Hiring a buyer’s agent can make a big difference to your property purchase, but only if you choose the right one. Anyone can say they’re experienced, so how do you tell a professional with a genuine track record from one who simply markets well?

This guide walks you through what to check, what to ask and what to watch out for, so you can choose a buyer’s agent in Melbourne with confidence.

Why the Choice Matters

A buyer’s agent is paid to act in your interest on one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. A great one can help you avoid overpaying, spot problems early and negotiate from a position of strength. A poor fit can cost you time, money and opportunities.

If you’re still deciding whether to hire one at all, start with Is a Buyer’s Agent Worth the Cost in Melbourne? and Buyer’s Advocate or Buyer’s Agent in Melbourne: What They Do and When to Hire One.

1. Check They’re Licensed

This is the first and simplest test. In Victoria, buyer’s agents operate under an estate agent’s licence. Ask for the licence number and confirm it with Consumer Affairs Victoria before you sign anything. If someone can’t or won’t provide it, walk away.

Industry association membership can be a helpful extra signal, but it’s no substitute for a current licence.

2. Look for a Proven Track Record

Experience matters, but so does evidence. Rather than relying on a slogan, ask to see how an agent has actually helped buyers like you.

• Recent purchases. Ask about properties they’ve helped clients buy in the past 12 months, in suburbs and at price points similar to yours. Details may be de-identified for privacy.
• Client stories and reviews. Read independent reviews and case studies, such as the client stories on our website, and look for specific details rather than generic praise.
• References. A confident agent should be happy to put you in touch with past clients, with their permission.
• Experience across market conditions. Ask how they’ve approached buying in both competitive and slower markets.
• Relevant experience. If you’re buying your first home, an investment or a commercial property, look for experience in that type of purchase. See our pages for first home buyers, home buyers, property investors and commercial property.

Keep in mind that past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, and no ethical agent will promise a particular price or saving. What you’re looking for is consistent, transparent evidence of good process.

3. Check Their Local Knowledge

Melbourne isn’t one market. Conditions can vary significantly between suburbs, streets and even sides of the same road. A good buyer’s agent should be able to talk confidently about:

• Recent comparable sales in your target areas
• How auctions and private sales typically play out locally
• Pockets to focus on, and those to avoid
• Local planning, zoning or infrastructure factors that could affect value

If they stay vague when you ask about a specific suburb, that’s worth noting.

4. Understand Their Process

A professional will be able to explain, clearly and simply, what happens from the first conversation through to settlement. Ask them to walk you through it, and compare it with the process you’ll go through with us.

Good questions include:

• How do you build and refine my brief?
• How do you search, including off-market opportunities?
• Do you physically inspect every shortlisted property yourself? (At Prime Advocates, our property inspection service is open to anyone who wants an inspection done in Victoria, whether or not they’re a client, and it’s included in our full package for clients.)
• How do you assess value and manage risk before I commit?
• Who will I be dealing with day to day?
• Do you support me through to settlement, including a pre-settlement inspection?

5. Be Clear on Fees and Independence

Fee structures vary, so it’s worth comparing a few quotes. Make sure you understand:

• What the fee is, how it’s calculated and when it’s payable
• Whether there’s an upfront engagement fee, and whether it’s refundable or credited
• What’s included and what costs extra
• What happens if the search takes longer than expected

Just as important is independence. A buyer’s agent should act for you. Ask whether they receive commissions, referral fees or other payments from third parties, such as developers, selling agents, lenders or other service providers, and make sure any arrangements are disclosed in writing. We break down the numbers in How Much Does a Buyer’s Agent Actually Cost?

6. Assess Communication and Fit

You’ll be working closely with this person during a stressful time. Pay attention to how they treat you in the first conversation:

• Do they listen to your goals, or jump straight to a sales pitch?
• Do they explain things in plain English?
• Are they honest about risks, limits and trade-offs?
• Are they responsive?

Trust your instincts. Good chemistry matters as much as credentials.

Quick Checklist: What Good Looks Like vs Red Flags

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Take this list to your first meeting:

1. What’s your licence number?
2. How long have you worked as a buyer’s agent, and in which areas?
3. Can you share recent examples of purchases similar to mine?
4. Can I speak to past clients?
5. How will you search, and how will you assess value?
6. What are your fees and what do they include?
7. Do you receive any commissions or payments from anyone else?
8. How often will we communicate, and how?
9. What happens if we miss out on a property?
10. What does your written agreement say about ending the engagement?

Our buyer’s agent FAQs cover many of these questions, and why buyer’s agents explains how the relationship works.

How We Approach It at Prime Advocates

We believe a good buyer’s agent should be transparent, research-led and accountable. That means taking time to understand your goals, researching the market thoroughly, physically inspecting shortlisted properties and discussing fees upfront before you commit to anything. If we’re not the right fit for you, we’ll tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a buyer’s agent is licensed in Victoria?

Ask for their licence number and check it with Consumer Affairs Victoria. A licensed agent should provide it readily.

What should I look for in a buyer’s agent’s track record?

Look for specific, verifiable examples of purchases similar to yours, independent reviews and past clients who are willing to speak with you. Be cautious of guarantees or vague claims.

How much does a buyer’s agent cost in Melbourne?

Fees vary by agency and service level, and are commonly a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price. Compare a few quotes and get everything in writing.

Should I choose the cheapest buyer’s agent?

Not necessarily. The right choice balances fees with experience, local knowledge, communication and independence. Look at the value you’ll receive, not just the price.

Can I change buyer’s agents if it’s not working?

That depends on the terms of your written agreement, so read it carefully and ask how the engagement can be ended before you sign.

Do I still need a conveyancer and mortgage broker?

Yes. A buyer’s agent works alongside your conveyancer or solicitor and your lender or broker, not in place of them.

Related Reading

• Buyer’s Advocate or Buyer’s Agent in Melbourne: What They Do and When to Hire One
• How Much Does a Buyer’s Agent Actually Cost?
• Is a Buyer’s Agent Worth the Cost in Melbourne?
• How to Bid at Auction Without Overpaying in Melbourne
• Client stories
• More Melbourne property buying resources and guides