Home Buyers Agent Fees
Buyers Agent Fees Australia
What a buyers agent really costs.
Buyers agents in Australia usually charge a fixed fee of about $12,000 to $35,000, or 1% to 3% of the price plus GST. Ours is $8,000 up to $400k, then a sliding scale, and you can pay it monthly. Figures are from our review of 66 agency websites, checked 18 October 2026.
- A percentageMost common~2% + GST of the priceRises with the price you pay: $22,000 on $1M, $44,000 on $2M.See the numbers
- A fixed feeYou know it up front$15k–$25k incl GST, typicalThe same whatever you pay, often with a percentage above $1.5M to $2M.See the numbers
- Wealth Through PropertyFixed, and you can spread it$8,000 up to $400kThen a sliding scale. Pay at settlement, or monthly with no interest while we search.Work out yours
How much does a buyers agent cost in Australia?
Most buyers agents in Australia charge a fixed fee or 1% to 3% of the price, often about 2% plus GST. On a $1M purchase that is $22,000. Published fixed fees run from about $12,000 to $35,000 including GST, and many add an engagement fee of $500 to $5,000 to start.
From our own review of the websites of 66 Australian buyers agencies, checked 18 October 2026. 18 of them publish their fee; the rest quote after a call.
The numbers
Buyers agent fees on real prices
A typical 2% plus GST agent charges $16,500 on a $750k purchase, $22,000 on $1M and $44,000 on $2M. Our fee is $8,000 up to $400k, $12,000 at $1M, $14,000 at $1.5M and $16,000 at $2M, all including GST. The table shows what you keep at each price.
“You keep” is the difference against a 2% + GST agent. In our review, fixed-fee agencies usually charge $15,000 to $25,000 up to about $1.5M to $2M, then a percentage above that.
How fees work
Fixed fee or percentage: how buyers agents charge
Buyers agents charge a percentage of the price, a fixed dollar fee, or a sliding scale that mixes the two. A percentage rises as the price rises, while a fixed fee stays the same. Whichever you are offered, ask for the total in dollars, including GST, before you sign.
- Percentage of the price
About 2% plus GST is the most common in our review. It rises with the price: $22,000 on $1M, $44,000 on $2M.
- Fixed fee
One dollar figure agreed before the search starts, so you know the cost whatever you pay.
- Sliding scale
A fixed fee up to a price, then a small rate on the part above. Ours: $8,000 up to $400k, then 0.8% falling to 0.25%.
- Engagement fee or retainer
Paid when you sign, to start the search. Check that it comes off the final fee and whether you get it back if you cancel.
- Success fee
The main part of the fee, paid when you secure a property, usually at exchange or settlement.
- Negotiation or bidding on its own
Cheaper than a full search, but you find and check the property yourself.
Which costs less? On a cheaper home a low percentage can come close to a fixed fee. As the price rises, a fixed fee or sliding scale usually costs less: on a $2M purchase, 2% plus GST is $44,000, while our fee is $16,000. Compare what is included, not just the headline number.
By city
Buyers agent fees in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
In our review, Sydney agencies published fixed fees of about $12,000 to $35,000, Melbourne about $13,000 to $17,500 for investors, and Brisbane about $19,500 for a full search. Percentage fees ran from about 1% to 2.75% plus GST. Only 18 of the 66 agencies we reviewed published a fee.
Most agencies don’t publish their fee: 18 of the 66 we reviewed did. Ask for a written quote in dollars, with GST, before you sign.
Other cities
Buyers agent fees in Perth, Adelaide and the rest of Australia
Agencies in Perth and Adelaide rarely show a price. In our 18 October 2026 review of 66 agency websites, none of the four Perth agencies and none of the four Adelaide agencies we checked published a fee. Wherever you buy, ask for a written quote in dollars, with GST, before you sign.
Our fee is the same wherever you buy in Australia: $8,000 up to $400k for an investment property or a home to live in, then a small rate on the part above, with a retainer from $1,000 that comes off the fee. Buying an Airbnb or holiday home costs more because the research takes more work: $18,000 up to $1.8M, then 0.6% falling to 0.375%. See our Airbnb buyers agent page for that fee.
All Wealth Through Property fees include GST.
What you get
What a buyers agent fee should cover
A buyers agent fee should cover the search and research, inspections, a price check from recent sales, negotiation or bidding, due diligence with your team, and help through to settlement. Building and pest reports, conveyancing and travel outside the agent’s area usually cost extra, so ask what is not included.
