Whether you’re selling, buying or renting, a great real estate agent can make the process fast, easy and pain-free.
If you’re selling, your agent can assist with preparing your property for sale, coordinating advertising, running open houses and tours, and securing the best possible price.
If you’re buying, your agent can help you find a home that meets your needs and budget. Once you’ve found your dream property, they can then help you navigate the negotiation process.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a real estate agent, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great real estate agent?
Choosing the right real estate agent can take the worry out of buying or selling. They can also help fast-track results.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a real estate agent in Canberra:
- Qualified. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s still essential to check that your agent is fully qualified and licensed. This will give you peace of mind that they have what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
- Hard working. The best real estate agents in Canberra are proactive. They work as hard as required to sell your property or find one you want to buy.
- Market knowledge. You’ll want a real estate agent who knows the current market. This is someone who knows Canberra property and price points – one who has substantial market knowledge.
- Client service. Choose a real estate agent who makes you their No. 1 priority. Yes, all agents have more than one client on their books but that shouldn’t affect your level of service.
- Professional approach. The best real estate agents are professional, approachable, punctual and well presented. You’ll want to feel comfortable working with them.
The best real estate 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 maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
The Property Collective
The Property Collective has established itself in the Canberra region by challenging and reimagining the role of a real estate agency. Their modern approach to managing, selling, and buying property has earned them reviews from “beyond professional” to “simply brilliant”.
The 20-plus team at The Property Collective is led by Hannah Gill and Will Honey, with thirty years of expertise in property markets between them. The Property Collective was founded in December 2020, created to further a passion for long-term industry change, and combines traditional experience with an innovative approach to providing for their customers.
Two years on, the Property Collective has successfully implemented several service guarantees that few other agencies can boast: covering rent payments for lessors if their tenants fail to pay, zero agency exit fees, and a steadfast commitment to responding to all client communications.
They’re also changing the maintenance game. While clients with the Property Collective do get access to effective reactive maintenance, they have an advanced approach to and focus on proactive inspections, informed by their comprehensive knowledge of what an inspector needs to be looking out for. You can read more about exactly what’s involved in “levelling up” your maintenance program here.
The marriage of the traditional and the cutting-edge has earned The Property Collective over 300 Google reviews, all four stars or higher. If you’re looking for an agent you’ll always be able to reach, The Property Collective’s service guarantees and dedicated Relationship Managers set them apart from other agencies. If you want to see more of The Property Collective’s unique offerings, check out their website, or go one step further and try their free Investment Property Health Check.
Victoria Rutherford wrote on Google, "After years of searching for the right property we have definitely experienced our fair share of real estate agents. It was refreshing and such a wonderful experience to buy our first investment property from Lauren. She was always happy, knowledgeable, easy to work with and quickly assisted us with everything we needed. Would 110% recommend Lauren and The Property Collective!"
Independent Property Group
Since 1958, the team at Independent Property Group has supported Canberra residents to buy, sell, rent, and manage properties. Today, with 200+ sales, property management, body corporate and administration experts on the team, Independent provides some of the capital’s best multi-faceted end-to-end property services. Every bit of property is made possible with Independent.
Independent has been supporting locals to prosper through property for more than 60 years and knows every corner of the Canberra market.
When selling property, agents work with Independent’s dedicated marketing and support staff to sell properties for the best outcome possible. Independent also invests in technology to enhance the experience for property owners and potential buyers and renters.
Over the years, Independent has scored many awards for its service, including REIACT's 2021 Residential Sales Team of the Year that went to Mark Wolens, Nicholas Jacob, Jock Bush and Holly Smith. Mark Larmer, Aaron Lewis and Tania Butler-Kemp have been inducted to the REIACT Hall of Fame for winning Residential Sales Team of the Year in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
The company gives back and has distributed more than $1million to the local community through its own foundation.
On Riotact, Wendy Johnson wrote, "I sold the property I had lived in for 20 plus years through Grahame O’Brien and Chris Uren at Independent Inner North and City, even though my home wasn’t in that area. I was 100 per cent impressed with the sincere and considered advice, wealth of knowledge and honesty I received throughout the process, from the first meeting to post sale. It’s reassuring to use highly experienced and knowledgeable agents you trust".
Civium
Established in 2003, Civium is a family owned and operated business. From their humble beginnings as a commercial real estate agency, they have massively diversified their portfolio to include property management, strata management, and commercial and residential real estate services.
