Who are the best buyer’s agents in Canberra? Photo: File.
As the saying goes, time is money, and when it comes to the property game this is most certainly true. With the average property search time sitting at nine months, many buyers will sift through hundreds of listings. Some will even attend ten or more inspections before they are serious enough to even place an offer.
While this may sound rather excessive, it is often the norm – particularly in a property market as hot as Canberra’s. A property purchase is a significant buying decision, and an expensive one at that. In addition to property costs, buyers foot the bill for stamp duty, conveyancing, and legal fees to name a few. So, would you really want to pay more for something you could arguably do yourself?
Well, whether you are new to the market or a seasoned investor, buying a property is serious business. As one of the most important purchases one will ever make, it should also be well considered. This is where a buyer’s agent can help.
A buyer’s agent is a licenced property-buying professional who specialises in searching, scoping, and evaluating potential properties for buyers. They work with clients to inform their purchase decisions and bring their expertise to level the paying field. Their services extend from specific phases of the search to fully servicing the end-to-end purchase. And this service often makes the purchase journey simpler, swifter, and more streamlined.
If you’re considering a buyer’s agent to assist with your next property purchase, you have come to the right place. We’ve curated a selection of the region’s best, along with some helpful tools for evaluation. Read on below to find out more.
What makes a great buyer’s agent?
A great buyer’s agent is a property purchasing strategist, who applies their insider expertise to source and secure the right properties for clients. To help evaluate potential buyer’s agents we suggest you consider the following:
- Strong credentials. Much like real estate agents, buyer’s agents must be appropriately qualified and licensed to undertake proceedings on your behalf. While some buyer’s agents are equipped with tertiary qualifications; look for a certificate IV in Real Estate as a minimum. Furthermore, buyer’s agents must be registered and licensed within the ACT. While three different types of real estate licences exist within the region, the most common is a real estate agent licence as issued by Access Canberra. Finally, always prioritise experience. Given the property market cycles is 7-9 years, look for an agent that has seen at least one of these through.
- Industry accreditation. The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Association or REBAA, is Australia’s only national professional association for buyer’s agents. To gain member accreditation, agents must undergo a stringent application process. And once a member, they must adhere to strict ethical and business practices under their code of conduct. If a buyer’s agent is not a member, ask why! A membership as crucial as this should not be overlooked.
- Local expertise. When it comes to buying property, nothing beats an agent with years of local expertise. Not only will they be well-connected; they will also know market dynamics inside and out. With a finger on the pulse, they have the added advantage of speed, be it sourcing off-market properties or attending viewings and bidding on your behalf. While evaluating your agent options, review their and closed deals for peace of mind.
- Independent. One of the first questions worth asking a potential buyer’s agent is whether they accept commissions from vendors or developers. These commissions may skew property recommendations and are not necessarily in the best interests of clients. Independent buyer’s agent’s do not sell real estate or accept any fees for doing so. Be sure to examine the agent agreement and check for references to rebates or commissions received. Furthermore, for added peace on mind ensure they are REBAA accredited, as all members are scrutinised to ensure independence.
- Well connected. The best buyer’s agents have a team of reputable professionals who assist with the greater buying process. These services include the likes of accountants, solicitors, property managers, and builders – who all work to inform the purchase decision. These added layers of professional assurance are incredibly useful, particularly when buying in a new or unknown area.
The best buyer’s agents in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Stan Platis
With more than three decades of expertise and a wealth of industry connections across Canberra's entire property sector, Stan Platis is a highly recommended buyers agent servicing clients throughout the nation's capital.
Stan guides his clients through every step of the property buying journey, from the initial search to inspections, price negotiations and strategies that ensure a smooth, confident aquisition.
In 2010, Stan was awarded a Fellowship by the Real Estate Institute of Australia. He also represented the ACT on the institute's national board for more than 12 years.
Stan has access to off-market, pre-market and on-market opportunities, and is known for his exceptional commitment to personalised, genuine service.
"After months of searching and missing out on properties, a family referral to Stan changed everything," Lynda and Brent say online.
"He made the buying process effortless, swiftly negotiating with the agent and coordinating every detail without a hitch."
Cohen Handler Canberra
Backed by a national household name, Cohen Handler Canberra is part of a leading network of agents who have helped buyers purchase more than $8 billion worth of property around Australia since 2009.
The Canberra team has a robust quality assurance process to ensure buyers secure their property stress-free. Agents have extensive property and real estate experience, including in building assessing, meticulously honed negotiation skills and a deep understanding of the local market.
Services include buyers advocacy, off-market property access, due diligence for risk mitigation, negotiation and auction bidding, residential and investment property search, property inspections and more.
Cohen Handler Canberra's access to the most current and accurate market information, training and compliance is absolutely invaluable for clients like Shannon, who left a glowing review on Google in 2024.