- Search and research
Areas, rent and growth checks, listed and off-market properties.
- Inspections
Every property seen in person or by a local partner before you offer.
- Price check
What it’s worth from recent sales, before any offer or bid.
- Negotiation and auctions
We deal with the selling agent and bid for you, and update you after every call.
- Due diligence
Building and pest, strata and contract checks with your team.
- Through to settlement
With your solicitor, broker and lender.
Our view
Why our fee is lower than most
We’ve bought our own properties and built our own portfolio, so we know how hard it is to get in. Saving the deposit is hard enough. Finding another $20,000 or more for professional help is often what stops people getting the help that would push them forward.
So we keep the fee low, start with a small retainer and let you spread the rest. You still get the full service: research, inspections, negotiation and help through to settlement. We would rather help you buy well now, and again for your next one.
Ways to pay
Pay your buyers agent fee monthly, not all at once
Most agencies want their whole fee by settlement. We let you pay a retainer from $1,000 that comes off the fee, then the balance at settlement or monthly over 3, 12, 24 or 36 months, with no interest while we search. More of your savings can go into the deposit. All amounts include GST.
- Pay at settlement
A retainer when you sign, then the rest at settlement, with nothing added.
- 3 months, interest-free
Split the balance over 3 monthly payments, with no interest.
- 12, 24 or 36 months
Smaller monthly payments. No interest while we search; after you buy, 0.5% a month on what’s still owing.
- Pay it off early
Pay what’s left at any time and the interest stops.
- Worked out on the price you pay
When you buy, the fee is worked out again on the actual price.
- Keep more for the deposit
Start with a retainer from $1,000, and it comes off your fee.
Illustrative example: on a $750,000 purchase our fee is $10,500 and the retainer is $1,000. The $9,500 balance can be paid at settlement, as $3,166.67 a month for 3 months, or from $395.83 a month over 24 months. Use the calculator below for your own price.
The price
Our buyers agent fee, worked out for your purchase
Pick your price range or type your budget. You see the fee, the retainer and every way to pay, straight away. All prices include GST.
What do you expect to pay for the property?
Your fee: $8,800 1.76% of the price, GST included. If you buy for more or less, it’s worked out again on the price you actually pay.
No interest while we search, and the first 3 months are interest-free. After you buy, interest is charged on what’s still owing, nothing more. Pay it off at any time and the interest stops: you just pay what’s left of the fee.
Included
- Your own buyers agent · One person from start to finish.
- Research and shortlist · Areas and properties tested on rent, growth and risk.
- Unlimited reviews and negotiations · As many properties as it takes.
- Off-market and pre-market access · Where available.
- NSW inspections and auctions · In person for NSW purchases.
- Help to settlement · With your solicitor, broker and lender.
Good to know
- The retainer comes off your fee, and it is non-refundable once your agreement is accepted, unless we cannot complete your identity checks or the law gives you a refund.
- Monthly payments start a month after you sign, with no interest while we search, however long it takes.
- When you buy, the fee is worked out again on the price you actually pay.
- After you buy, interest (0.5% a month) is charged on what’s still owing, nothing more. Pay it off at any time and the interest stops.
The fee scale and retainer
Each rate applies to the part of the price inside its band, not the whole price. All amounts include GST.
This calculator uses our fee for an investment property or a home. Buying a home to live in? See Home Buyers Agent. Buying an investment property? See Investment Property Buyers Agent. Buying an Airbnb or holiday home? See Airbnb Buyers Agent (its fee is higher: $18,000 up to $1.8M).
Compare agents
Questions to ask a buyers agent about fees
- 1Fixed or a percentage?
Ask for the total in dollars at your budget, with GST.
- 2What’s due up front?
And do you get it back if you cancel?
- 3When is the rest due?
And can you spread it?
- 4What’s included?
And what costs extra?
- 5Any money from sellers?
The answer should be no.
- 6How long, and exclusive?
Check the term and whether you can leave.
- 7Licensed in your state?
Ask for the licence number.
- 8Real reviews?
Google reviews, not just testimonials.
Be careful with any agency that wants most of the fee before any work is done, or promises a return. Nobody can honestly promise growth or rent.
Tax and GST
Are buyers agent fees tax deductible?
