Moving to Australia from New Zealand?
Get all information you need to make a successful and stress-free move across the ditch.
In Australia, a lot of home purchases use a buyer agent (also known as a buyer’s advocate) to help them through the purchasing process. If you are planning on purchasing from New Zealand, you will probably need one.
Whether you’re a time-poor buyer or unfamiliar with the local market, a professional buyer’s agent will help make your property journey smooth and stress-free.
A buyer’s agent is your advocate in the real estate realm. Unlike selling agents, a buyer’s agent works exclusively for you, the buyer.
They specialize in:
Since you are moving to Australia from NZ, you won’t know the property market as well as you might know the NZ property market, and it’s worth having someone educate you and help you through the process and make sure you are getting the best house at the best price possible in Australia.
A buyer’s agent lives and breathes the local property market, so they can help buyers buy in an unfamiliar area or country.
A buyer’s agent is paid by the buyer to find a property that fits them perfectly. They will want to know exactly what you want from the property, e.g. location, number of bedrooms, closeness to transport, schools, shops and other lifestyle preferences.
A buyer’s agent can help educate you on the city/suburb you are considering and what areas are emerging hot spots. If you are an investor or savvy homeowner, then the agent will focus on potential capital growth or rental yield.
They will recommend areas that will suit you and your family and then help you through the research process.
Once you’ve agreed on your desire, the agent will formulate a strategy to find your ideal property. Then, the property hunt begins. Your agent will aim to create a shortlist of potential properties, and in hot property areas, they will notify you as soon as a matching property becomes available.
When you find a property you’re interested in, your agent will carry out extensive due diligence, including inspection, a thorough property appraisal, and a recommendation on its worth.
If you want to proceed, they will start negotiating the purchase price on your behalf, achieving the best price and terms.
They will then oversee the contract and exchange process, pre-settlement inspections, and settlement. There is a lot of paperwork you will not need to complete!
The main reasons you would use a buyer’s agent are:
The payment structure for buyer’s agents varies, and no strict rule exists. Agents may adopt different models, such as a fixed fee, a percentage of the purchase price (typically between 1% and 3%), or an initial retainer fee upon engagement.
An effective buyer’s agent often brings years of experience in navigating the buying process and participating in auctions. Some even offer assurances, committing to finding a suitable property within a specified timeframe—like six months—or waiving their fee if they are unable to do so.
Most people do not regularly use the skill of buying houses. They are professionals with expert knowledge, contacts, and skills.
Even though they can be expensive, they are worth it because they save you money on the purchase price and a significant amount of time (they do all the above on your behalf).
A mortgage broker aids in obtaining a home loan by identifying the most suitable lender for you. This service is typically sought when you are prepared to make an offer on your desired home.
On the other hand, a buyer’s agent guides you through the complete purchasing process, encompassing the search for the perfect home and skilful negotiation to secure the right price.
No, a real estate agent works for the seller, and a buys agent works for the purchaser. They are on opposing sides during the buying-selling process.
I highly recommend reading independent reviews on any company before using their service. It is always enlightening to read customers’ honest experiences with a company.
I have been recommended Gold Coast Property Buyers. Even though they are located in Queensland, they have a network of agents and can refer you to someone who can help you in other states in Australia.
Please note, that Rodney from Gold Coast Property Buyers has also kindly offered 20% off their “full service*”. You can read what that includes below. Use promo code “NZ to AUS” when submitting an enquiry here.
Unlock Your Dream Property with Gold Coast Property Buyers – Your Dedicated Buyer’s Advocate.
At Gold Coast Property Buyers, they’re committed to serving only your interests. They oversee every facet of the buying process:
Leave the stress behind and let Gold Coast Property Buyers secure your ideal property at the right price.
Our local buyer’s agents are invaluable due to their unparalleled understanding of the Gold Coast property market. They provide:
With over a decade of experience, our Gold Coast Property Buyers Agent team offers unmatched local expertise.
Our buyer’s agents excel at auction representation, ensuring you secure the best possible deal. They’ve been to countless auctions and understand the nuances of the Queensland auction process. Say goodbye to overpaying at auctions.
With their negotiation service, point us to the property you desire, and they’ll handle the rest. From inspections to negotiations and pre-settlement inspections, they’ve got you covered. If the property heads to auction, they’ll bid on your behalf at no extra cost.
Their comprehensive premium service offers end-to-end support. You’ll have a team of licensed professionals guiding you from start to finish:
Please note that Rodney from Gold Coast Property Buyers has also kindly offered 20% off their above “full service*”. Use promo code “NZ to AUS” when submitting an enquiry here:
They strategize, connect you with property professionals, locate off-market gems, inspect, shortlist, negotiate, guide you through settlement, complete pre-settlement inspections, and even collect your keys on settlement day.
Choose Gold Coast Property Buyers for a seamless property buying experience. Your dream property awaits!
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If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below and I’ll research the answer for you.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 15 years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
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Philip Hollings
December 18, 2023 at 8:10 pmWe are coming over in Feb 2024 to look at real estate on the Gold Coast. As you are aware in NZ, properties are listed with an agent and other agents in the same company can also sell the property and get a portion of the commission even though they didn’t list the property. Is that the same in Australia. We want to look at property and don’t want an agent who only shows us their listings. Is a buyers agent the best way to go but would they be able to assist in viewing multiple properties while we are over? Just want to maximise our time looking.
JJ Smith
December 19, 2023 at 1:31 pmHi Philip,
Thanks for your comment.
I hadn’t actually thought about that side of dealing with real estate agents, but it is a legitimate concern.
A buyers agent would definitely be able to maximize your viewing time while in Australia, especially if you have communicated your wish list and given them some time to do some research before February.
I’ve CC’d in Rodney from Gold Coast Property Buyers, who will be able to answer your real estate query and assist you in finding your dream home in Australia.
Exciting times ahead. Good luck!
Rodney Reinsma
December 19, 2023 at 2:12 pmHi Philip,
That’s great to hear about your Gold Coast property plans, I am happy to clarify your concerns.
The real estate space is slightly different in Australia to what you maybe use to in New Zealand, we have selling agents, property managers and our team (buyers’ agents) which I know don’t exist in New Zealand yet….
As the name suggests buyers’ agents work with buyers “exclusively” to help their clients found the right location, property for the right price and terms and conditions.
And yes, you must be careful with who you are engaging to support your best interest’s, there are selling agents who take a buyer to a listed property and conjunct with another selling agent and split the fees paid by the owner (vendor).
We have a saying in Australia “If you are not being charged a fee you are the fee” so if there is not an agreement between yourself and the agent known as a form 6 and a buyer’s agent agreement the chances are VERY likely they are working for the seller.
A good buyer’s agent will take the time to understand what is important to you from location, property, schools etc. as well as taking you through each step along the way as the process is not very clear to the average person, especially in Queensland.
Feel free to get in touch through the above enquiry form or phone me on +61422783727 if you prefer to discuss you plans and our process in more detail.
Kind Regards,
Rodney
Elaine Zhao
December 19, 2023 at 10:38 pmHi Rodney, thanks for your comment and it is very useful. What is your fee to buy a property in Gold Coast? Thanks.
Rodney Reinsma
January 8, 2024 at 4:48 pmHi Elaine,
Not a problem at all, happy to help .
Our fee will depend on our clients level of service.
Please feel free to email me directly at Rodney@gcpropertybuyers.com.au, I am also happy for you to call me directly on +61422 783 727 to discuss you individually requirements.