Buyer's Agents FAQs
Buying Property in MelbourneUnderstanding Buyer's Agents
What is the difference between a buyers agent and a selling agent?
A buyer’s agent works exclusively for the purchaser, whereas a selling agent works directly for the vendor (the seller) and is unable to give you unbiased advice. A selling agent’s responsibility, as required by law, is to act in the best interests of the vendor, while the goal of a buyer advocate is to buy for the lowest possible price and best conditions possible. Buyer advocates must act in the best interests of the purchaser, as required by law.
When should I use a Buyer Advocate?
We suggest you seek buying advice on every property transaction, the same as you would do if you were selling. You are making a huge investment, so why not make sure it is the wise one?
What is the benefit of using a buyer’s agent?
A buyer’s agent is dedicated to making your life easy when it comes to buying property. At National Property Buyers we will take the time to understand exactly what you are looking for and provide detailed market analysis on the area you are looking to purchase in.
Whether it’s your first property or if you are a seasoned property investor, we will take the time and stress out of buying. We know the tricks of the trade and can negotiate a better price on your behalf because we are experts in the industry and do this every day.
From start to finish we will assist you with every aspect of the buying process. From providing a shortlist of properties and arranging inspections, to bidding on the property on your behalf and organising all of the paperwork once the property as settled.
Is a buyer's agent worth the cost?
Yes. A buyer’s agent saves you time and stress of searching, inspecting, and negotiating yourself and reduces the risk of overpaying or missing crucial due diligence. For most buyers, the fee is offset by the price we negotiate on your behalf.
Choosing the Right Buyer's Agent
Are buyer's agents licensed and regulated?
Yes. In Victoria, buyer’s agents are licensed and regulated under the same legislation that governs real estate agents.
A buyer’s agent operating their own business must hold a Victorian Estate Agent’s Licence, while employees providing buyer advocacy services must hold an Agent’s Representative Certificate and work under the supervision of a licensed estate agent.
Licensed buyer’s agents are required to comply with professional and ethical obligations, including acting in their client’s best interests, maintaining appropriate trust account procedures where applicable, and adhering to consumer protection laws.
When choosing a buyer’s agent, it’s important to verify their licence status, industry experience, and whether they operate independently from selling agents. This helps ensure you receive professional advice and representation throughout the property buying process.
Our Buyer Agents are fully licensed real estate agents and our administrative team even hold their Agent’s Representative Certiciate.
How do you know if a buyer's agent is any good?
Look for three things: track record, independence, and how they’re paid.
Ask how long they’ve been operating, how many purchases they complete a year, and for reviews you can actually verify. (We have over 150+ five star Google Reviews just in Victoria). Check they’re a licensed agent and, ideally, a member of REBAA or a similar professional body. And be wary of anyone whose fee is a percentage of the savings they negotiate, since that can incentivise a higher sale price rather than a lower one.
Our buyer’s agents have 75+ years of combined real estate experience, we are accredited members of REBAA and the REIV and are one of Victoria’s most awarded local buyer agents.
What areas do they service?
When choosing a buyer’s agent, local knowledge matters. A buyer’s agent who lives and works in the area you are looking to buy in will typically have a stronger understanding of local market conditions, pricing, buyer demand and property opportunities than someone who simply flies in and out for appointments.
National Property Buyers has offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, allowing us to assist clients across Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. We also have a network of trusted referral partners in other states, enabling us to help buyers throughout Australia.
In Victoria, our Melbourne office is located in Balwyn and we regularly assist clients purchasing property across Greater Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, the Bellarine Peninsula and many of Victoria’s major regional centres. Our team spends time on the ground inspecting properties, speaking with local agents and monitoring market activity, ensuring our clients benefit from genuine local expertise and current market insights.
ne, the Mornington Peninsula, the Bellarine Peninsula and many of Victoria’s major regional centres.
Buyer's Agents Costs and Fees
Is there a cost for the first meeting?
No, we provide a complimentary 30 minute strategy session which allows you to find out more about what we do and how we can help you on your property journey. You can book a complimentary strategy meeting here.
How does National Property Buyers charge for its service?
Our fee structure is agreed in advance and the majority of the fee is paid upon successful purchase. You can choose whether to have a fixed or variable fee, so you know that we are serving your best interest only. Our fee structure depends on the service required and starts from as little as $825 for auction bidding. To get a full breakdown refer to our fees page here.
Do you have any interest in the properties you buy?
