Buyers Agent Commission Calculator
Model buyers agent fees three ways: flat engagement, % of purchase price, or retainer plus success fee. Optional introducer share for deals referred in by a third party.
Residential buyers agents typically run 1.5% to 3% or $10k to $30k flat. Commercial buyers agents run 0.75% to 2% or $20k-$100k+ flat.
The price the buyer is paying.
Residential 1.5-3%. Commercial 0.75-2%.
If a third party referred the client. 15% to 25% is standard.
Where the best buyers agent referrals come from
On Socii, buyers agents, sales agents, brokers, accountants and lawyers refer clients to each other through a tracked, paid, private network. Agreed fees in writing, every introduction on the record.
See the Dealmaker planHow buyers agent fees actually work
Buyers agents are paid by the buyer, not the seller. That is the core difference from selling agents (who are paid by the vendor). The fee compensates the agent for sourcing, qualifying, and negotiating - especially on off-market deals where the biggest value is access, not search.
The three fee structures
- Flat engagement fee. Residential typical $10k-$30k. Commercial $20k-$100k+. Used when the brief is well-defined and the agent wants certainty of revenue regardless of purchase price.
- % of purchase price. Residential 1.5%-3%. Commercial 0.75%-2%. Aligns agent incentive with deal size but can create odd dynamics when the agent saves the buyer money (fee goes down).
- Retainer + success. A non-refundable upfront ($3k-$5k residential, $10k-$20k commercial) plus a success fee at completion. Best of both worlds: the retainer filters out tyre-kickers, the success fee aligns outcomes.
When an introducer is involved
When a third party (mortgage broker, accountant, financial planner, lawyer) refers a client to a buyers agent, the buyers agent typically pays 15% to 25% of their fee to the introducer. The referrer must disclose this to the client. See the buyers agent vs introducer guide.
Frequently asked
How much does a buyers agent charge in Australia?
Residential buyers agents typically charge either a flat fee of $10,000 to $30,000, or 1.5% to 3% of the purchase price. Commercial buyers agents charge $20,000 to $100,000+ flat or 0.75% to 2%.
What is a retainer plus success fee structure?
The buyer pays a non-refundable engagement retainer upfront (typically $3,000 to $5,000 residential, $10,000 to $20,000 commercial) to start the search, then a success fee on completion.
Do buyers agents pay referral fees?
Yes. When a third party refers a client to a buyers agent, the buyers agent typically pays 15% to 25% of their fee back to the referrer. The referrer must disclose this arrangement.
Is a buyers agent fee tax deductible?
For investment property, the buyers agent fee is generally added to the cost base of the property (capital expense), not claimed as an immediate deduction. For commercial purchases by a business entity, treatment depends on use. Get specific advice from your accountant.
How do buyers agents source off-market deals?
Off-market deal flow comes from relationships. On Socii, buyers agents are part of a private network with developers and selling agents, with every introduction and fee tracked through to settlement.
Built by Socii Book Pty Ltd (ACN 695 597 141), the private network for dealmakers. The numbers above are the same math we run inside the platform.
Related free tools
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OpenCommission Split Calculator
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OpenNetwork ROI Calculator
Project annual buyers-agent revenue from your current referrer base.
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