Civium’s commercial and residential real estate agents do business with passion, pride and enthusiasm. Their systems can help you optimise marketing campaigns, advise you on the wisest decisions to make whether you are buying, selling or leasing, ultimately ensuring that at the end of the day you are left with the best possible outcome.
With Civium you can look forward to working with experts in every field who are passionate about the local community. The team behind Civium is dedicated to progressive, innovative service, and strives above all to earn your trust through their exceptional customer service.
Joanna Leigh writes about their experience with Civium’s real estate team, “I worked with Taleah and she was extremely helpful. She was very quick at getting back to me and supplied a lot of different properties for me to look at within my parameters. (…) She definitely had our best interested at heart and worked with us to get us the best option for us. Could not recommend her high enough!”
McIntyre Property
With offices in Conder, Tuggeranong and Belconnen, McIntyre Property sells and manages properties right across Canberra. What started as a small boutique agency in 2007 is now the largest independently-owned full service agency offering property management and sales in Canberra.
McIntyre Property’s Col McIntyre and Jo Matters are well-known in Canberra for their real estate expertise and community involvement with local charities and schools. They’ve also taken out several Real Estate Industry ACT awards, including Property Management Team of the Year (2018) and Real Estate Agent of the Year – Col McIntyre (2016 and 2017).
Col McIntyre has more than two decades of industry experience and an in-depth knowledge in Canberra, with a steady stream of loyal clients who appreciate his down-to-earth, honest nature and sense of humour.
On Facebook, Nicc Walker-Jones wrote, “Working with Colin and the team at McIntyre has been a wonderful experience. We were able to buy our first home with ease.”
Verv Property
Verv Property helps buyers, sellers and investors thrive through real estate. Founders Jason Roses and Natalie Shawcross have more than 30 years’ experience with property. Jason is an award-winning agent and auctioneer. Natalie is skilled in managing commercial portfolios. With the mindset of a startup, combined with the capability of an established network, Verv Property provides unbiased advice and support.
Mick Ros wrote on Google, “Five stars all the way. Jason and his team did an outstanding job in selling our property.”
LJ Hooker
LJ Hooker is one of Australia’s best-known real estate brands. In the capital, LJ Hooker knows the Canberra real estate market well. With offices in Dickson and Canberra City, LJ Hooker helps sellers and buyers achieve their real estate goals. Real estate agents are proactive in sharing their expertise, knowledge and advice.
Alana Bain wrote on Google, “I felt Andrew was the biggest advocate for my property … He exceeded my expectations and got the result we were hoping for.”
If you’re looking for more information on real estate in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best real estate agents in Woden, South Canberra, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Gungahlin and North Canberra. You might also like our articles on the best property managers, best commercial real estate agents, best real estate agents in Wagga and the best mortgage brokers Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with real estate agents in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Do you have experience with any of the Canberra real estate agents listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Discover Canberra’s thriving real estate scene right here on Riotact
Looking to buy? Find your dream home as you explore our featured property picks. Ready to rent? Uncover the perfect rental property for you and your family. Want to stay in the know? Get all the details on new developments in and around the capital, and keep up to date with the latest auction results.
Riotact is home to all the real estate market information you need to land an incredible deal or discover a potential opportunity. Happy house hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I select a real estate agent?
Research the websites of real estate agencies for their services and experience. Then meet a few agents to have a chat. That way, you’ll determine whether you can work together and whether the agent is friendly, approachable and transparent. Also ask about their sales record and their process for working with clients.
How can I test an agent’s market knowledge?
You can ask potential agents for written information to test their market knowledge of Canberra. They should be able to provide data on different areas of the capital, including listings, sales, demographics, schools, transport, amenities and growth. They should be able to discuss the pros and cons of different areas of Canberra.
How much commission do real estate agents charge?
This varies from one real estate agency to another, so it’s best to discuss fees and charges with agents before you sign one up.
Should I ask for references from recent clients?
It’s a good idea to ask for references from recent clients. High-performing, confident agents will happily provide you with written testimonials or phone numbers for recent clients.
How do real estate agents work?
All agents have systems and processes in place to conduct their work. The best have great information technology systems that they use to provide top-quality service. Ask potential agents to explain how they work so you know up front what you can expect. This includes how they’ll communicate with you, and how often.