Who Is Involved When Buying a Home? The Key People and What They Actually Do
- Loan Theory
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Buying a home isn’t a solo exercise.
There are multiple people involved throughout the home buying process, each with a specific role to play — and each working for different interests.
Understanding who does what (and who works for you) helps you:
Avoid confusion
Ask better questions
Protect yourself during the purchase
Move through the process with confidence
Below is a clear breakdown of the most common people involved when buying a home in Australia and how they fit into your journey.
The Real Estate Agent
The real estate agent represents the seller, not the buyer.
Their role is to:
Market the property
Manage inspections
Negotiate the sale on behalf of the seller
Achieve the best price and terms for the vendor
While they are a key part of the process, it’s important to remember their priority is the seller’s outcome.
As a buyer, stay informed, ask questions, and make decisions based on your own advice — not pressure.
The Seller (Vendor)
The seller is the current owner of the property.
They:
Decide whether to accept or reject your offer
Control the settlement terms and timing
Set conditions around the sale
You may never deal with the seller directly, but their decisions shape the entire transaction.
Your Conveyancer
Your conveyancer is your legal guide through the purchase.
They are responsible for:
Reviewing the contract of sale
Explaining conditions and risks
Managing key dates and deadlines
Conducting legal searches
Coordinating settlement
A good conveyancer plays a major role in ensuring your purchase runs smoothly and that your rights are protected.
The Seller’s Conveyancer
The seller also has their own conveyancer.
They:
Represent the seller’s legal interests
Prepare and issue the contract
Coordinate with your conveyancer during settlement
Their role mirrors your conveyancer — but for the seller.
Your Mortgage Broker
Your mortgage broker works for you.
They help with:
Understanding borrowing power
Structuring your loan
Comparing lenders and policies
Managing pre-approval and formal approval
Coordinating with your conveyancer and lender
A broker helps connect the financial side of the purchase with the legal and timing aspects, acting as a central point throughout the process.
The Builder (If Building or Buying Land)
If you’re building a new home or buying land, a builder becomes part of the process.
They:
Bring the build to life
Manage planning and approvals
Coordinate construction stages
Provide contracts and progress payment schedules
It’s important to choose a builder who is licensed, reputable, and transparent, as construction purchases follow different lending rules.
Building Inspector (Optional but Recommended)
A building inspector provides an independent assessment of the property’s condition.
They:
Inspect the home before purchase
Identify structural or safety issues
Highlight potential future costs
Provide peace of mind before committing
While optional, inspections can help you avoid expensive surprises later.
How All These People Work Together
Each professional plays a different role, but the process works best when:
Everyone understands their responsibilities
Communication is clear
You know who represents your interests
This is why having the right support team early makes such a difference.
TL;DR
Buying a home takes a team.
Start with your Loan Theory broker, then add the rest as needed to support the purchase.
Ready to Build Your Buying Team?
If you’re planning to buy and want clarity on:
Who you need
When you need them
How the process fits together
We’ll help you understand the process before you commit to anything.
Comments