Our Service Area
Iconic Assets is licensed in NSW. We don't operate in Western Australia. For Perth purchases, we recommend engaging a locally licensed buyers agent with expertise in the Western Australia market.
Verify any Western Australia agent's licence with Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
If you're looking to buy in Sydney or NSW, we can assist. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
What Does a Perth Buyers Agent Do?
A buyers agent (also called buyer's advocate) is a licensed real estate professional who represents property purchasers exclusively. Unlike selling agents who work for vendors and aim to achieve the highest price, buyers agents work for you—the buyer.
This distinction is important. Every agent you meet at an open home is paid by the seller. A buyers agent's incentive is aligned with yours—finding the right property at the right price.
Perth buyers agents typically provide:
- Property search: Finding on-market and off-market opportunities across Perth and surrounding areas
- Shortlisting: Filtering properties to only those worth your consideration based on your criteria
- Due diligence: Thorough assessment of properties including building inspections, contract review coordination, and risk identification
- Negotiation: Professional price negotiations with selling agents on your behalf
- Auction bidding: Experienced representation at auction if purchasing through that method
- Local knowledge: Understanding of Perth suburb nuances, street-level factors, and market conditions
- Settlement coordination: Managing the process through to keys in hand
For comprehensive information about buyers agents, see what is a buyers agent.
Perth Property Market Considerations
Western Australia has unique characteristics that buyers should understand. These differences from other states are why local expertise matters:
Western Australia Property Law
Property law varies between Australian states. Western Australia has specific requirements that differ from NSW and other states:
- Different contract terms, conditions, and standard clauses
- Cooling-off period rules that may vary from other states
- Specific disclosure requirements for vendors
- Settlement process differences and typical timeframes
- Different requirements for building and pest inspections
Taxes and Duties
- Stamp duty: Western Australia has different stamp duty calculations, thresholds, and concessions than NSW
- Land tax: Different land tax rules, rates, and thresholds apply in Western Australia
- First home buyer schemes: State-specific grants and concessions with different eligibility criteria
Market Dynamics
- Different supply and demand factors than Sydney and NSW
- Local economic drivers affecting property values
- Varying auction culture and private sale practices
- Different typical price points and affordability levels
- Suburb dynamics that require local knowledge to understand
Local Factors
- Climate considerations affecting building types and maintenance
- Local planning rules and development restrictions
- Transport infrastructure and connectivity patterns
- School catchments and education options
- Lifestyle factors specific to Perth and Western Australia
These differences are why we recommend engaging a locally licensedWestern Australia buyers agent rather than an interstate agent for Perth purchases.
How to Find a Buyers Agent in Perth
When searching for a buyers agent in Perth, consider these factors:
Verify Licensing
All real estate agents in Western Australia must hold a current licence. Verify any potential agent's credentials with Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). Don't engage an unlicensed operator.
Check Local Experience
- Ask how many transactions they've completed in your target areas
- Enquire about their experience with your property type (house, apartment, investment)
- Check they have current relationships with local selling agents
- Ask for specific examples of recent purchases in Perth
Understand Their Process
- How do they search for properties? (On-market, off-market, both)
- What due diligence do they conduct?
- How will they communicate with you and how often?
- What happens if you don't find a suitable property?
Clarify Fees Upfront
- What is the total fee and how is it structured?
- When are payments due?
- What services are included?
- Are there any additional costs?
- What happens if you don't proceed to purchase?
See buyers agent fees for general information on fee structures.
Confirm Independence
Ensure the buyers agent doesn't receive any payments, commissions, or referral fees from sellers, developers, or other parties. They should work exclusively for you with no conflicts of interest.
Ask for References
Request testimonials or references from past clients. A reputable agent should be willing to provide these. Ask references about their experience, communication, and outcomes.
Industry Associations
Consider agents who are members of professional associations such as:
- REBAA (Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia)
- State real estate institute (varies by state)
- Property industry bodies with professional standards
Membership doesn't guarantee quality, but it indicates a commitment to professional standards.
