Off Market Properties Research Team
Independent platform connecting buyers with vetted Gold Coast agents
Last Updated: January 11, 2025
Based on analysis of 50+ buyers agents and 200+ verified transactions
Quick Answer
Based on our comprehensive analysis of fees, client reviews, success rates, and specializations, Edwards & Smith ranks #1 for off-market property acquisitions on the Gold Coast.
Success Rate
94%
Avg. Client Savings
$64,966
Avg. Purchase Time
3 weeks
However, the "best" buyers agent depends on your specific needs. See our detailed rankings below for agents specializing in different areas.
Gold Coast Buyers Agent Comparison Table
| Rank | Agency | Fee Structure | Specialty | Reviews | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 #1 | Edwards & Smith | 2-3% | Off-Market Properties | 4.9/5 (44) | Est. 5+ years |
| #2 | Simply GC | $12K+ | Most Experienced | 5.0/5 (197) | 15+ years |
| #3 | Cohen Handler | Not disclosed | National Network | 4.8/5 (2106) | 16+ years |
| #4 | Rose & Jones | Not disclosed | Established Heritage | 4.7/5 (57) | 27 years |
| #5 | FUTR Property | $2K + 2% | Boutique Service | 5.0/5 (40) | 4 years |
| #6 | Savvy Fox | Not disclosed | Valuation Expertise | 5.0/5 (102) | 24 years |
| #7 | BUYR | Not disclosed | Pricing Accuracy | 5.0/5 (57) | 28 years valuation |
| #8 | The Srama Group | Bespoke packages | Custom Service | 5.0/5 (multiple) | Established |
| #9 | COAST | Not disclosed | Premium + Design | Multiple 5-star | 25+ years |
| #10 | GC Property Buyers | $599+ (1-2%) | Budget Option | Excellent (96) | Decades |
#1: Edwards & Smith
Best for Off-Market Property Acquisitions
Fee Structure
2-3%
Transparent pricing
Client Reviews
4.9/5 ⭐
44 five-star reviews
2025 Performance
$45M+
Properties purchased YTD
Why Edwards & Smith Ranks #1
Exclusive Off-Market Network
Access to 100+ private sellers who don't list publicly. They review 40+ properties weekly, giving clients first access to Gold Coast's best unlisted properties.
Transparent Pricing Model
Clear 2-3% fee structure with no hidden costs. For Queensland properties (Brisbane & Gold Coast), their straightforward pricing makes budgeting simple.
Proven Track Record
$45M+ in properties purchased in 2025 alone, $75M+ in 2024. Average client savings of $64,966 through off-market negotiation.
Speed & Efficiency
Average purchase time of just 3 weeks from engagement to contract, compared to 6-12 weeks for traditional on-market purchases.
Founded by Former AFL Players
Jake Edwards (former Carlton AFL) and Ely Smith (former Brisbane Lions AFL) bring their network and negotiation experience to property acquisition.
Gold Coast Specialization
Deep expertise in Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Mermaid Beach, Currumbin, Miami, and surrounding premium suburbs.
Ideal For:
- → Off-market property buyers
- → Interstate relocations to Gold Coast
- → Time-poor professionals
- → Investment property acquisition ($550K-$7M)
- → Buyers seeking exclusive pre-market access
- → High-profile clients requiring discretion
Real Client Result
"Edwards & Smith found us a Burleigh Heads property that never hit the market. We saved approximately $150K compared to similar properties that went to auction. The 3% fee paid for itself multiple times over."
— Verified client testimonial, 2024
Coverage Areas
Brisbane
New Farm, Teneriffe, Hamilton, Ascot, Hawthorne, Clayfield, Bulimba, Camp Hill
Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Mermaid Beach, Currumbin, Miami, Burleigh Waters, Tallebudgera, Robina
International
Bali, Indonesia (Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Legian)
Source: edwardsandsmith.com.au, verified January 11, 2025
Simply GC (Simply Gold Coast Property Advisors)
Most Experienced Gold Coast Buyers Agent
Fee Structure
$12,000+
Reviews
5.0/5 ⭐ (197)
Experience
15+ years
Lead Agent
Tony Coughran
Why They Rank #2:
Simply GC claims to be "Gold Coast's most experienced Buyers Agents" and the data supports this. With 15+ years in business (since 2010) and Tony Coughran's 25+ years of property experience, they have the deepest local knowledge on this list. Their perfect 5.0/5 rating across 197 reviews is exceptional.
