Finding the Best Real Estate Agent in Australia (UK guide)

Buying property in Australia from the UK is an exciting prospect, but it comes with rules and financial planning steps that don't apply to local buyers. From understanding foreign investment restrictions to working with the right agent on the ground, knowing where to start can make a real difference.

This guide explains how to find the best real estate agent in Australia, what fees and approvals to expect, and how to manage your international payments efficiently.

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Understanding the Australian property market

Australia's property market is diverse, spanning cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as regional towns and coastal areas. For Brits buying from abroad, it is worth knowing that the market operates differently to the UK. Properties are often sold at auction, legal processes vary by state, and strict rules apply to foreign buyers.

As a UK national, you are classified as a foreign person under Australian law. This means specific rules govern what you can buy and what approvals you need before making an offer.

Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval

The Foreign Investment Review Board, known as FIRB, is an Australian government body that reviews foreign investment in Australian assets, including residential property. If you are a UK buyer, you will need FIRB approval before purchasing residential property in most cases.¹

You must apply for approval and pay a fee before signing a purchase contract. Applications are submitted online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) portal, and the review typically takes up to 30 days once the correct fee has been paid.¹

FIRB fees are based on the value of the property. For new dwellings and vacant land, the fee is AUD $15,100 for properties up to AUD $1 million, and AUD $30,300 for properties up to AUD $2 million (fees current for the 2025–26 financial year, updated each 1 July).¹ Always check the latest fee schedule on the ATO website before you apply.

If you leave your property vacant for more than 183 days in a year, you will also owe an annual vacancy fee, which equals double your original FIRB application fee.¹

Buying restrictions for non-residents

Not all types of Australian property are open to foreign buyers. From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, foreign persons are banned from purchasing established dwellings (existing second-hand homes) in Australia, unless a very limited exception applies.¹

In practice, this means UK buyers can generally only purchase:

• New dwellings (newly built homes or off-the-plan purchases)
• Vacant land, provided you build on it within a defined timeframe
• Near-new dwellings that meet specific criteria

This restriction is designed to protect housing supply for Australian residents. If you are hoping to buy an older, existing property, speak to an Australian property lawyer early to understand if any exceptions apply to your situation.

Finding a top-rated real estate agent

All real estate agents in Australia must hold a valid state-issued licence to practise. A great agent brings more than local knowledge. They understand comparable sale prices, auction strategies, and the legal process for property transactions in their area.

When searching for the best real estate agent in Australia, focus on agents with a strong track record in the suburb and property type you want to buy.

How to compare agent performance

To narrow down your shortlist, consider the following:

• Sales history: Look for agents who regularly sell properties similar to yours. Most agent profiles on sites like Domain or realestate.com.au include recent sales data.
• Reviews and testimonials: These can show how well an agent communicates with buyers who are purchasing from overseas.
• Market knowledge: A strong agent should be able to give you clear data on average time on market, recent comparable sales, and realistic price ranges.
• Transparency: Ask directly about fees, commission rates, and what services are included. A trustworthy agent gives clear answers upfront.
• Responsiveness: As a UK buyer, you need an agent who is comfortable communicating across time zones via email or video call.

It is important to understand who the agent is working for. Selling agents in Australia act on behalf of the vendor, not the buyer. If you want someone dedicated solely to your interests, a buyer's agent is the better choice.

Using buyer's agents for overseas purchases

A buyer's agent (also called a buyer's advocate) works exclusively for the buyer. They search for properties, carry out due diligence, attend inspections on your behalf, and negotiate the purchase price. For Brits buying remotely, this is often the most practical route, as it means having a trusted, licensed professional on the ground in Australia.

Buyer's agents can access both on-market and off-market listings, giving you access to properties that may never be publicly advertised.

Look for buyer's agents who are members of the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA) or the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA). These memberships signal a commitment to professional and ethical standards.

Costs and fees for property transactions

Buying property in Australia involves several costs beyond the purchase price. Budget for all of these before you start your search, as they can significantly increase the total amount you need to transfer from the UK.