No, none whatsoever. Our service is completely independent and unbiased. The right property will be purchased at the right price to suit your needs. We do not take commission or kick backs from real estate agents or developers for recommending and purchasing a property.
Are buyer's agent fees tax deductible?
In most cases, buyer’s agent fees are not immediately tax deductible. Instead, they are typically treated as a capital cost associated with acquiring an investment property and may form part of the property’s cost base.
If you are purchasing an investment property, this means the fee may help reduce your capital gains tax liability when the property is eventually sold, rather than providing an upfront tax deduction.
The tax treatment can vary depending on your individual circumstances, the ownership structure and the purpose of the purchase. If you are buying through a trust, company or SMSF, different considerations may apply.
As tax laws can change and individual circumstances differ, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified accountant or tax adviser to understand how buyer’s agent fees may be treated in your specific situation.
Buyer's Agent Services
Do National Property Buyers work with real estate agents?
Real estate selling agents are highly cooperative and helpful when dealing with buyer’s agents. However, once we are negotiating a price with a selling agent we are on opposing sides. It is our skill as buyer’s agents to understand the tricks of the trade and use our position of advantage to achieve the best price and terms for our clients.
Do buyer's agents get access to off-market properties in Melbourne?
Absolutely! We have an extensive network of real estates that contact us with pre-listing and off-market properties or who we will reach out to when looking for properties. Beware of any Buyer Agents that only searches or buys off market properties. Listed properties are the vast majority of available properties and should always be included in a search. No stone should be left unturned when looking for the ideal property.
Can You Help Me Buy and Sell at the Same Time?
Yes. In fact, helping clients buy and sell at the same time is one of our most valuable services.
Through our combined Buyer Advocacy and Vendor Advocacy offering, we can manage both sides of your property journey under one roof. Rather than coordinating multiple parties yourself, you have a single team helping to align your buying and selling strategy, timelines, budget and overall financial position.
We can help coordinate key milestones such as preparing your home for sale, selecting and managing the selling agent, negotiating the purchase of your next property and aligning settlement dates wherever possible. This reduces stress, avoids costly timing mistakes and helps ensure you don’t feel pressured into buying or selling under unfavourable conditions.
How long will it take to find me a property?
Can You Recommend Solicitors, Conveyancers and Other Professionals?
Absolutely. As an agency that opened its doors over 15 years ago, we have built a trusted network of experienced professionals who can help throughout every stage of the property journey.
Depending on your needs, we can recommend solicitors, conveyancers, mortgage brokers, property managers, building and pest inspectors, valuers, tradespeople and other property-related professionals. These are people and businesses we have worked with over many years and who share our commitment to providing high-quality service and advice.
While you are always free to choose your own professionals, many clients appreciate having access to a trusted team of experts who can help streamline the buying process and ensure nothing is overlooked.
What's the difference between a buyer's agent and a conveyancer or solicitor?
A buyer’s agent finds, assesses, and negotiates the purchase of your property. A conveyancer or solicitor handles the legal side. Contract review, settlement, and transfer of ownership. The two roles work together but don’t overlap: we get you the right property at the right price, they make sure the legal transaction is sound. We work alongside your conveyancer or solicitor throughout the process, or can recommend one if you don’t already have one.
What if I have found a property myself can you assess its value for money and assist me in purchasing the property?
Our services can be tailored to the individual needs of each client and we do offer an Appraise & Negotiate service. These fees are lower than premium service fees as the search time is eliminated.
What’s the difference between an Appraisal and a Valuation?
An appraisal is an anticipated price range that the Real Estate Agent believes the property would achieve if it was offered for sale. A bank valuation is a sworn valuation undertaken by a qualified valuer. It is important to note that no bank or lender will allow you to borrow against an Agent’s appraisal. The bank or lending institution will always require a bank valuation.
Can you buy on my behalf even if we are not in Victoria?
Yes. We regularly work with interstate clients buying in Melbourne, as well as overseas buyers. We can manage the entire process on your behalf, including shortlisting properties, arranging inspections, bidding at auction, and handling paperwork, without you needing to be in Melbourne at any point.
How do I avoid missing out at auction in Melbourne?
Missing out at auction usually comes down to one of three things. Not knowing the true market value of the property, being outbid because of nerves or lack of experience, or losing out to a buyer with a stronger strategy. Our buyer’s agents attend auctions every week and know how to read a room, when to bid, and when to hold back. If you’ve missed out on multiple properties, it’s often a sign you need a clearer strategy rather than a bigger budget.
Contact Us
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have or you can simply request we catch up for a free, no obligation meeting to discuss your needs.