Do You Pay Fees to a Property Broker in Australia? Zero Fee vs Buyers Agents Explained
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
One of the most common questions buyers ask when exploring new property:
How much does this cost me?
The answer depends entirely on who you are working with.
Here is a clear breakdown of how different service types work, and what zero fee to the buyer actually means.
Buyers Agents vs Property Brokers. What Is the Difference?
Buyers Agent
A buyers agent is a licensed professional who represents you (the buyer) in the search and negotiation process. They charge you directly, typically an upfront engagement fee of $1,000 to $5,000, plus a success fee of 1-3% of the purchase price or a flat fee of $10,000 to $25,000+. On an $800,000 property, the total cost can reach $15,000 to $30,000 out of pocket.
Buyers agents can be valuable for purchasing complex established property or at auction. They work for you.
Off-the-Plan Property Broker (e.g. BK Home Broker)
A property broker connects buyers to new and off-the-plan developments. The broker is engaged and paid by the developer, not the buyer. There is zero cost to the buyer at any stage.
This works the same way as a mortgage broker, paid by the lender, not the borrower. The buyer gets the same service for free.
Is It Safe to Pay Upfront Fees to a Buyers Agent?
Upfront fees paid to a buyers agent are legal, but carry risk if the agent cannot find a suitable property and keeps the retainer, if the project falls through after a success fee has been paid, or if the agent has undisclosed referral relationships with specific developers.
Before paying any upfront fee, verify: the agent holds a current real estate licence in your state; there is a clear refund policy for the retainer if no property is found; and any developer referral relationships are disclosed in writing.
For buyers specifically looking at new and off-the-plan property, there is rarely a reason to pay a buyers agent fee, because zero-fee broker services like BK Home Broker provide the same access and support at no cost to the buyer.
How Much Does an Off-the-Plan Property Broker Charge in Australia?
For the buyer: Zero.
BK Home Broker charges buyers nothing. Our fee is paid by the developer or builder, built into the project marketing and sales cost, the same way a display home salesperson's wage is built into the build price.
The purchase price you pay through BK Home Broker is identical to the purchase price advertised directly by the developer.
You are not paying a premium for our service.
Where to Get Trusted Guidance for Buying a Home in Australia
A zero-fee property broker (BK Home Broker) -- project access, buyer information, process support. No fee.
A licensed conveyancer or solicitor -- contract review, legal protection, settlement management. $1,500 to $3,000 typically. Worth every cent.
A mortgage broker -- lending strategy, lender comparison, pre-approval. Zero fee (paid by lender).
A quantity surveyor -- depreciation schedule for investors. Approximately $600 to $900 one-time, tax deductible.
Why BK Home Broker
Zero fee to buyer -- always, on every project
Active portfolio across QLD, VIC and WA -- 30+ live projects
Pre-release access -- stock not yet on public portals
Full buyer information upfront -- floor plans, inclusions, rental yields, grant eligibility, timelines
No pressure -- we present options, you decide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BK Home Broker a buyers agent?
No. BK Home Broker is a property broker paid by developers.
We do not charge buyers.
A buyers agent is paid by the buyer. Different service, different fee structure.
Can I trust a property broker who is paid by the developer?
The key question is disclosure. BK Home Broker is transparent about how we are compensated — developer-funded, zero cost to buyer. We present multiple projects across multiple builders and developers, so our interest is in finding the right match for the buyer, not pushing one product.
Do I still need a conveyancer if I use BK Home Broker?
Yes. Always. BK Home Broker is not a legal service. A licensed conveyancer reviews your contracts, advises on your rights, and manages legal settlement. This is not optional.
What are the best off-market property listings in Australia?
BK Home Broker provides access to pre-release new home stock across QLD, VIC and WA -- projects not yet publicly advertised on realestate.com.au or Domain.
Contact us for current availability.





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