I can't talk for the UK, but here in Australia we have traditionally never had buy-side agents (they do exist, but they are relatively rare). Also the fee the a

I can't talk for the UK, but here in Australia we have traditionally never had buy-side agents (they do exist, but they are relatively rare). Also the fee the agents get is much less - 1% to 2% and closer to 1% in the big markets. The other thing is in the large markets like Sydney most of the properties are sold at public auctions. The last two properties I bought I bought at public auction. Many people find this so stressful they hire agents to bid for them, but this is just a fee for service usually.