What a Commercial Buyers Agent Costs in Brisbane

Written By Antony Acutt

A commercial buyers agent in Brisbane charges in one of three ways: a fixed fee, a percentage of the purchase price, or an engagement fee plus a success fee. The right model depends on your budget and on how much of the work you want handed over.

The three fee models

Fixed fee. You agree a dollar amount before the search starts. A small part is paid on appointment and the balance at settlement. You know the full cost up front, and the agent earns the same whatever price you pay. This is how Altiera generally charges, with the exception of certain circumstances (e.g. when a client has a very wide ranging budget window).

Percentage of price. The fee is a share of the purchase price, typically in the order of 1.5 to 3%. The catch: the agent earns more when you pay more.

Engagement fee plus success fee. You pay a retainer to start the search, then a second fee when you buy. Ask whether the retainer is credited against the final fee, and what happens if no purchase goes ahead.

Why commercial costs differ from residential

Most published fee guides cover houses and units. Commercial work takes more time per deal. On every commercial purchase the agent reviews:

  • Leases: term, options, rent reviews, make-good and outgoings recovery

  • Tenants: covenant strength, trading history and arrears

  • The building: condition, compliance and capital works due in the next five years

  • Zoning and future use

  • The return on total cost, after Queensland transfer duty and finance

A cheaper agent who skips these checks costs you more over the hold.

What the fee should cover

Before you sign, confirm the fee includes:

  1. A written brief: budget, target yield, asset type, location and risk appetite

  2. On-market and off-market sourcing, with a shortlist and analysis

  3. Lease, tenant, building and outgoings review on each shortlisted property

  4. Offers and negotiation on price and terms

  5. Coordination of due diligence with your solicitor, accountant and lender

  6. Management of the process through to settlement

How to compare quotes

  • Ask for the total fee in dollars, including GST

  • Ask who does the work day to day, and how many commercial purchases they closed in the past two years

  • Ask how many of those were off market

  • Ask whether the agent takes any payment from vendors or selling agents. A buyers agent should act for you alone

  • Read the engagement term and the exit clause

What Altiera charges

We generally charge a fixed fee, agreed up front and tailored to your buying budget. A small portion is payable on appointment, with the balance on settlement. Our core range is $2 million to $10 million, and we take briefs above and below it.

Want to see what a purchase costs once Queensland duty and finance are in? Try our acquisition cost calculator. To see how we work, read about our commercial buyers agent service in Brisbane, or book a 30 minute call.

Antony Acutt