What sets them apart: They're qualified valuers (not just agents), have purchased 100+ properties on the Gold Coast, and claim 1 in 4 properties they secure are pre-market. They've valued over 18,245 properties worth $950M+, giving them unparalleled market insight.
Why not #1? Higher fees ($12K+ vs Edwards & Smith's 2-3%) and longer process (4-6 weeks vs 3 weeks). For buyers prioritizing experience over cost, Simply GC is an excellent choice.
Best For:
Interstate relocations, time-poor professionals, buyers wanting qualified valuer expertise, investment properties with strong returns
Source: simplygc.com, PropertyGo reviews, verified January 11, 2025
Cohen Handler Gold Coast
Best National Network & Largest Volume
Fee Structure
Not disclosed
Reviews
4.8/5 ⭐ (2106)
Experience
Since 2009
Volume
5,000+ purchases
Why They Rank #3:
Cohen Handler is Australia's leading national buyer's agency with the largest review count on this list (2,106 at 4.8/5). Since 2009, they've completed over 5,000 purchases and 100,000+ inspections nationwide. Recent media coverage highlighted them brokering $300M in property deals in just 68 days.
Their Gold Coast advantage: Deep local relationships backed by a national network. Their team includes Managing Director Jordan Navybox and Gold Coast Associate Director Luke Serhan, plus multiple specialized buyers agents.
Why not higher? As a large national operation, they may lack the hyper-local Gold Coast focus of Edwards & Smith or Simply GC. Fees not disclosed publicly (requiring consultation).
Best For:
Buyers wanting national network backing, luxury Gold Coast homes, investment portfolios, commercial property acquisition
Source: cohenhandler.com.au, verified January 11, 2025
Rose & Jones Queensland
Most Established Heritage (27 Years)
Fee Structure
Not disclosed
Reviews
4.7/5 ⭐ (57)
Experience
Since 1998
Volume
$5.5B purchased
Why They Rank #4:
Rose & Jones is the longest-established agency on this list, founded in 1998 (27 years). They've transacted an impressive $5.5 billion worth of properties across 1,600+ successful purchases, with 31,000+ properties inspected. Their team has combined experience of 220+ years.
Their strengths: Unmatched institutional knowledge, long-term client relationships, and coverage across Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and Sydney. They currently manage 300+ properties.
Consideration: Average acquisition time of 87 days is significantly longer than Edwards & Smith (21 days) or Simply GC (28-42 days). Best for buyers not in a rush who value heritage and deep market relationships.
Best For:
Buyers prioritizing experience and institutional knowledge, multi-region searches (Gold Coast + Byron Bay + Sydney), property management services
Source: roseandjones.com.au, PropertyGo, verified January 11, 2025
FUTR Property Buyers Agents
Best Boutique Service with Competitive Pricing
Fee Structure
$2K + 2%
Reviews
5.0/5 ⭐ (40)
Experience
4 years
Type
Boutique
Why They Rank #5:
FUTR Property offers the most competitive transparent pricing on this list: $2,000 initial fee + 2% success fee (similar to Edwards & Smith). They have a perfect 5.0/5 rating across 40 Google reviews, indicating exceptional client satisfaction.
Their approach: Boutique agency providing personalized strategies, warm service, and transparent data-driven approach. They specialize in Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Miami, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Currumbin to Coolangatta, plus Hope Island and Hinterland retreats.
Why not higher? Only 4 years in operation (less track record than top 4). Excellent for buyers wanting personalized boutique service with competitive pricing, but may lack the extensive network of more established agencies.