"My experience with James and Alexander was optimal," she says online.
"They communicated regularly, worked promptly in response to my requests and queries, and yes, they saved me their fee many times over on my purchase."
"Not only did they find a property and location I would never have identified myself, but they turned around reports and advice in two days, then bid and negotiated an excellent price."
The nation's capital has an incredibly diverse buyers population that features expats, growing families, single professionals, defence personnel, politicians, first home buyers, upsizers, downsizer, investors and more.
Proper support is essential to secure the right property at the right price, and the team Cohen Handler Canberra is ready to help their clients do just that.
Penny Hyde Buyers Agent
As an award-winning real estate agent, Penny Hyde brings over a decade’s experience in the local Canberra market. The team at Penny Hyde are all about providing clients with the upper hand, or as they say – an unfair advantage.
Their comprehensive offering includes auction services, negotiation services, and seek and secure the full-service solution. With access to off market properties and an ear to the ground, Penny Hyde Buyers Agent are an excellent choice.
Clients Tiffany and Andrew had this to share, “While living overseas, we had decided to buy a family home in Canberra…. We engaged Penny as our buyer’s agent, to guide us through the process of purchasing a home. Penny worked closely with us and made this overwhelming process much less stressful and in the end, successful…. We will never work with any other buyer’s agent in Canberra; there is simply no one better.”
Capital Buyers Agency
As a multi award-winning boutique buyer’s agency, Capital Buyers Agency work exclusively for buyers sourcing properties both off and on the market. Services include full search, evaluation and negotiation, and auction assistance, with a specialisation in ADF and diplomatic clients.
Owner operator Clare Corby has built an enviable reputation for high standards of client servicing. For a helping hand that allows you to buy with confidence look no further than Capital Buyers Agency.
Ellie Al Daqqa shared this feedback on Google, “I wanted to buy a property in Canberra, but this was complicated by the fact that I currently live and work outside of Australia…. Thanks to Claire I found the perfect property in an unbelievably good location. I have no hesitation in recommending her and Capital Buyers Agency to anyone looking to purchase in the ACT.”
Canberra Property Solutions
With over twenty-five years’ experience, principal Tony Duffy is the lead buyer at Canberra Property Solutions. Licensed to operate in ACT and NSW markets, Canberra Property Solutions is one of the leading independent buyer’s agencies within the region.
Services are tailored to suit the needs of individual clients and extend from search and selection all the way through to evaluation, negotiation, and acquisition. Canberra Property Solutions can also assist is asset management and leasing.
Stacey shared her experience on Google, “Tom’s knowledge of the Canberra market coupled with his calm and friendly demeanour took all the stress out of purchasing from interstate. His patience is second to none, and he helped us every step of the way and secured us our perfect home at a great price. I would highly recommend Tom for anyone looking for an agent!”
For additional property services check out our articles on the best property managers and the best strata managers in Canberra. To explore financing options our article on the best commercial mortgage brokers may also be of interest. Finally, for our pick of the finest general agencies see our article on the best real estate agents in the region.
Your experience with buyer’s agents in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the commercial real estate agents listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a buyer’s agent?
A buyer’s agent is a licenced property-buying professional who specialises in searching, scoping, and evaluating potential properties on behalf of buyers. They can also handle the negotiation process or bid at an auction on a buyer’s behalf. Their clients typically include time-poor house hunters, investors, those buying in unfamiliar areas, and first-time buyers.
What services do buyer’s agents offer?
Services offered can be tailored to suit specific clients needs. Typically, buyer’s agents can assist with the entire buying process known as full service, which includes the search through to the purchase. Other common service bundles include evaluation and negotiation or auction bidding. Fees and charges are often linked to each service offering so do keep this in mind.
What can a buyer’s agent do that I can’t do on my own?
The two most significant attributes that a buyer’s agent will bring to a search is a level head and considered experienced-based counsel. Unlike many buyers the have a wealth of purchasing experience and approach each search with a rational mindset. Add to this being locally based in the market of choice, they are very useful for buyers purchasing in other locations.
What are the benefits of using a buyer’s agent?
A buyer’s agent can provide many benefits which ultimately aim to make the purchase process simpler and swifter. They can reduce time spent searching for properties, provide access to a wider choice of options, source high growth high yield prospects, and potentially negotiate a better deal. Buyer’s agents may be particularly helpful when buying in an unfamiliar area, offering local market expertise.
How much do buyer’s agents cost?
In the local market, buyer’s agents tend to operate under fixed fee or commission-based models. As the name suggests, a fixed fee is a set amount which can vary based on the level or servicing or property purchase price. Fixed fees can range from several thousand to $15,000 per property, and more for premium homes. Conversely, costs under commission models are calculated as a percentage of a properties price, say between 1-3% as a general guide. Note these rates are indicative only and exclude GST.
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