A useful fee comparison starts with the work you need done. Finding and assessing homes across several suburbs is a different engagement from bidding on one property you have already selected. Ask each agent to quote against the same written brief before comparing prices.
What is a buyers agent charging for?
The NSW Government describes buyers agents as acting for the buyer to find property and negotiate a purchase. Fees may be fixed or based on a percentage of the purchase price, and can be negotiated. The written agency agreement matters: ask it to identify the services, charges and when each charge becomes payable. Read the official consumer guide.
| Fee structure | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Fixed total | Does it cover the entire search, one property or a fixed period? |
| Percentage of purchase price | Is there a minimum fee, and is GST added or included? |
| Retainer plus completion fee | Is the retainer credited towards the total or additional? |
| Auction or negotiation only | What preparation, document coordination and follow-up are included? |
A worked quote comparison
The following numbers are invented to demonstrate the arithmetic. They are not surveyed Sydney fees or offers from real agents. Assume a purchase price of $1,200,000. Quote A is $18,000 including GST, with a $3,000 retainer included in that total. Quote B is 1.5% of the purchase price, plus GST. If the quoted GST rate is 10%, Quote B totals $19,800. The two quotes are not equal just because $18,000 is 1.5% of $1,200,000.
If Quote A includes searching but Quote B only includes negotiation, even this total-price comparison is incomplete. Put scope next to cost. For a percentage quote, calculate the fee at both ends of your intended purchase range; the final total will move with the purchase price.
Questions that prevent an expensive misunderstanding
- Ask for the complete payable amount, including GST and any minimum fee.
- Identify the events that trigger payment: signing, exchange, settlement or another milestone.
- Ask what remains payable if finance fails, the search is paused, the agreement ends or no property is bought.
- List third-party costs separately: inspections, legal advice and other specialists are not automatically included.
- Ask who performs the work and what happens if your assigned agent changes.
- Ask for written disclosure of relevant referral arrangements, benefits and conflicts.
Compare value using your actual brief
An agent who can show relevant experience with your property type, suburbs and timetable may be a better fit than one with a lower headline fee. Ask for a concrete example of how they assess a shortlist, report risks and keep you informed. A claim of access to off-market property is not evidence that a particular home is suitable or cheaper.
Do not count an advertised saving as guaranteed compensation for the fee. The asking price, your maximum budget and a hypothetical alternative price are different reference points. Ask what a savings claim compares and what evidence supports it.
Make the next conversation specific
Use the quote comparison worksheet to record inclusions and unanswered questions. If you would like an introduction, send Baxau the suburbs, property type, timing and scope you need. Confirm all fees and the agreement directly with the agent before engaging them.