11 Feb How to Choose a Buyers Agent: 5 Non-Negotiables for Sydney Buyers

The Rapid Growth of Buyers Agents in Australia

The buyers agent market in Australia has exploded over the past decade. Today, there are approximately 1,000 buyers agents across the country, with the vast majority operating in Sydney. Back in 2016, there were only around 500. While this growth reflects increasing demand for professional property guidance, it also creates a challenge for potential buyers: how do you know who to trust?

Why Low Fees Don’t Always Mean a Good Deal

Many of the new operators are single-person businesses offering low fees and making big promises. But the reality is simple: a low fee doesn’t mean much if you end up buying the wrong property or overpaying. Buyers often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, which is where the right buyers agent can make all the difference.

Having started my buyers agent business in 2010, when the industry was still small and largely unknown, I’ve seen the evolution firsthand. From this experience, I’ve identified five non-negotiables every buyer should consider when choosing a buyers agent.

5 Non-Negotiables for Choosing a Buyers Agent

1. Experience

The first thing you need to ask is: how long has this person been working as a buyers agent? Experience matters. Not only in terms of years, but also in the type of properties they have successfully purchased.

For example, an agent might have worked for a decade but only in inner-city apartments, which is very different from buying prestige homes or waterfront properties. Make sure your buyers agent has relevant experience in the type of property and area you are targeting.

Also, consider their track record in the type of property you are after. Skills vary depending on the market segment:

• Waterfront homes often sell off-market and require an agent with strong networks and negotiation skills.
• Investment units have specific criteria to identify high-quality A-grade properties that will perform over time.

A skilled buyers agent not only knows where to find the right properties but also how to secure them at the right price.

2. Local Area Expertise

Property markets are hyper-local. Even streets within the same suburb can vary significantly in value. A buyers agent must know your area intimately.

Take Paddington in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs: prices often come in 10%+ above the published range, reflecting demand, location and different sales agents’ styles. In contrast, in Mosman on Sydney’s North Shore, properties often align closer to the price guide.

A buyer agent moving from one area to somewhere outside their area of expertise — say from the Eastern Suburbs to the North Shore — could easily misvalue a property. Strong local knowledge is essential to avoid overpaying or overlooking a property in a premium part of the suburb.

3. Trust and Communication

Buying a property is one of the largest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. You need to trust the person guiding you through it.

This goes beyond credentials. Ask yourself: Do I have rapport with this agent? Can I communicate openly? Your buyers agent should listen, understand your needs, and provide clear guidance. If communication is difficult or unclear from the start, this is a red flag.

4. Team Support

Even the best buyers agent can’t be everywhere at once. Do they have support staff or a team?

You want reassurance that your needs are covered if your agent is away on holiday, sick, or simply busy with another client. A structured team or support system ensures that your property search continues seamlessly.

5. Exclusivity

It’s important that your buyer’s agent is acting exclusively for you when searching for your type of property, in your location, and at your price point. You want to be confident the agent has one clear mandate: you. While two clients in the same suburb and price range can be acceptable if their briefs are genuinely different — for example, one seeking a waterfront home and another a penthouse — you shouldn’t be competing with another buyer on the agent’s books. Competing mandates can restrict access to off-market opportunities or mean you don’t see them first due to conflicts of interest.

Conclusion: Make Your Decision with Confidence

The buyers agent industry has grown rapidly, creating both opportunities and pitfalls for buyers. The right buyers agent is not just someone who promises to find a home — they are an experienced, trusted, locally knowledgeable professional who guides you through one of the most important financial decisions of your life.

When evaluating a buyers agent, ask yourself: Do they meet my five non-negotiables? If the answer is yes, you’ll have confidence that your property purchase is in capable hands.

Our buyers agents each specialise in a particular part of Sydney. Whether it’s Mosman, the Lower or Upper North Shore, or the Eastern Suburbs, you’ll work with a local expert who knows the streets, pricing nuances, and off-market opportunities. If you’d like tailored guidance for your next property purchase, our team is ready to help — contact us to see how we can help with your next purchase.