How to Choose an Investment Property: Key Factors Australian Investors Should Consider When Working With A Buyer's Agent

Noah Cohen

Feb 15

3 min read

Finding the right property takes time. When you’re juggling work, family, and everything else life throws at you, it can feel impossible to give the search the attention it deserves.

For an investment property, it’s less about the “feel” of the place and more about the numbers, the strategy, and whether the asset will genuinely move you forward financially.

A skilled buyer’s agent can make a meaningful difference. They can take on the heavy lifting, bring expertise you may not have time to build, and free up hours of your week. If you’re considering working with one, here are some key questions that help you separate genuine advocates from salespeople in disguise.

1. “Are you paid exclusively by me?”

This is a big one.

If a buyer’s agent receives referral commissions or developer incentives from the seller, they’re not truly on your side of the table. Their recommendations will be limited to stock they’re incentivised to push, and not necessarily the right asset for your goals.

A genuinely independent buyer’s agent is paid only by you. That usually means a higher fee, but it also means their advice is aligned with your best interests, not someone else’s sales targets.

2. “What areas and property types do you specialise in?”

Expertise is local.

Someone who claims to source “any property type, anywhere in Australia” is unlikely to have deep knowledge of the specific suburbs and property types you’re targeting. You want someone who knows the micro-markets—the pockets where demand is rising, the streets to avoid, the school zones that drive value, and the price points where competition is strongest.

3. “How do you find the properties you recommend?”

A good buyer’s agent does far more than scroll through online listings.

They should be researching:

Neighbourhood trends
Street-level differences
School catchments
Local buyer demand
Off-market opportunities
Comparable sales and rental yields

This level of analysis is what helps you secure the right property at the right price, not just the most convenient one.

What the Right Buyer’s Agent Can Do for You

A strong buyer’s agent can:

Reduce months of searching into weeks
Give you access to better opportunities, including off-market stock
Prevent you from overpaying
Free up your time so you can focus on work, family, and life

But it’s also important to acknowledge that using a buyer’s agent means handing over some control. For some people, researching the market themselves is part of the enjoyment—and that’s completely valid.

If that’s you, just make sure you genuinely do the research. I learned this the hard way. I once purchased a property in Darwin without a buyer’s agent and without doing enough due diligence of my own. I overpaid and ultimately sold at a loss. It was an expensive reminder that good research isn’t optional.

If You’re Considering a Property or Suburb…

If you already have a property or suburb in mind, we’re happy to help you make a more informed decision. We can provide a detailed property or suburb report so you can see the numbers, trends, and risks clearly before taking your next step.

Just reach out—clarity is always worth it.

Conclusion

Navigating the property market can be daunting. With the right buyer’s agent, you can simplify the process. They can help you find the best opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. Remember, the right agent is one who works exclusively for you.

If you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you secure the best financing options and grow your investment portfolio.

Want A Loan is a Corporate Credit Representative (No. 490204) of BLSSA Pty Ltd ABN 69 117 651 760, Australian Credit License 391237.