Our Service Area

Iconic Assets is licensed in NSW. We don't operate in Victoria. For Melbourne purchases, we recommend engaging a locally licensed buyers agent with expertise in the Victoria market.

Verify any Victoria agent's licence with Consumer Affairs Victoria.

If you're looking to buy in Sydney or NSW, we can assist. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

What Does a Melbourne 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.

Melbourne buyers agents typically provide:

Property search: Finding on-market and off-market opportunities across Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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.

Melbourne Property Market Considerations

Victoria has unique characteristics that buyers should understand. These differences from other states are why local expertise matters:

Victoria Property Law

Property law varies between Australian states. Victoria 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: Victoria has different stamp duty calculations, thresholds, and concessions than NSW
Land tax: Different land tax rules, rates, and thresholds apply in Victoria
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 Melbourne and Victoria

These differences are why we recommend engaging a locally licensedVictoria buyers agent rather than an interstate agent for Melbourne purchases.

How to Find a Buyers Agent in Melbourne

When searching for a buyers agent in Melbourne, consider these factors:

Verify Licensing

All real estate agents in Victoria must hold a current licence. Verify any potential agent's credentials with Consumer Affairs Victoria. 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 Melbourne

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 Melbourne

Consider engaging a Melbourne buyers agent if you:

Are relocating: Moving to Melbourne 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 Victoria 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.

Melbourne Buyers Agent Fees

Buyers agent fees in Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne Buyers Agent

Be cautious of agents who:

Cannot provide proof of current Victoria 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 Melbourne?

No. We're licensed in NSW only. For Melbourne purchases, you need a locally licensed Victoria buyers agent with expertise in that market. If you're buying in Sydney or NSW, we can help.

How do I verify a Melbourne buyers agent is licensed?

Check with Consumer Affairs Victoria. All real estate agents must hold a current licence to operate legally in Victoria. Ask the agent for their licence number and verify it independently.

Is Melbourne'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 Melbourne 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 Victoria?

Agents need appropriate licensing for the state where you're purchasing. Beyond licensing, local knowledge of Victoria's market, laws, and agent networks is essential for effective representation.

What if I'm buying in both Melbourne and Sydney?

You'd typically need separate buyers agents—one licensed and experienced in each state. For your Sydney purchase, we can assist. For Melbourne, you'd need a local Victoria agent.

Looking to Buy in Sydney or NSW?

Iconic Assets is a licensed NSW buyers agent. For Melbourne purchases, we recommend engaging a local Victoria-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.

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Disclaimer: This page provides general information only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Property values can fall as well as rise. Victoria property laws and market conditions differ from NSW. We are not licensed in Victoria and cannot provide advice specific to that market. Always engage appropriately licensed local professionals and seek independent advice for your specific situation.

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