Search and assessment
The work can include finding properties against a brief, assessing a shortlist, inspecting and researching price. Access to off-market opportunities is a possible part of that service. The agreed scope determines what is included. NSW Government: using a buyer's agent.
Negotiation and purchase coordination
A buyer's agent can negotiate with the seller, bid at auction and liaise with the parties until completion. Background checks on the property and area are also among the services described by Queensland's Office of Fair Trading. Queensland Government: buyer's agent services.
Who the agent represents
The selling agent represents the seller. A buyer's agent is appointed to act for the purchaser. Consumer Affairs Victoria says an agent cannot represent both sides in the same property transaction and suggests asking whether the business also acts for sellers. Consumer Affairs Victoria: buyer's agents and estate agents.
Our comparison discloses vendor advocacy and other services to sellers. Related-firm notes also show where agencies share named people or disclose overlapping acquisitions. Those facts are visible beside the agency, rather than hidden in a ranking score.
What the appointment covers
Read the services, conditions and payment terms together. Queensland's commercial appointment form records the services and limits, commissions, expenses and due dates. The agency fee does not stand for every cost of purchasing a property. Queensland Government: commercial appointment.
Check which tasks belong to the agent and which require a separate professional. Consumer Affairs Victoria distinguishes an agent's role from the work of a conveyancer or legal practitioner. Consumer Affairs Victoria: property advisers.
Compare the work with the fee
Start with the published fee components, then read the agreement's scope. A percentage and a flat fee are different units. An unpublished component cannot be included in a calculated total.
The comparison records minimum purchase prices, asset classes, cities, disclosed acquisitions and licence identity. These help check the published facts behind a proposed appointment. They do not establish that an agency is suitable for an individual buyer, or what financial outcome it will achieve.
Follow the commercial purchase process and use the counting method to interpret the record.
Official sources: NSW Government, Consumer Affairs Victoria and Queensland Government. Read 2026-11-09. Agency facts use the individual record dates.
General information only, not financial or legal advice.