This is general information, not tax advice. The ATO’s rental properties guide says you can’t claim buyers agent fees as a deduction against rent, because they are a cost of buying the property, like conveyancing and stamp duty. It also says these costs may form part of the property’s cost base for capital gains tax, which can reduce the taxable gain when you sell.
If you buy a home to live in, the fee is a personal cost. Your accountant can tell you how the rules apply to you. Read the ATO’s guide: Rental expenses, Rental properties 2025 (checked 19 October 2026).
GST: many agencies quote “plus GST”, which adds 10%, so a $15,000 plus GST fee is $16,500 to pay. Every Wealth Through Property fee on this page includes GST.
Value
Is a buyers agent worth the fee?
A buyers agent is worth it when the help saves or earns you more than the fee. That can be a better price, avoiding a property with a costly problem, a stronger rent, or the weekends you get back.
Illustrative example: if your agent negotiates $15,000 off a $900,000 purchase, an $11,400 fee is covered before you count the time saved. Nobody can promise a saving on every purchase, so judge an agent on how they research, check and negotiate.
If you know the area well, have time to inspect and research, and are happy to negotiate, you may be fine without one. Still deciding? Read how to choose the right buyers agent, check your loan first with our home loan pre-approval guide, or see what our investment property buyers agent and home buyers agent services include.
What our clients say on Google
4.9 from 40 reviews★★★★★
I’ve bought two properties through Scott and both have been excellent buys. He found great value in strong locations, and the growth has been solid. Because of the results from those first two, I’m now in a position to buy another two investment properties and I’ll definitely be using Scott again.
Dean Erickson · Google review · 2025
★★★★★
Scott has been awesome throughout my journey. We bought our first investment property with Scott’s help and professional guidance. Would recommend him to any new buyers looking to kick start their investment portfolio.
Jessica Wills · Google review · 2023
★★★★★
Thanks for helping me Scott. You made buying in another state easy and I wouldn’t had the time to do it myself
Derek Farmer · Google review · 2022
Questions about buyers agent fees
How much does a buyers agent cost in Australia?
Most buyers agents charge either a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price. Percentage fees are usually 1% to 3%, often around 2% plus GST, which is $22,000 on a $1M purchase. In our own review of 66 agency websites on 18 October 2026, the fixed fees that were published ran from about $12,000 to $35,000 including GST. Many also charge an engagement fee of $500 to $5,000 to start.
Do buyers agents charge a percentage or a fixed fee?
Both are common. A percentage fee rises with the price you pay, so the agent earns more if you pay more. A fixed fee stays the same whatever the price, so you know the cost before you start. Some agents use a fixed fee up to a price and a percentage above it, or a sliding scale.
Who pays the buyers agent?
You do, the buyer. The selling agent is paid by the seller. A buyers agent should be paid by you alone and should not take commissions or referral fees from selling agents or developers. Ask them to confirm that in writing.
Is a buyers agent fee tax deductible?
This is general information, not tax advice. For an investment property, the ATO says you can’t claim buyers agent fees as a rental deduction, because they are a cost of buying the property, like conveyancing and stamp duty. They may form part of the property’s cost base for capital gains tax, which can reduce the gain when you sell. For a home you live in, there is no deduction. See the ATO’s rental expenses guide and ask your accountant.
Can I pay a buyers agent fee in instalments?
Most agencies want an engagement fee up front and the balance when you buy or at settlement. Very few let you spread the fee. Wealth Through Property lets you pay at settlement or monthly over 3, 12, 24 or 36 months, with no interest while we search and the first 3 months interest-free.
Are buyers agent fees negotiable?
Sometimes. Agencies with a published fixed fee rarely move on it, but you can often ask for a smaller service, such as negotiation or auction bidding on its own, for a lower fee. Compare what is included rather than the headline number alone.
What is the cheapest way to use a buyers agent?
A negotiation or auction-bidding service on its own costs less than a full search, often a few thousand dollars, but you do the searching and checking yourself. For a full service, a fixed fee is usually cheaper than a percentage on higher prices. The cheapest fee is not automatically the best value: one overpayment or one bad purchase costs far more than the difference.
Do buyers agent fees include GST?
Often not. Many agencies quote “plus GST”, which adds 10%. A fee of $15,000 plus GST is $16,500. Compare fees including GST. All Wealth Through Property fees include GST.
Show 2 more questionsShow fewer questions
What is an engagement fee or retainer?
