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Complete guide
What is a buyers advocate?
The same profession as a buyers agent, under the name Victorians use. Here is what they do, what they cost, and how they differ from a vendor advocate.
Find a Verified AdvocateTwo names, one profession
A buyers advocate and a buyers agent are exactly the same thing: a licensed real estate professional who works exclusively for the property buyer. There is no difference in licensing, legal duty, or service. The only difference is geography. In Victoria, "buyers advocate" is the dominant term. In New South Wales, Queensland, and most of the rest of Australia, the same professional usually calls themselves a buyers agent.
Whichever title they use, their job is to act in your best interests on the buying side of a property transaction: finding the right property, working out what it is genuinely worth, and securing it at the best possible price and terms. The selling agent works for the vendor. The advocate works for you.
Same licence
Advocates and agents hold the same state real estate licence. There is no separate "advocate" qualification.
Same duty
Both owe a fiduciary duty to the buyer and must not accept commissions from sellers or developers.
Different label
"Advocate" dominates in Melbourne and Victoria; "agent" dominates everywhere else in Australia.
What does a buyers advocate do?
Four core services sit at the heart of the role. Most advocates offer them as a full package or individually.
Appraisal
Before you make an offer, the advocate appraises the property against recent comparable sales so you know what it is actually worth, not what the price guide suggests.
Negotiation
They negotiate price and terms with the selling agent on your behalf, using data rather than emotion. This is where an experienced advocate most often pays for themselves.
Auction bidding
On auction day, the advocate bids for you with a pre-agreed limit and strategy. Particularly valuable in Melbourne and Sydney, where auctions decide a large share of sales.
For the step-by-step process from brief to settlement, see: What Does a Buyers Agent Do?
Buyers advocate vs vendor advocate
This is the comparison that genuinely matters, because a vendor advocate is a different profession, not a different name. A vendor advocate works for people selling property: they help the vendor choose a selling agent, review the marketing plan and commission, and oversee the sale campaign. If you are buying, a vendor advocate is not who you need.
| Buyers Advocate | Vendor Advocate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who they work for | The property buyer. Their loyalty is 100% to you. | The property seller (vendor). |
| What they do | Searches, appraises, negotiates, and bids to secure a property for you. | Helps the vendor select a selling agent, then oversees the sale campaign and negotiation. |
| When you need one | When you are buying a home or investment property. | When you are selling and want independent help managing the selling agent. |
| How they are paid | Paid by the buyer: a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price. | Usually paid a share of the selling agent's commission, at no extra cost to the vendor. |
Who they work for
Buyers Advocate
The property buyer. Their loyalty is 100% to you.
Vendor Advocate
The property seller (vendor).
What they do
Buyers Advocate
Searches, appraises, negotiates, and bids to secure a property for you.
Vendor Advocate
Helps the vendor select a selling agent, then oversees the sale campaign and negotiation.
When you need one
Buyers Advocate
When you are buying a home or investment property.
Vendor Advocate
When you are selling and want independent help managing the selling agent.
How they are paid
Buyers Advocate
Paid by the buyer: a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price.
Vendor Advocate
Usually paid a share of the selling agent's commission, at no extra cost to the vendor.
Some firms offer both services under one roof. That is fine, but for any single transaction your advocate should sit on one side only. A genuine buyers advocate never takes payment from the seller of a property they are helping you buy.
What does a buyers advocate cost?
Advocates charge the same way buyers agents do, because they are the same profession. Two structures dominate.
Fixed fee
$6,000 - $21,000 nationally
A flat amount agreed before the search begins. You know the full cost upfront, and the advocate has no incentive to let you pay more for a property.
Percentage of purchase price
1.5% - 2.5% typical
Calculated on the final purchase price. Common at the higher end of the market, where a fixed fee would undercharge for the work involved.
For city-by-city pricing and a full breakdown of buyers agent fees, see the dedicated cost guide.
How to find a buyers advocate in your city
Every advocate listed on buyersagents.com.au has had their licence, insurance, and buyer-only exclusivity independently verified. Browse verified advocates in each capital city, or search the full directory.
Frequently asked questions
Continue reading
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