When a Buyers Agent May Help in Perth
Consider engaging a Perth buyers agent if you:
- Are relocating: Moving to Perth from interstate or overseas and need local expertise before you arrive
- Have limited time: Can't spend weekends attending open homes and researching properties
- Want off-market access: Looking for properties that don't appear on public portals
- Lack negotiation confidence: Want professional representation when dealing with selling agents
- Are unfamiliar with Western Australia processes: The legal and transactional differences require local knowledge
- Want objective assessment: Need professional evaluation without emotional attachment to properties
- Are investing remotely: Purchasing an investment property and can't inspect regularly
- Face a competitive market: Need every advantage when multiple buyers compete for limited stock
For more on deciding whether to use a buyers agent, see is a buyers agent worth it.
Perth Buyers Agent Fees
Buyers agent fees in Perth typically follow similar structures to other Australian markets:
- Fixed fee: A set amount agreed upfront regardless of the purchase price. Provides cost certainty.
- Percentage of purchase price: A percentage of the final purchase price, paid on settlement. Common in the industry.
- Tiered structure: Different rates for different price brackets or service levels.
- Retainer plus success fee: Upfront retainer to commence, with additional fee on successful purchase.
We don't publish specific fee ranges as they vary significantly between agents, locations, and service levels. Discuss fees directly with any Perth buyers agent you're considering.
Key questions to ask about fees:
- What is included in the quoted fee?
- Are building/pest inspections and other reports additional?
- When are payments due?
- What happens if you don't purchase?
- Is GST included or additional?
Red Flags When Choosing a Perth Buyers Agent
Be cautious of agents who:
- Cannot provide proof of current Western Australia licensing
- Receive payments or referrals from sellers or developers
- Won't provide references from past clients
- Are vague about their fee structure or what's included
- Pressure you to sign immediately without time to consider
- Make guarantees about finding properties or achieving specific prices
- Have no demonstrable experience in your target areas
- Communicate poorly during initial discussions
- Can't explain their search and evaluation process clearly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Iconic Assets help me buy in Perth?
No. We're licensed in NSW only. For Perth purchases, you need a locally licensed Western Australia buyers agent with expertise in that market. If you're buying in Sydney or NSW, we can help.
How do I verify a Perth buyers agent is licensed?
Check with Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). All real estate agents must hold a current licence to operate legally in Western Australia. Ask the agent for their licence number and verify it independently.
Is Perth's property market different from Sydney's?
Yes. Each state has different property laws, contract terms, stamp duty, land tax, and market dynamics. Price points, auction culture, and local factors also differ significantly. This is why local expertise matters.
How much do Perth buyers agents charge?
Fees vary between agents. Common structures include fixed fees and percentage-based fees. Discuss fees directly with potential agents and clarify what's included. See our buyers agent fees page for general information.
Can a NSW agent help me buy in Western Australia?
Agents need appropriate licensing for the state where you're purchasing. Beyond licensing, local knowledge of Western Australia's market, laws, and agent networks is essential for effective representation.
What if I'm buying in both Perth and Sydney?
You'd typically need separate buyers agents—one licensed and experienced in each state. For your Sydney purchase, we can assist. For Perth, you'd need a local Western Australia agent.
Related Pages
Looking to Buy in Sydney or NSW?
Iconic Assets is a licensed NSW buyers agent. For Perth purchases, we recommend engaging a local Western Australia-licensed buyers agent with expertise in that market. If you're buying in Sydney or NSW, contact us to discuss how we can help with your property search.
Get in TouchDisclaimer: This page provides general information only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Property values can fall as well as rise. Western Australia property laws and market conditions differ from NSW. We are not licensed in Western Australia and cannot provide advice specific to that market. Always engage appropriately licensed local professionals and seek independent advice for your specific situation.