1) What is a buyers agent?

A buyers agent (buyers advocate) is a fully licensed real estate professional who represents the buyer — not the seller — from search through to settlement. In Sydney, a skilled buyers agent will:

• Source both on-market and off-market properties across target suburbs.
• Analyse comparable sales and price momentum to set a smart ceiling.
• Coordinate due diligence (building, strata, engineering, legal) to reduce risk.
• Negotiate with selling agents and manage the process to exchange.

2) What’s the difference between a buyers agent and a selling agent?

• Selling agent: Engaged by the vendor to achieve the highest price.
• Buyers agent: Engaged by you to secure the right property at the right price.

You wouldn’t share a lawyer with the opposing party; property is no different.

3) How much do buyers agents charge?

Common models in Sydney include:

• Fixed fee: Certainty on cost, independent of purchase price.
• Percentage: Often 1–2% of purchase price, sometimes with a cap.

Unicorn Buyers Agents offers flexibility: a fixed fee, or a capped percentage (whichever suits your brief and budget).

4) Are buyers agents worth it?

Yes — especially in competitive Sydney pockets where high-quality stock is limited and many deals happen off-market. The value shows up in time saved, better assets purchased, fewer mistakes, and stronger negotiation outcomes.

Service options you can choose

• Bid at auction: Strategy, composure and compliance on the day.
• Appraise & negotiate: Price guidance from comps and momentum; private treaty negotiation handled for you.
• Full search: Agent outreach, research tools, letterbox drops, door-knocking, dozens of inspections, and end-to-end due diligence.

5) How much could it cost me not to use a buyers agent?

• Overpaying risk: 3% on a $2,000,000 home = $60,000 lost day one.
• Asset quality: A superior property compounding at 5% vs 4% is ~$200,000 ahead in 10 years on a $2M purchase.

A good buyers agent helps you avoid poor assets, overpaying, and “unknown unknowns”.

6) Do I need a buyers agent in today’s market?

Yes — in hot and cool cycles.

• Hot market: Beat FOMO, move faster, access off-market stock.
• Cooler market: Identify value, avoid time-wasting campaigns, leverage vendor motivation.
• Always: Micro-market pricing in Sydney shifts weekly; last night’s sale can reset today’s benchmark.

7) How to choose a buyers agent (avoid these mistakes)

1. Hiring before finance approval: Get a fully assessed loan first.
2. No buying team: Ensure access to broker, solicitor, inspectors, trades.
3. Lack of independence: Avoid agents with developer/builder kickbacks.
4. Wrong service fit: Match scope (auction/appraise/full search) to your needs.
5. Weak local expertise: Choose an area specialist (e.g., Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore).
6. Price confusion: Understand what work the fee covers; be wary of “cheap” for complex briefs.
7. Shallow sourcing: Look for robust methods (agent outreach, RPData, door-knocking, letters).
8. No auction experience: If auctions are likely, demand battle-tested strategies.
9. Soft negotiation: You should feel their calm confidence and control.
10. Poor brief: Share lifestyle goals, school runs, hobbies, and portfolio aims.
11. No exclusivity: Avoid conflicts; ensure your brief isn’t duplicated with other clients.
12. Bait-and-switch: Confirm the senior you meet is the person doing the work.
13. No references: Ask for recent client refs where appropriate.

8) What questions should I ask before hiring?

• How long have you operated as a buyers agent in my target suburbs?
• How do you source off-market opportunities?
• What is your auction strategy and negotiation approach?
• Who is on your due-diligence team?
• How will you communicate and how often?
• How many active briefs are you running right now?
• Can I speak to recent clients?
• Fixed fee vs percentage — what do you recommend for my brief and why?

9) Can I claim buyers agent fees on tax?

Investment property: Fees are typically capitalised into cost base and may be deductible on sale. Owner-occupied: Generally not deductible. Always confirm with your accountant or tax agent.

10) Can a property seller contact my buyers agent directly?

Yes. Many Sydney sellers approach buyers agents to avoid a selling agent’s commission — often creating early/off-market options. If a selling agent is already appointed, any direct contact occurs with their permission.

11) Do I have to sign a buyers agent agreement?

Yes. In NSW, licensed agents must operate under the Property and Stock Agents Act and Regulations. An agency agreement sets out scope, fees and responsibilities to protect all parties.

12) Can I use multiple buyers agents?

Typically no — most professionals work on an exclusive basis to avoid conflicts. Collaboration with external specialists may occur for challenging briefs at no extra cost to the client.

Buyers Agent Fees Explained (Sydney)

• Typical pricing: Fixed fee or 1–2% (often capped).
• Value: Off-market access, rigorous due diligence, superior negotiation, time saved.
• ROI: Many clients save multiples of the fee through better assets and sharper pricing.

Ready to get strategic about your Sydney purchase?

Share your brief and we’ll outline a clear plan, timing and a transparent fixed or capped fee.