessment, negotiation strategy, offer preparation and agent negotiation — at a fraction of the full advocacy fee.
Buyers Advocate vs Collings Property Advisory
| Service | Buyers Advocate | Collings Property Advisory |
|---|---|---|
| You found the property yourself | Usually won’t help | Perfect fit |
| Full search and shortlisting | Yes | No |
| Property assessment and analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Negotiation and offer strategy | Yes | Yes |
| Auction bidding | Yes | Yes |
| Contract and settlement support | Yes | Yes |
| Typical cost | $15,000 to $25,000 | $4,500 plus GST |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are buyers advocates worth it in Melbourne?
In competitive auction markets (Northcote, Ivanhoe, Hawthorn), having a professional bidder can prevent emotional overbidding and save you more than their fee. For private sales, the value is less clear unless the advocate has strong off-market access.
Can I use a buyers advocate for investment properties?
Yes. Many buyers advocates specialise in investment property selection including high-yield suburbs, SMSF-suitable properties and off-market blocks of units. The Collings portal also provides free off-market access for buyers. Sign up at collings.com.au/portal.
What is cheaper than a buyers advocate?
Collings Property Advisory at $4,500 plus GST provides property assessment, comparable sales analysis, negotiation strategy and offer management — the parts of buyers advocacy that deliver the most value, at a fixed fee that is 70 to 80% less than full-service advocacy.
Access Off-Market Properties Free
Whether you’re buying your first investment property, building a portfolio, or exploring SMSF property investment, 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
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.