Real estate agent commission rates

In Australia, the seller pays the selling agent's commission, not the buyer. However, if you hire a buyer's agent to represent your interests, you pay their fee directly.

Buyer's agent fees generally fall into two structures:²

• Fixed fees: Range from around AUD $3,000 to AUD $30,000, depending on property price and the scope of services.
• Commission-based fees: Typically between 1% and 3% of the purchase price. The national average sits at around 2% to 2.5%.

Some buyer's agents also charge an upfront engagement fee, which is usually non-refundable and separate from any final commission.

Conveyancing and legal fees

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property, and you will need to hire a licensed conveyancer or solicitor in the relevant Australian state. Costs vary but generally range from AUD $800 to AUD $2,200 for a standard residential purchase.

Other costs to budget for include:

• Stamp duty (land transfer duty): Varies by state and property value. Some states apply a surcharge for foreign buyers, so confirm the rules in your target state.
• Building and pest inspections: Typically AUD $400 to $700. These are essential before you exchange contracts.
• Title search and mortgage registration fees: Usually a few hundred Australian dollars, depending on the state.

Always request a written cost estimate from your conveyancer before instructing them.

Steps to buying Australian property

Understanding the end-to-end process helps you plan your finances and timeline before you commit.

Securing finance and FIRB approval

Your first two steps should happen simultaneously:

1. Arrange your finances. Get a mortgage in principle from an Australian or international lender, or confirm your available funds. Foreign buyers often face stricter lending criteria, so consider working with a mortgage broker experienced in overseas buyers.
2. Apply for FIRB approval. Submit your application and pay the fee before making any offer or signing any contract. The ATO recommends applying as early as possible to avoid delays.

Never sign a contract before FIRB approval is confirmed. Buying without approval can result in serious penalties, including forced divestment of the property.¹

The exchange and settlement process

Once your FIRB approval is in place and your offer is accepted, the process moves to exchange and settlement:

• Contract exchange: You sign the contract and pay a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price. Once both parties sign, the sale becomes legally binding.
• Cooling-off period: In some states, buyers have a short cooling-off period after exchange (usually three to five business days) to withdraw for a small fee. Properties bought at auction typically have no cooling-off period.
• Settlement: The final balance is paid, legal ownership is transferred, and you receive the keys. Settlement usually takes 30 to 90 days after exchange.

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Finding a qualified agent and understanding the FIRB rules are two of the most important steps for any UK buyer looking to purchase property in Australia. Knowing what types of property you can buy, what fees to expect, and how the buying process works puts you in a stronger position when the right opportunity comes along.

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FAQs

Do foreigners need approval to buy property in Australia?

Yes. UK nationals are classified as foreign persons under Australian law and must obtain FIRB approval before purchasing residential property in most cases.¹ You must apply and pay the relevant fee before signing any purchase contract.

How much do Australian estate agents charge?

Selling agents are paid by the seller, not the buyer. If you hire a buyer's agent to represent your interests, expect to pay a fixed fee of AUD $3,000 to AUD $30,000, or a commission of around 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price.²

Can I buy an existing house in Australia?

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, foreign persons are generally banned from purchasing established (existing) dwellings in Australia, unless a limited exception applies.¹ Most UK buyers are currently restricted to new builds, vacant land, or near-new properties.

How long does the buying process take?

Allow at least 30 days for FIRB approval after the fee is paid, plus time for finance approval, due diligence, and settlement. For most overseas buyers, the full process from accepted offer to settlement typically takes three to six months.

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Sources used:

1. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – Residential fees for a foreign person: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/investments-and-assets/foreign-resident-investments/foreign-investment-in-australia/fees-for-foreign-residential-investors
2. Entry Education – Buyers agent fees & standard commissions in Australia: https://entryeducation.edu.au/blog/buyers-agent-fees-and-commissions-australia/

Sources last checked on date: 28 April 2026.