It is a payment to start the search, usually $500 to $5,000. Check whether it comes off the final fee or is extra, and whether you get it back if you change your mind. Ours comes off the fee. It is non-refundable once your agreement is accepted, unless we cannot complete your identity checks or the law gives you a refund.
Is a buyers agent worth it?
It is worth it when it saves or earns you more than the fee: a better price, avoiding a property with hidden problems, stronger rent, or simply your time. If you know an area well and have time to research, inspect and negotiate, you may not need one.
How much does a buyers agent cost in Sydney?
In our own review of 66 agency websites on 18 October 2026, Sydney agencies that publish a fixed fee charge about $12,000 to $35,000 including GST for a full search, and percentage fees run at about 1% to 2% plus GST. On a $1.5M purchase, 2% plus GST is $33,000. Our fee on $1.5M is $14,000 including GST.
How much does a buyers agent cost in Melbourne?
In our review, Melbourne agencies that publish a fixed fee for investors charge about $13,000 to $17,500 including GST, and published percentage fees run from about 1% to 2.75% plus GST. On a $900,000 purchase, 2% plus GST is $19,800. Our fee on $900,000 is $11,400 including GST.
How much does a buyers agent cost in Brisbane?
In our review, the published Queensland fees were about $19,500 including GST for a full search, or about 1.5% plus GST with a $1,500 start fee. On an $800,000 purchase, 1.5% plus GST is $13,200. Our fee on $800,000 is $10,800 including GST.
Do buyers advocates charge the same as buyers agents?
Yes. Buyers advocate is another name for a buyers agent, used most in Victoria, and the fees work the same way: a percentage, a fixed fee or a sliding scale, often with an engagement fee to start. Compare the total in dollars, with GST.
What is a fair buyers agent fee?
A fair fee is one you can see in dollars, with GST, before you sign, and that matches the work done. In our review of 66 agency websites, percentage fees of about 1% to 3% plus GST were common, and published fixed fees ran from about $12,000 to $35,000 including GST. A fixed fee is usually better value as the price rises, because a percentage grows with every extra dollar you pay. Ours is $8,000 up to $400k and a sliding scale above, so $12,000 on $1M, $14,000 on $1.5M and $16,000 on $2M, GST included.
Is a 2% buyers agent fee normal?
In our review, about 2% plus GST is the most common percentage fee, and published percentage fees run from about 1% to 3%. 2% plus GST is $22,000 on a $1M purchase and $44,000 on $2M. A fixed fee or sliding scale usually costs less as the price rises.
What is a buyers agent success fee?
It is the main part of the fee, paid when you secure a property, usually at exchange or settlement. Many agencies charge an engagement fee when you sign and a success fee when you buy. With us, a retainer from $1,000 comes off the fee and the rest is paid at settlement or monthly.
When do you pay a buyers agent?
Usually in two parts: an engagement fee when you sign, then the balance at exchange or settlement. With us, you pay a retainer when you sign, then the rest at settlement, or monthly over 3 months interest-free, or over 12, 24 or 36 months.
Is there interest on your monthly payment plan?
There is no interest while we search, however long it takes, and the 3-month plan has no interest. On the 12, 24 and 36-month plans, interest of 0.5% a month starts after you buy and is charged on what is still owing. Pay it off at any time and the interest stops.
What is not included in a buyers agent fee?
Building and pest inspections, strata reports, conveyancing, stamp duty, loan costs and insurance are paid separately, to the people who do them. Ask any agent what else could be added, such as travel, so you know the full cost before you sign.
Facts checked 28 October 2026.
- The ATO says GST is a broad-based tax of 10% on most goods, services and other items sold or consumed in Australia, so a fee quoted as $15,000 plus GST is $16,500 to pay (ATO: GST, checked 28 October 2026).
- The ATO says an Australian resident who owns an asset for at least 12 months can currently reduce their capital gain by 50%, which is why the cost base, including buying costs, matters when you sell. The ATO also says that from 1 July 2027 this discount is replaced by cost base indexation and a 30% minimum tax rate on gains that accrue after that date, so check the rules with your accountant (ATO: CGT discount, checked 28 October 2026).
- The NSW Government says buyers agents may charge a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price, and that the fee is not set by law, so it can be negotiated (NSW Government, checked 28 October 2026).
Want your exact fee?
Tell us your budget and where you want to buy. We’ll give you the fee in dollars, what’s included and how you can pay it. Free 15-minute call.