Buyer’s Agent vs Seller’s Agent: What’s the Difference?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When buying or selling property in Australia, understanding the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent is important. While both professionals work in the real estate industry, they represent different clients and have different responsibilities.

A buyer’s agent represents the purchaser, helping them find, evaluate and negotiate the purchase of a property. A seller’s agent represents the property owner, managing the marketing and sale of their property.

In this guide, we explain the key differences between buyer’s agents and seller’s agents, their responsibilities and how to pursue a career in either role.

What Does a Buyer’s Agent Do?

A buyer’s agent represents individuals or businesses looking to purchase property. Their role is to help buyers find suitable properties, assess market value, negotiate purchase terms and navigate the buying process.

Property Search and Market Analysis

• Identifying Properties: Buyer’s agents use their local market knowledge and professional networks to identify properties that match their clients’ requirements, including potential off-market opportunities.
• Market Analysis: They research comparable sales, property values and local market conditions to help buyers make informed purchasing decisions.

Negotiation and Property Purchase

• Negotiating Offers: Buyer’s agents negotiate on behalf of their clients to help secure favourable purchase prices and contract terms. Their understanding of local property values and negotiation strategies can help buyers avoid overpaying.
• Contract Assistance: They coordinate with conveyancers or solicitors and other professionals to help buyers understand the purchasing process and ensure appropriate due diligence is undertaken.

Support Throughout the Buying Process

• Coordinating Professionals: Buyer’s agents may liaise with lenders, building inspectors, conveyancers and other professionals involved in the purchase.
• Managing the Process: They assist buyers throughout the property search, negotiation and purchase process, helping them stay informed and meet important deadlines.

Interested in Becoming a Buyer’s Agent?

Working as a buyer’s agent requires knowledge of property markets, buyer relationships, negotiation and the relevant licensing requirements.

REAA offers online real estate training to help aspiring property professionals develop the skills and qualifications required to pursue a career in the Australian real estate industry.

What Does a Seller’s Agent Do?

A seller’s agent, also known as a listing agent, is a real estate professional who represents a property owner during the sale of their property. Their role is to market the property, attract prospective buyers, negotiate offers and help achieve a successful sale.

Property Marketing and Advertising

• Property Listings: Seller’s agents prepare and advertise properties through real estate websites, agency networks and other marketing channels.
• Inspections and Open Homes: They organise property inspections and open homes, communicate with prospective buyers and provide feedback to the seller.

Property Pricing and Negotiation

• Market Appraisal: Seller’s agents analyse comparable property sales, local market conditions and buyer demand to recommend an appropriate asking price or marketing strategy.
• Negotiating Offers: They present offers to the seller and negotiate with prospective purchasers to help achieve favourable sale prices and contract terms.

Managing the Sales Process

• Buyer Communication: Seller’s agents respond to enquiries, coordinate inspections and keep the property owner informed throughout the sales campaign.
• Contract and Settlement Coordination: They liaise with conveyancers, solicitors and other professionals to assist with the transaction through to settlement.

Do Buyer’s Agents and Seller’s Agents Need a Real Estate Licence?

Yes. In Australia, both buyer’s agents and seller’s agents must comply with the real estate licensing and registration requirements of the state or territory in which they operate.

Requirements vary across Australia. Depending on the jurisdiction and the activities performed, real estate professionals may need to hold an agent’s licence, registration or certificate, or work under the supervision of a licensed agent.

For current requirements, refer to the relevant state or territory regulator, such as NSW Fair Trading, Queensland Office of Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria or Western Australia Consumer Protection.

Completing real estate training is an important step towards entering the industry, but does not automatically grant a licence or registration.

Buyer’s Agent vs Seller’s Agent: Which Is Right for You?

The key difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent is who they represent. Buyer’s agents help purchasers find, evaluate and negotiate property purchases, while seller’s agents represent property owners by marketing properties, managing enquiries and negotiating sales.

Both roles require market knowledge, negotiation skills and an understanding of Australian real estate regulations.

Interested in becoming a real estate agent? The Real Estate Academy of Australia offers flexible, self-paced online courses to help you start or advance your career in real estate.