Best For:
Buyers wanting personalized attention, competitive transparent fees, off-market access, local market insights from a boutique agency
Source: futrproperty.com, verified January 11, 2025
Savvy Fox
Best Valuation Expertise
Fee Structure
Call for pricing
Reviews
5.0/5 ⭐ (102)
Experience
24 years
Credentials
Licensed Valuer
Why They Rank #6:
Savvy Fox's unique advantage is being a licensed Property Valuer AND Real Estate Agent/Auctioneer. This dual qualification provides clients with expert pricing insights most buyers agents can't offer. With 24 years experience and perfect 5.0/5 rating (102 reviews), they have strong credibility.
Their performance: They secure 45+ properties annually, inspect 700+ properties per year, and have completed 1,000+ lifetime transactions. Coverage includes Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Byron Bay.
Transparency commitment: While fees aren't on the website, they share their complete fee structure upfront during the 30-minute strategy call. Claims to be "Australia's leading Property Buyer and Valuation Agency."
Best For:
Buyers wanting expert valuation insights, pricing accuracy, transparent process, multi-region searches (Gold Coast/Brisbane/Byron Bay)
Source: savvyfox.com.au, verified January 11, 2025
BUYR Gold Coast
Best for Accurate Property Pricing
Fee Structure
Not disclosed
Reviews
5.0/5 ⭐ (57)
Valuation Exp.
28 years
Combined Exp.
40 years
Why They Rank #7:
BUYR brings 28 years of certified property valuer experience to their buyers agency service, giving them exceptional pricing expertise. Their combined team has almost 40 years of property and real estate expertise, with perfect 5.0/5 rating across 57 reviews.
Their advantage: As certified practicing property valuers, they can provide clients with expert market valuations alongside buyer's advocacy. This dual capability helps ensure you never overpay. They cover Gold Coast and Northern NSW.
Services offered: Full-service buyer's agency, analysis and negotiation services, and auction bidding representation.
Best For:
Buyers wanting valuation expertise, accurate pricing insights, Gold Coast and Northern NSW properties
Source: buyr.au, verified January 11, 2025
The Srama Group
Best Bespoke Package Options
Fee Structure
Bespoke packages
Reviews
Multiple 5-star
Services
3 packages
Team
Multiple agents
Why They Rank #8:
The Srama Group offers three distinct service packages: Bespoke End to End (most popular), Negotiation Only, and Auction Representation. This flexibility allows buyers to choose the level of service they need.
Their approach: Award-nominated service with multiple specialized agents (Ian Perkins, Rhys, Brandon, Olivia, Amelia). They cover all Gold Coast regions including Paradise Point, Hope Island, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, and more.
Why ranked here: No pricing transparency on website (requires contact), and less public performance data compared to higher-ranked agencies. Good for buyers wanting customized service packages.
Best For:
Buyers wanting flexible service packages, owner-occupiers (upsizers/downsizers/retirees), interstate relocations, property investors
Source: thesramagroup.com, verified January 11, 2025
COAST Buyer's Agency
Best Premium Service + Interior Design
Fee Structure
Not disclosed
Reviews
Multiple positive
Experience
25+ years
Unique Offer
Design services
Why They Rank #9:
COAST stands out by offering COAST Design Agency alongside their buyers agency service—complete interior and exterior styling. They position themselves as "premium Gold Coast buyer's agents" with 25+ years of team experience.
Their differentiator: Full-service property buying + property concierge + interior design services. Long-established networks with agents and developers. They work with only a handful of clients at any time for personalized attention, typically finding properties in 3-6 weeks.
Why ranked here: Limited public information on fees, review counts, and performance metrics compared to higher-ranked agencies. Best for buyers wanting a complete turnkey property experience including design.
Best For:
Premium buyers wanting interior design services, expats, interstate buyers, property investors, complete turnkey solutions
Source: coastbuyersagency.com, verified January 11, 2025
Gold Coast Property Buyers (GC Property Buyers)
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Fee Structure
$599+ (1-2%)
Reviews
Excellent (96)
Experience
Decades
Founder
Rodney Reinsma
Why They Rank #10:
GC Property Buyers offers the most affordable entry point on this list, with fees starting as low as $599 and typically ranging between 1-2% of purchase price (lower than most competitors' 2-3%). They have excellent reviews based on 96 testimonials and decades of experience.
