Become a Buyer's Agent

Starting Your Own Buyer's Agency

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of starting your own buyer’s agency is a commendable pursuit. If you are intending to set up your own buyer’s agency, you would need a full real estate agent’s licence in each State you intend to operate within – both for yourself as an individual, plus an agency licence for the company you will operate under if this is your preferred operating structure. If you are currently a “registered” real estate agent, then you would need to undertake further study and apply to become a “fully licensed” real estate agent. The Real Estate Institute in your State plus TAFE and some private institutions run training courses.

 

In setting up your buyer’s agency, you would need to identify your market of buyers to tap into, and develop your own client service methodology, which would define your business offering. One of the main differences between a selling agent and a buyer’s agent is the reporting to clients – there are a lot more written reports provided to buyers, than to vendors, essentially to mitigate risk.

 

As with any new business, you would want to put together a business plan covering market entry and growth strategies; service offerings and pricing model; market research; marketing plan; operations plan; management plan; financial plan and analysis; risk analysis; research and development. This is particularly important if you are planning to approach the bank for seed capital.

 

As every state and territory has differing requirements for real estate it is essential you take the time to find out what is mandatory for your area and what regulations apply . The above information is intended as a guide only.

Education + Training Requirements

Understanding the educational and training landscape is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a Buyer’s Agent, whether you plan to establish your own agency or work alongside experienced professionals. Each state in Australia operates under its own set of laws and licensing requirements regarding property transactions. To ensure you’re on the right track, it’s essential to begin your journey by contacting your state-based Department of Fair Trading/Business Licensing. For additional guidance and connections with reputable Buyers’ Agents, reach out to the Real Estate Buyer’s Agents Association (REBAA) or your local Real Estate Institute (REI). 

 

Did you know? Property legislation varies from state to state in Australia. A fundamental rule is that a Buyers Agent MUST hold a license in the specific state where they are making purchases. For instance, if they are based in Victoria and hold a Victorian license, they cannot buy property in Queensland unless they also possess a Queensland License.

 

In terms of training, the methods employed by businesses can differ significantly. Some organisations advocate a hands-on approach, pairing experienced Buyer’s Agents with assistant Buyer’s Agents in training. Others offer apprenticeship-style roles, providing a structured learning environment for new entrants. Ideally, undertaking an apprenticeship with a REBAA-accredited buyer’s agent/advocate who can mentor you through the early stages is highly recommended. Training courses are available through institutions such as the Real Estate Institute in your state, TAFE, and select private organisations.

 

Fast Fact: Currently there is no training on the market specific to Buyer’s Agents offered by a registered training organisation.

 

Currently, no registered training organisation offers market-specific training for Buyer’s Agents. However, Buyer’s Agents can hail from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills to the table. Some of REBAA’s most experienced Buyer’s Agents hold tertiary qualifications in fields such as accounting, valuations, business, law, science, medicine, and nursing, among others.

Don’t Get Caught Out: Navigating Your Path to Success

At REBAA, we embrace newcomers eager to venture into the dynamic world of buyer’s agents. However, we are increasingly concerned about the rise of inexperienced entrants and the misleading allure of online non-accredited courses. These programs often fail to equip aspiring professionals with the practical skills essential for success, leaving them with unrealistic expectations. We urge you to tread carefully.

 

While the idea of moonlighting as a buyer’s agent might seem enticing, the reality is far more complex. It’s not just about purchasing property part-time while juggling another job. True expertise comes from hands-on experience and guidance from seasoned professionals. While some courses might offer insights, genuine mastery requires real-world immersion and mentorship from established buyer’s agents. It’s about more than talking the talk; it’s about walking the walk, exceeding client expectations, and building a fulfilling career in the buyer’s agents space.

 

If you’re concerned that your training provider isn’t delivering as promised, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Your journey to becoming a successful buyer’s agent begins with the right foundation – one built on knowledge, experience, and genuine support.

Licensing

Each State has its own laws and licensing requirements regarding property transactions, so you will need to hold a licence for the state that you will be buying property in. Generally speaking, there are two types of licences – a “registration” suitable for employees, or a “full licence” for agency principals. The terminology may differ from state to state. To get started, please make an enquiry with your state-based Department of Fair Trading.

The full real estate agent licence allows you to do all that you are legally obliged to when operating as a buyers agent, including but not limited to:

  • own or manage a real estate agency (REBAA members focus on representing property buyers)
  • buy, exchange or rent houses, businesses, land or any interest in these
  • negotiate for the buying, exchanging or renting of houses,
  • businesses or land
  • show property to potential buyers
  • inspect and assess property for sale (on behalf of a third party) or rent
  • manage an apartment complex
  • operate a trust account on behalf of buyers

Buyers agents require a full Class 1 Real Estate Licence as minimum to operate a business in NSW. The minimum requirement to work as an employee buyers agent or assistant buyers agent, under a licensed buyers agency, is a NSW Certificate of Registration or Assistant Agent Licence.

  • Complete Certificate IV, which is the full course
  • Complete 12 months practical experience within 3 years of applying for the licence

The minimum requirement is a Certificate IV in Property Services (real estate) to obtain registration and work as a buyers agent representative (or sales representative) for a fully licensed agent;

A Full licence (Registered Land Agent) is required if you wish to open your own agency (buying or selling)  with a Complete Diploma of Property Services (Agency Management) required. 

Applicants for an individual licence must:
(a) be at least 18 years old;

(b) be a person of good character and repute and a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

(c) have access to sufficient assets and financial resources enabling them to comply with all the requirements of the Act;

(d) understand fully the duties and obligations imposed upon agents by the Act.

A full real estate agent licence is required in Tasmania in order to transact in property whether buying or selling property.

Qualifications for Property Agents

Property agents are required, under Division 2, Sections 64-66, of the Act, to have qualifications before conducting a business as a real estate agent, property manager, or general auctioneer, or being employed by a real estate agent, or property manager.

The qualifications are primarily: –

Real estate agent (individual) – two years’ full-time experience as a property manager or property consultant during the previous five years and the prescribed educational qualification of a Diploma in Property (Real Estate) awarded by a registered training organisation.

Real estate agent (company) – must have at least one director who is a real estate agent.

Character and Repute

In order to satisfy the Board that he or she is a person of good character and repute the applicant must provide an original National
Police Certificate issued no more than 3 months prior to the date of lodging the application. Applicants must also provide two written references to attest to their good character, reputation and fitness to hold a licence.

Contained within the application form is a statutory declaration which requests applicants to disclose previous convictions, pending
proceedings and previous disqualifications among other things. The Registrar may request that an applicant attend an interview with the Board to determine whether he or she satisfies the requirements of the Act.

Qualifications

To apply for a real estate and business agent licence you must have passed the examinations for the following course:
Diploma of Property Services (Agency Management) CPP50307