Are Buyer’s Agents Worth It in a Rising Market?
Australia's housing market is very much on the rise. In August 2025, Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) reported home prices grew 0.7% month-on-month, reaching a national median of A$848,858; its strongest single-month rise since May 2024. Brisbane led the capital cities with a 1.2% increase, followed by Sydney at 0.8% and Melbourne at 0.3%.
Buyer confidence has hit a one-year high, driven by rate cuts and stronger borrowing capacity. The National Australia Bank’s Residential Property Index surged to +44. First-home buyers now make up 40% of the market, the highest share since late 2022.
In the June quarter of 2025, house prices climbed across every Australian capital city; marking the first such synchronized rise in four years. Auction clearance rates are nearing 70%, especially in places like Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Given this competitive, fast-moving landscape, buyer’s agents are gaining serious traction. Property Buzz highlights that a tight housing supply combined with intensifying competition is driving surging demand for buyer’s advocates. A 2025 Property Buzz report also notes that buyers using agents secured properties about 27 days faster and paid 2–3% less on average, savings that often offset the agent’s fee.
What Is a Buyer’s Agent?
A buyer’s agent (or buyer’s advocate) is a licensed professional who represents only the buyer. They source, evaluate, negotiate, and manage the purchase process, acting in your best interests every step of the way.
Pros & Cons of Using a Buyer’s Agent in a Rising Market
Pros
Speed and Efficiency
In a fast-rising market, agents help you move quickly, 27 days faster on average.
Potential Cost Savings
Better pricing and terms can result in savings of 2–3%, offsetting the fee.
Access to Off-Market Listings
Agencies often tap into unlisted opportunities, giving you a leg up when competition is thick.
Data-Driven Negotiation
Agents rely on market data and analytics, not gut feelings, to make informed bids and decisions.
Stress Reduction
Professional support eases emotional pressure and decision fatigue in competitive environments.
Better for First-Home Buyers & Investors
Experts guide you through grants, schemes, pricing structures, and emerging market trends.
Cons
Cost
Fees, whether percentage-based or flat-rate, can be significant upfront.
Variable Service Quality
Results depend on the agent’s expertise and local market knowledge, choose carefully.
Misalignment
Poor communication or mismatched goals can hinder the agent’s effectiveness.
Summary: Is a Buyer’s Agent Worth It?
Speed: In a slow buyer’s market, speed is not critical. In a fast, competitive market, speed is crucial as agents deliver faster deals.
Negotiation Benefit: In a slow market, the benefit is moderate. In a rising market, it is high with greater value in securing fair prices.
Stress & Emotion: Stress levels are lower in a slow market, while in a competitive market stress is high and agent support can ease anxiety.
Competition: Competition is lower in a slow market. In a fast market, competition is high and agents can unlock off-market access.
Fee Offset: In a slow market, fees are less likely to be offset. In a competitive market, it is likely as savings and speed often justify the cost.
In a rising, competitive market like Australia’s right now, the advantages of using a buyer’s agent significantly outweigh the challenges—especially if you value speed, expertise, and confident decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a buyer’s agent?
If you're overwhelmed by competition, rapidly rising prices, or limited stock, a buyer’s agent can provide a substantial edge.
Are buyer’s agents worth it?
In 2025’s market, yes. Buyers using agents save time and potentially thousands of dollars, often offsetting fees in the process.
How competitive is the market right now?
Very. Home prices rose 0.7% in August, all capital cities saw growth, and buyer confidence has surged.
Can buyer’s agents help stretch limited supply?
Absolutely. Their networks often give priority access to off-market deals otherwise unavailable to the public.