Buying property on the Northern Beaches is competitive, fast-moving and emotionally charged — especially when dealing with limited stock and consistently high demand. Many homebuyers and investors turn to buyer’s agents to help navigate the process, but questions around cost often surface early in the discussion.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the typical fees that buyer’s agents on the Northern Beaches’ charge. Know what you’re getting for your money and what to watch out for when buying property.
How fees are structured in the Northern Beaches
Fees charged by buyer’s agents on the Northern Beaches’ typically come in two types of structures: fixed fees and percentage-based commissions.
- Fixed fees — A fixed fee gives you a flat rate rate that you will be charged. Sometimes a fixed fee schedule can be on a sliding scale depending on a client’s final budget. The attraction to this type of fee model is the certainty it provides buyers and it also removes around a percentage based fee model where the more a buyer pays for a property the more the fee would be. Fixed success fees on the Northern Beaches usually range from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the property value and complexity of the search.
This fee model appeals to a lot of buyers who want certainty and clear deliverables.
- Percentage-based commissions — This structure charges a percentage of the purchase price, typically ranging from 1.5% to 2.0% + GST on the Northern Beaches.
At PMC we believe that in most instances, a flat fee model is more aligned to the buy side of a real estate transaction. We feel that a percentage based fee model is a bit of a misalignment.
Our services
Our buyer’s agents on the Northern Beaches offer a range of services:
- Full Search — Our Full Search service provides end-to-end support, from creating a personalised Buyer’s Brief and sourcing on- and off-market opportunities, to assessing, inspecting, analysing and valuing properties, managing all liaison with agents, inspectors, legal and finance professionals, and executing the best negotiation strategy, guiding you seamlessly through to exchange and then settlement. There is an initial retainer / engagement fee to get underway with the search process and we are only paid our success fee once you successfully go unconditional on a property.
- Appraise & Negotiate — Our Appraise & Negotiate service suits when a buyer finds a property they want to secure however they are looking for some professional guidance to get a successful outcome. Firstly our team assess the viability of the property falling within your budget, inspecting the property, completing full market analysis and due diligence, providing an estimated market value, liaising with inspectors, legal and finance professionals, and formulating and executing the best negotiation strategy, right through to pre-settlement checks and successful settlement. There is an initial retainer / engagement fee to get underway with the search process and we are only paid our success fee once you successfully go unconditional on a property.
- Auction Representation — We offer expert auction representation, using proven strategies and in-depth market knowledge to bid confidently on your behalf and maximise your chances of securing the right property at the best possible price. For auction representation you will need to pay a one-off engagement fee, with a small success fee if you are successful with securing the property.
If you’re buying in a suburb like Balgowlah Heights, Fairlight, Freshwater or Curl Curl — where stock generally sells quickly, and buyer competition is intense — the full-service model becomes far more valuable as you can get exposure to off-market & pre market opportunities. Typically the Northern Beaches isn’t the kind of market where passive buyer activity gets results.
What’s included in buyer’s agents on the Northern Beaches’ fees (and what isn’t)
Buyer’s agent fees can look expensive at first glance, but it’s important to understand what’s included in the service. Here’s what’s usually included in a full-service fee:
- Access to off-market properties & pre market listings
- Deep local market knowledge
- Shortlisting, inspections
- Detailed Due Diligence
- Price analysis and surrounding development searches
- Handling negotiations and auction bidding
- Coordinating with solicitors and finance teams
- Support through to settlement
What’s not usually included in the fee:
- Building and pest inspection costs
- Legal conveyancing costs
- Finance or mortgage brokering
- Post-settlement property management (if investor)
Make sure your buyer’s agent on the Northern Beaches is clear on what’s included in their service and fees.
What affects the price of buyer’s agent services
Several factors influence buyer’s agents on Northern Beaches’ fees, including:
1. Purchase price bracket
Luxury and prestige property briefs often command higher fees, both because of the stakes and the agent’s network value. A $10M home in Manly is different assignment to a $1.2M townhouse in Dee Why.
2. Market conditions
In a fast-moving or undersupplied market, buyer’s agents spend more time trying to source off markets, vetting listings and acting fast on opportunities.
3. Time frame
A client’s timeframe shouldn’t have an influence on fees. An experienced operator should take the time required to secure the right property to match their clients brief.
Are buyer’s agents on the Northern Beaches’ fees worth it?
In high-demand suburbs like Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, Freshwater, Collaroy and North Curl Curl, buyer’s agents often secure properties before they’re publicly listed. That early access reduces competition, removes emotional bidding and can lead to clients securing their family home sooner.
Beyond access, a skilled buyer’s agent helps you avoid costly missteps like overpaying, overlooking building & pest or strata issues or buying in the wrong location for your family needs. The fee can often pale in comparison to the financial consequences of getting it wrong.
Work with a buyer’s agent who understands the Northern Beaches
The fees charged by a buyer’s agent on Northern Beaches are just one part of the decision. Choosing a professional with deep local knowledge and a proven track record matters more — especially when timing, negotiation and market access often make the difference.
PMC Property Buyers combines suburb-specific expertise with a highly personalised service. If you’re in need of a buyer’s agent in Northern Beaches, our team is ready to help you identify the right property, secure it at a good price and stay aligned with your long-term goals. Get in touch to see how PMC can help you buy smarter on the Northern Beaches.