Who Pays a Buyer's Agent? | Australian Buyer Guide
Understand how representation is funded and why payment arrangements should be clear from the start. Compare evidence and licensed buyer support.
The short answer
Understand how representation is funded and why payment arrangements should be clear from the start. The right choice depends on your budget, timeframe and how much of the search, assessment and negotiation you want to handle yourself. Confirm licence, fees and conflicts in writing before you engage anyone.
Identify the appointment
Ask who has engaged the agent and whose interests they represent. A person who introduces a property is not automatically acting as the buyer’s representative.
Read the payment terms
Confirm the payer, fee structure, timing and external costs in the appointment. Compare the total amount rather than relying on a headline percentage.
Ask about other payments
Request disclosure of referral fees, supplier arrangements or other financial relationships relevant to the purchase. Any claim of independence should be supported by the actual business model.
Your next step
Bring your location, budget, timing and the decision you need help with. Confirm service availability and the scope of work before appointing representation.
Questions to ask before engaging anyone
Most buyers compare buyer's agents on fees alone. The better test is who actually does the work, how conflicts are handled and what happens if no property is bought.
- Licence number and the state it covers
- Exactly what is included and how fees are calculated
- Whether they accept any payment from sellers or selling agents
- Who inspects, negotiates and bids, and how you approve decisions
- Termination and refund terms
How Shelby fits into your purchase
Shelby is a research and matching platform, not a licensed agency. You can use the Ask Shelby chat on this page to turn your goals for your purchase into a written brief, run the calculators and compare buyer-side support. When you want representation, the engagement is agreed directly with a licensed professional whose coverage, fees and conflicts are confirmed for your brief first.
- Discover: set budget, location and property type
- Plan: test borrowing, stamp duty and holding costs
- Match: compare licensed buyer-side support
- Buy: inspect, negotiate and settle with your advisers
Common mistakes buyers make
Many buyers set a price from listing portals, skip independent inspections to win a competitive campaign, or let a deadline override the brief. Each one shifts risk onto you. Keep a written ceiling, complete inspections before you are bound and walk away when the evidence does not support the price.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free property-finding service necessarily buyer representation?
No. Clarify who pays the provider and what obligations they owe. The absence of a direct fee is not proof that the service represents your interests.
What should I prepare before enquiring?
Share the target location, total budget, timeframe and any property already under consideration. Include the specific decision or uncertainty you want help with.
How do I confirm the service and fee?
Ask for a written scope identifying the work, responsible representative, fee, payment stages and any separately appointed professionals.
Who pays a buyer's agent?
The buyer pays the buyer's agent under a written agreement. A buyer's agent should not receive payment from the seller; ask them to confirm in writing that they accept no seller-side commissions or referral fees.