Buyer’s
Agent Fees
And Why It’s Worth Every Cent.
Hiring a buyer’s agent can make all the difference in finding the right property at the right price. It saves time, reduces stress, and protects you from costly mistakes – but one of the most common questions buyers ask is: how much does it cost?
The short answer is: it depends. Not all buyer’s agents charge the same way, and understanding the different fee structures will help you make an informed choice – and avoid being caught out.
Common Buyer’s Agent Fee Structures
There are a few main ways buyer’s agents in Australia structure their fees:
- Fixed Fee: A fixed fee means you and your buyer’s agent agree on a set price before the property search starts. This provides cost certainty, no matter what the final property price is. However, it may not always account for the complexity of your brief or the time it takes to find the right property. In some cases, fixed fee buyer’s agents may also receive a referral payment from a third party, such as a developer, if you buy through them. Keep in mind that the fixed fee is often payable even if you don’t end up purchasing a property.
- Percentage-Based Fee: This model charges a percentage of the final purchase price, usually between 1% and 3%.
- Hourly Rate: A small number of agents charge by the hour. This might suit buyers with very specific or short-term needs, but it’s hard to predict costs in a longer search, and the outcome may vary depending on how much time is invested.
- Hybrid Fee Model: This model, which we use at Hart Buyers Agency, combines a modest upfront engagement fee with a success fee paid only when you purchase a property. It balances mutual commitment with accountability and ensures we’re as invested in your result as you are.
What Happens If You Don’t Buy a Property?
Sometimes, a search doesn’t lead to a purchase. Your circumstances might change, you may decide to wait, or the right property just might not be available yet. If you’ve paid a fixed fee, hourly rate, or package fee, these are usually non-refundable – even if no property is bought.
At Hart Buyers Agency, we only ask for a small engagement fee to begin working with you. The remainder is paid only when you successfully purchase. This reduces your financial risk and gives you confidence to move forward, knowing you’re not paying for a result that doesn’t happen.
Why Paying an Engagement Fee Matters
An engagement fee isn’t just a transaction – it sets the foundation for a serious, productive relationship. When a buyer pays an engagement fee, they demonstrate genuine intent. In turn, the agent can allocate their time, resources and networks to the buyer’s brief with full commitment.
This fee covers the cost of early-stage work such as:
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In-depth strategy discussions
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Identifying suitable properties (including off-market opportunities)
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Research and shortlisting
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Initial inspections
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Suburb and price analysis
It ensures both parties are engaged and working towards the same goal. At Hart Buyers Agency, it allows us to prioritise our clients properly and deliver a personalised, high-quality service right from the start.
The Risks of Not Using a Buyer’s Agent
Many buyers attempt to navigate the property market alone, believing it will save money. But this often comes at a much higher cost, financially and emotionally.
Without a professional buyer’s agent, you risk:
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Overpaying due to poor market knowledge or emotional decision-making
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Missing hidden red flags in contracts or locations
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Being out-negotiated by sellers or their agents
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Relying on sales agents who legally act in the seller’s interest, not yours
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Wasting time on unsuitable properties or misleading listings
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Missing off-market properties altogether
A good buyer’s agent protects you from these risks, giving you clarity, objectivity, and access you wouldn’t have on your own.
The Danger of Choosing a ‘Cheap’ Buyer’s Agent
While it’s tempting to compare buyer’s agents based on price alone, a ‘cheap’ service can end up costing you more than you save.
Lower fees may mean:
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Inexperienced agents
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Limited property access
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Surface-level research
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Little time spent understanding your goals
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No access to networks or off-market properties
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Poor negotiation outcomes
In property, value comes not from what you pay – but from what you avoid. The wrong property at the wrong price can cost tens or hundreds of thousands more than a high-quality buyer’s agent fee.
Why Our Fee Structure Works Best
At Hart Buyers Agency, we believe buyers should only pay in full when they achieve their goal. That’s why we use a hybrid fee model. You pay a small engagement fee to begin. This gives you access to our complete strategy, research and shortlisting services. We then charge a success fee only when you purchase.
This approach ensures:
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Mutual commitment from day one
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Full focus on your brief
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No push to close deals prematurely
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Support whether your search takes weeks or months
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Fairness and flexibility if your plans change
It’s a model that aligns our interests with yours because when you succeed, we succeed.
Request a Partnership Proposal
We’d love to help you purchase the right property, at the right price and in the right location. Get in touch today to discuss your goals and receive a copy of our Partnership Proposal outlining Hart Buyers Agency fee structure.
Hart Buyers Agency
ABN: 35 980 958 421
info@hartbuyersagency.com.au
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. Before making any property or investment decisions, please seek guidance from a qualified professional such as a licensed accountant, financial advisor, or property investment advisor. Hart Buyers Agency does not offer financial or tax advice.