Who Do You Need on Your Property Team - and When?

Buying a property - whether it’s your first home or an investment - isn’t something you do alone. There are a few key people who play an important role in the process, and knowing who to call and when can make everything run far more smoothly.

Here’s a simple guide to who you need on your team, and when to involve them.

1. Your Mortgage Broker

Your broker is usually the first person to talk to.They’ll help you understand your borrowing power, explain the different loan options available, and arrange pre-approval before you start making offers.

A broker’s role doesn’t end there - they’ll also guide you through the application and settlement process, liaise with your lender, and make sure deadlines are met.

If you’re planning to invest, a broker can also structure your loan strategically to help with future goals.

2. Accountant or Financial Planner

If you’re buying an investment property, it’s worth speaking with your accountant or financial planner early.They can help with tax planning, ownership structure (for example, whether to buy in personal names, joint names, or through a trust), and cash flow projections.

Having this advice upfront ensures your investment fits into your long-term financial strategy, not the other way around.

3. Conveyancer or Property Lawyer

Once you’ve found a property you’re serious about, you’ll need a conveyancer or property lawyer to handle the legal side.They’ll review the contract, conduct title searches, manage the transfer of ownership, and ensure everything is in order before settlement.

A good conveyancer keeps the process smooth, spots potential red flags, and communicates with your broker and lender as needed.

4. Buyer’s Agent (Optional, but Helpful)

A buyer’s agent can be a great addition to your team, especially if you’re short on time or buying in an unfamiliar area.They help with property research, negotiating offers, bidding at auction, and finding properties that may not be publicly listed.

For investors, a buyer’s agent can also help identify locations with strong rental returns and long-term growth potential.

5. Building and Pest Inspector

In most cases, the seller will already have arranged a building and pest inspection before putting the property on the market. This helps buyers understand the property’s condition upfront and can speed up the sale process.

Even so, it’s worth taking the time to review the report carefully — and if anything seems unclear or you’d like a second opinion, you can always arrange your own independent inspection for peace of mind.

For many buyers, that extra check provides reassurance that there are no hidden issues and that you’re making a confident, informed decision.

The Order of Things

Here’s how it typically flows:

1. Speak with your broker – understand your budget and get pre-approval.

2. Engage your accountant or financial planner – if buying as an investment, confirm the right structure and strategy.

3. Start your property search – with or without a buyer’s agent.

4. Find the right property – and have your broker guide you through finance and contract terms.

5. Check the building and pest inspection – most sellers will have already arranged this, but it’s worth reviewing the report carefully. If anything seems unclear or you’d prefer extra reassurance, you can arrange your own independent inspection before going unconditional.

6. Conveyancer steps in – to finalise the legal side and prepare for settlement.

Final Thoughts

Having the right team around you makes all the difference.Getting them involved early means you’ll know who to call at each stage and can move confidently when it’s time to act.

Whether you’re buying your first home or your next investment property, start by getting your key people in place — it’ll make the whole process smoother, clearer, and far less stressful.