How much does a Buyers Agent cost?
When venturing into the property market in Australia, whether you’re buying your first home or adding to your investment portfolio, the guidance of a Buyers Agent can be invaluable. Buyers Agent fees can vary, and being aware of the different services Buyers Agents offer and the typical costs and pricing structures will ensure that you are adequately informed about the most suitable Buyers Agent and Buyers Agency services for your needs.
What does a Buyers Agent cost?
Buyer’s agents in Australia generally operate under one of three pricing models:
- Fixed Fee: This is a pre-set cost for services that won’t change regardless of the property’s purchase price. Services under this model can include full service (searching, negotiating, and bidding), sale negotiation only, or auction bidding only. Fees can range from a few thousand dollars up to $15,000,
- Tiered Fixed Fee: In this model, fees change based on the property purchase price with set fees for predetermined property price brackets. For example, you might pay $6,000 for a property priced between $250,000 and $500,000, and $12,000 for one between $750,000 and $1,000,000.
- Percentage of Purchase Price: This commission-based model calculates fees as a percentage of the property’s purchase price, typically ranging from 1% to 3%. For instance, purchasing a $500,000 property might incur a fee of $10,000 at a 2% rate.
Buyers Agent Services
Depending on the level of support you would like or require, many Buyers Agents offer personalised services that suit each buyer:
- Full Service Buying: This is the most common level of service requested by buyers and attracts the full fee. It is a start to finish service, from building your strategy and brief, to researching markets, shortlisting, inspecting, due diligence, contract coordination and reviews and negotiation. Some Buyers Agents may also offer post purchase care.
- Evaluate and Negotiate Only: If you have found your ideal property and want an experienced team to take the reins in helping you secure it, this is the next service option for buyers. This may suit people who have the time and enjoy looking for property, as well as having the confidence in location choice and property type (more commonly for some homebuyers). This service level will often be priced at half of the full-service buying fee.
- Auction Bidding Only: If you have a found a property and it is set for auction, a Buyers Agent can help you with an auction strategy, appraisal and evaluation of the property to ensure you make the right bids at the right time and don’t overpay. There is usually a smaller auction fee for attending the auction.
Additional Costs
Apart from the main Buyers Agent fee, there may be additional costs such as upfront deposits, which are usually deductible from the final fee. For example, to get started, a Buyers Agent may ask for a small portion of the total fee to be paid upon signing the Buyers Agency Agreement and the rest of the balance payable once the property is unconditional.
Tax Deductibility
It’s also important to consider the tax implications of these fees. In some cases, buyers agent fees may be tax-deductible, especially if the property is for investment purposes. However, it’s best to consult with a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Are They Worth It?
Are Buyers Agents worth it? Buyers Agents fees are often offset by savings made from expert negotiation skills, access to off-market properties and strategic guidance that contributes to capital growth. Our time efficiency in buying you a property can also translate into financial savings by entering the market sooner (given the rate at which property is growing in many markets). They can also help you avoid overpaying and making emotion-based decisions by having a clear strategy in place. Finding a reputable and independent buyers agent will be a valuable investment to your property success.