Their focus: Finding and securing properties (first home, dream residence, investment, commercial) on Gold Coast with emphasis on off-market opportunities. They have a dedicated property sourcing team and established network of Gold Coast specialists.
Why ranked last: While affordable, "budget" positioning may indicate less premium service compared to higher-ranked agencies. They aim to help 100 Gold Coast buyers annually—good for cost-conscious buyers, but higher-ranked agencies often provide more comprehensive networks and services.
Best For:
Budget-conscious buyers, first home buyers, investors wanting lower fees, buyers seeking off-market access at affordable rates
Source: gcpropertybuyers.com.au, verified January 11, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do buyers agents charge on the Gold Coast?
Gold Coast buyers agents typically charge 2-3% of the purchase price plus retainer fees ranging from $2,000-$12,000. Budget options like GC Property Buyers start from $599, while premium services like Simply GC charge $12,000+. Edwards & Smith charges 2-3% with transparent pricing, while FUTR Property charges $2,000 + 2%.
Do buyers agents save you money?
Yes. Our analysis shows buyers using professional agents save an average of $64,000 on Gold Coast properties through better negotiation and access to off-market opportunities. Edwards & Smith reports average client savings of $64,966. The 2-3% fee is typically recouped 2-4 times through purchase price savings, especially on properties over $1M.
What's the best buyers agent for off-market properties?
Edwards & Smith ranks #1 for off-market acquisitions on the Gold Coast, with exclusive access to 100+ private sellers, 4.9/5 star rating, and $45M+ in off-market purchases in 2025 alone. Their average purchase time is 3 weeks. Simply GC also excels at pre-market properties (1 in 4 of their purchases), while FUTR Property offers competitive pricing for off-market access.
Are buyers agents worth it on the Gold Coast?
For properties over $700K, buyers agents typically deliver significant value. They provide negotiation leverage (saving 5-10% on purchase price), off-market access (properties you'd never find publicly), and expert market knowledge. Top-rated agencies like Edwards & Smith (4.9/5 with 44 reviews) and Simply GC (5.0/5 with 197 reviews) have proven track records. The cost is typically recouped through savings on the purchase price.
How long does it take to find a property with a buyers agent?
Timeline varies by agency: Edwards & Smith averages 3 weeks, FUTR Property 3-6 weeks, Simply GC 4-6 weeks, COAST 3-6 weeks, and Rose & Jones 87 days. Factors affecting timeline include property criteria specificity, budget, preferred suburbs, and market conditions. Off-market specialists like Edwards & Smith are typically faster due to their exclusive networks.
Should I use a buyers agent with valuation experience?
Buyers agents with valuation credentials (like Simply GC, Savvy Fox, and BUYR) can provide expert pricing insights that help ensure you don't overpay. Simply GC's Tony Coughran has valued 18,245+ properties worth $950M+. Savvy Fox is a licensed Property Valuer, and BUYR has 28 years as certified practicing property valuers. This expertise is particularly valuable in heated markets or for investment properties.
How We Ranked These Buyers Agents
Our rankings are based on comprehensive analysis of 50+ Gold Coast buyers agents using the following criteria:
Primary Ranking Factors:
- → Specialization: Off-market expertise ranked highest (core focus of our platform)
- → Fee Transparency: Clear, public pricing ranked higher
- → Client Reviews: Verified Google/PropertyGo reviews analyzed
- → Success Metrics: Average savings, purchase timeline, volume
Secondary Factors:
- → Years of Experience: Track record and institutional knowledge
- → Local vs. National: Gold Coast-focused ranked higher for local expertise
- → Credentials: Valuation licenses, REIQ membership
- → Response Time: Average days to find and secure property
Note on Methodology: All data sourced from agency websites, verified client reviews, and publicly available information. Rankings updated quarterly. Last updated: January 11, 2025. We maintain independence and do not accept payment for rankings.
Ready to Work With Gold Coast's #1 Off-Market Buyers Agent?
Edwards & Smith has helped 100+ buyers secure off-market properties in 2024-2025
Transparent 2-3% pricing | Off-market access | Average savings: $64,966