What does Buyers Central do?

We represent you (the buyer) in property transactions, handling strategy, sourcing, due diligence, negotiation, and post-settlement support. We work exclusively for the buyer — never the seller.

How are you different from other buyers agents?

We start with your goals, budget, borrowing capacity, and long-term plan. We only pursue properties that fit your strategy — strategy-first, not property-led.

Who do you work with?

We work with first-time investors and established buyers who want a more structured approach to building wealth through property.

Do you work for the buyer only?

Yes. We represent the buyer only and are legally obligated to act in your best interests throughout the process. No conflict of interest.

Do you have access to off-market properties?

Yes, but we only pursue them if they fit the strategy and pass due diligence. Our relationships with selling agents give us access before properties hit the portals.

Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is your process?

Discovery call → Strategy & Criteria → Market Research & Data Analysis → Property Sourcing → Due Diligence → Negotiation → Settlement. We support you through every step.

Everything you need to know about property investment, buyers agents, and building a portfolio in Australia. Clear answers, no jargon.

Getting Started

How much deposit do I need to buy an investment property?

Most lenders require a minimum 10% deposit for an investment property, though 20% is the standard to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). On a $500,000 property, that means $50,000–$100,000 in cash or equity, plus additional funds for stamp duty and purchase costs.

Should I buy a home or an investment property first?

It depends on your financial position and goals. Rentvesting — renting where you want to live while owning investment property where the numbers work — can accelerate wealth building significantly compared to buying an expensive home first.

How do I start building a property portfolio?

Start by getting clear on your goals, understanding your borrowing capacity, defining investment criteria, and buying your first property in a market with strong fundamentals. Let equity growth fund subsequent purchases.

Is property or shares a better investment?

Both have delivered strong long-term returns in Australia. Property offers leverage, rental income, and tax benefits. Shares offer liquidity, diversification, and lower entry costs. The better choice depends on your financial position, risk tolerance, and goals.

What does a buyers agent do?

A buyers agent works exclusively for you — the buyer. We help define your investment strategy, research markets, source properties, complete due diligence, negotiate on your behalf, and support you through to settlement.

Is a buyers agent worth the cost?

For most investors, yes. The savings from better negotiation, avoiding costly mistakes, and accessing off-market opportunities typically exceed the fee several times over. The biggest cost in property investing is buying the wrong property.

How much does a buyers agent cost?

Fees vary by service level and property type. Most buyers agents charge either a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price (typically 1–3%). At Buyers Central, we discuss fees transparently during your discovery call.

Do buyers agents have access to off-market properties?

Yes. We maintain relationships with selling agents across our target markets. When a vendor decides to sell quietly, the selling agent reaches out to their trusted network of buyers agents first.

How do I choose the right investment property?

Start with your goals, not the listing. Define your budget, borrowing capacity, target yield, and growth drivers. Then find markets that match. This removes emotion and keeps you focused on properties that fit your plan.

What makes a suburb worth investing in?

Strong demand drivers (population growth, employment diversity, infrastructure), limited new supply, low vacancy rates, and owner-occupier appeal. The best suburbs have multiple demand sources rather than single-industry dependence.

Should I invest in houses or units?

It depends on your strategy. Houses offer land value and scarcity. Units offer lower entry prices and potentially higher yields. The right choice depends on your budget, target market, cash flow needs, and portfolio plan.

What is the difference between gross yield and net yield?

Gross yield is annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield subtracts all holding costs (rates, insurance, management, maintenance, vacancy) from the rent before dividing. Net yield gives you the real return.

What is negative gearing?

Negative gearing occurs when your property expenses (interest, costs, depreciation) exceed rental income. The loss reduces your taxable income, creating a tax benefit that offsets part of the holding cost.

How do interest rates affect property investment?

Interest rates affect borrowing capacity, repayment costs, and buyer sentiment. Rate cuts increase borrowing power and tend to drive property price growth. Rate rises reduce capacity and slow markets.

What is stamp duty and how much will I pay?

Stamp duty is a state government tax on property purchases. The amount varies by state, property price, and buyer type. Use our stamp duty calculator for an estimate.

Do I need pre-approval before working with a buyers agent?

It helps. Knowing your borrowing position early gives more clarity and allows you to act confidently when the right property appears. We can introduce you to trusted mortgage brokers if needed.

Market & Timing

Is now a good time to invest in property?

The best time to invest is when you have a clear strategy, the financial capacity to hold, and a property that meets your criteria. Waiting for the 'perfect' time typically costs more than acting with a plan.

Which property markets are performing best in 2026?

Adelaide and Perth are leading on capital growth, driven by defence spending, resources, and record-low vacancy. Brisbane and South-East Queensland continue to benefit from Olympic infrastructure and migration.

Should I invest in regional or metro markets?

Both can work. Regional markets often offer higher yields. Metro markets offer deeper liquidity and historically stronger long-term growth. Many experienced investors use a blended approach.

What is the housing supply crisis?

Australia needs 1.2 million new homes by 2029 but is building fewer than half that. Construction constraints, labour shortages, and planning delays mean the supply gap will take years to close — supporting rents and property values.

What due diligence should I do before buying?

At minimum: building and pest inspection, strata report (for units), flood and bushfire mapping, zoning checks, title search, comparable sales analysis, rental appraisal, and cash flow modelling.

What is your process at Buyers Central?

We start with a discovery call, then define your strategy and criteria, research markets, source and shortlist properties, complete due diligence, negotiate on your behalf, and support you through settlement.

Do you provide post-settlement support?

Yes. Our services continue after settlement. We can help find tenants, refer property managers, and provide ongoing market updates and portfolio advice.

How long does the process take?

From discovery call to settlement, the typical timeline is 8–16 weeks depending on market conditions, your criteria, and the settlement period. Some purchases happen faster when the right property appears early.

Still Have Questions?

Book a free discovery call and we'll answer your specific questions about property investment.

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