Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones—and can be one of the most stressful. From working out what you can afford, to numerous property inspections, understanding auction conditions, reading legal contracts and navigating finance approvals, it’s no wonder so many buyers feel overwhelmed. We see it every day—clients come to us excited but also anxious, especially when it’s their first home or first major investment.
There’s a lot to juggle when you’re purchasing property. As mortgage brokers, we help you navigate the finance side of things—ensuring your loan is the right fit, competitive, and ready to go when the time comes to make an offer on a property. But, on the property hunting and purchasing side, many buyers don’t realise they can also call in a professional to guide them on that part of the journey too.
What exactly is a buyer’s advocate?
A buyer’s advocate (also known as a buyer’s agent) is a licensed property professional who works solely for the buyer. Unlike real estate agents, who are paid by the seller to get the highest possible price, buyer’s advocates are hired by you, the purchaser, to act in your best interest.
Their role is all about strategy and support. They can help you define what you’re really looking for (beyond the 3 bed, 2 bath). They can research suburbs that align with your budget and goals, inspect properties, assess true market value, and negotiate the purchase—whether that’s through a private sale or bidding at auction on your behalf. Many also have access to off-market properties that never get listed online, which can be beneficial if you’ve been looking for a long time.
Some buyer’s advocates offer full-service packages—handling the entire search and negotiation—while others offer auction bidding or negotiation-only services if you’ve already found a property yourself. Whatever the level of involvement, their aim is the same; to protect your interests and help you buy smarter, with less stress and more confidence.
Buyer’s advocate fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the purchase price, but this can vary based on service level and location. Some agents offer fixed fees, while others use a commission model where the fee is a percentage of the purchase price.
Still niche but growing
While using a buyer’s advocate is still considered a niche option, it’s one that’s growing steadily across Australia. Industry data shows the number of registered buyer’s advocates in Australia has increased from around 500 in 2016 to over 1,000 today.
Even more telling is the shift in buyer sentiment. A recent survey found that approximately one in three property seekers are considering using a buyer’s advocate for their next purchase. That includes not only first-home buyers, but also investors and even those looking to upgrade to a bigger home, who want expert support as they navigate a competitive and fast-moving market.
The rise in demand makes sense when you consider how complex the property landscape has become. With fluctuating prices, regional hotspots, and a surge in off-market activity, buyers are realising they need more than just enthusiasm—they need expertise.
Less stress. More confidence.
For first-home buyers especially, the emotional impact of missing out on properties, feeling out of your depth at auctions, or second-guessing your choices can take a serious toll. We’ve seen buyers get stuck in “analysis paralysis” for months, afraid to make a move. We’ve also seen others rush into purchases they later regret—often because they didn’t have the right guidance.
A buyer’s advocate helps cut through the noise. They can tell you if a property is worth the asking price. They know the local agents and how to negotiate with them. They understand market trends, suburb growth potential, and zoning rules. They can calmly manage auction day nerves or advise you when it’s smarter to walk away.
In short, they help you buy with your head—not just your heart.
You don’t have to do it alone
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home or investment property, you don’t have to do it all alone. Start by having a chat with us. We’ll walk you through your finance options, help you understand your budget, and prepare your loan strategy so you’re ready to act when the right opportunity comes along.
And if you’d like extra support on the property side, it’s worth considering the benefits of having an expert to help you buy.
If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.