In this guide 8 sections
- Does a buyers agent need a licence in Victoria?
- How do I check a buyers agent's licence?
- What does the public register show?
- Can I see if a buyers agent has been disciplined?
- What else should I check before I sign?
- Worked example: checking Citadel Agency
- What is changing for Victorian agents in 2026 and 2027?
- Buying in another state?
In Victoria a buyers agent is a licensed estate agent, and anyone acting as an estate agent for payment must hold a licence. You can check any buyers agent in a few minutes on the Consumer Affairs Victoria public register.
Does a buyers agent need a licence in Victoria?
Yes. Consumer Affairs Victoria describes a buyer's advocate, also called a buyers agent, as a licensed estate agent who acts for the buyer, not the seller, and is paid by the buyer. Anyone acting as an estate agent for payment in Victoria must be licensed.
Some people in an agency are agents' representatives rather than licensees. A representative works under a licensed agent's written authority and cannot run an agency of their own.
How do I check a buyers agent's licence?
- Ask the buyers agent for their full name, their business name and the licence number of the business.
- Open the Consumer Affairs Victoria public register and use its search tool.
- Search for the agent or the business. To see past licences too, untick "Only show current registrants".
- Check the details match what you were told: licence number, licensee name, business names, ABN, office address, phone and website.
- Check the licence status: when it was granted, whether it has been surrendered, cancelled or suspended, and any conditions.
- If you are dealing with a representative, check the employer on the register is the business you are signing with.
- If anything does not match, call the Business Licensing Authority on 1300 13 54 52 before you sign or pay.
What does the public register show?
The register is a partial extract kept by the Business Licensing Authority. For each licence it can show:
- the licence number, licensee name and registered office
- when the licence was granted, surrendered, cancelled or suspended, and any conditions
- principal and branch offices and their managers
- business names, ABN and website
- for a company, each director and the officer in effective control
- for representatives, who they work for
Updates can take a short time to appear. A full extract with history is available from the Business Licensing Authority for a fee.
Can I see if a buyers agent has been disciplined?
Partly. The register lists tribunal or court orders affecting a licence, where the Registrar has been told about them, and claims allowed against the Victorian Property Fund. Entries can be removed after 12 years.
What else should I check before I sign?
A licence is the starting point. Under the Estate Agents (Professional Conduct) Regulations 2008, an agent acting for you must act in your best interests, follow your lawful instructions, keep your information confidential and avoid conflicts of interest. Questions worth asking:
- Who do you act for in this purchase, and does anyone other than me pay you?
- Do you have an interest in any property, developer or supplier you might recommend?
- What does your service cover, and can I have it in writing before I sign?
- Who will do the work, and are they the licensee or a representative?
Worked example: checking Citadel Agency
Citadel Agency holds Victorian estate agent licence 092247L. Open the public register, search for "Citadel Agency" or 092247L, then confirm the licence is current and the business details match citadelagency.com.au. Run the same check on any buyers agent you are considering, including us.
What is changing for Victorian agents in 2026 and 2027?
- From 25 November 2026: agents' representatives need their own registration with the Business Licensing Authority.
- From 1 April 2027: licensed estate agents and registered representatives must complete at least five continuing professional development activities each year.
Buyers agents in Victoria are licensed estate agents, so these changes apply to them too.
Buying in another state?
Each state and territory licenses agents under its own laws and keeps its own register. If your buyers agent is buying for you interstate, check the register in the state where the property is, as well as their Victorian licence.
General information only. It does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account and is not financial, tax, credit or legal advice. Citadel Agency is a licensed buyers agency (licence 092247L) and does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.