SYDNEY SUBURBS SERIES

Balmain, Sydney: Suburb Guide, Property Prices & Investment Outlook

An expert local guide to Balmain, Sydney — covering the peninsula, heritage terraces, Darling Street, the ferry, and what buyers need to know in 2026.

Balmain is a peninsula — water on three sides, a narrow neck connecting it to the rest of the Inner West. That geography is the starting point for every conversation about why it holds value. You cannot build more Balmain. The heritage terrace rows that climb its ridgelines have stood for 150 years and the heritage overlays ensure they’ll stand for another 150. Six kilometres from the CBD. Ten minutes by ferry from Circular Quay. Median house price of $2.15 million, which is to say: one of the most accessible genuine heritage terrace markets in Sydney for buyers who want permanence at a price that still makes sense.

 

Balmain is also one of the most fiercely community-minded suburbs in Sydney. The residents who come here tend to stay for twenty years and then fight any attempt to change what they moved here for. That instinct — occasionally maddening for developers, consistently valuable for long-term owners — is one of the suburb’s most reliable assets.

A Suburb With History

Balmain was named after William Balmain, a ship’s surgeon on the First Fleet who was granted land on the peninsula in 1800 in partial payment for medical services rendered. He sold the land shortly after for a small profit, never built on it, and the suburb that carries his name became something entirely different from what he might have imagined: a working-class shipbuilding and dry-docking centre that employed thousands of men from the 1850s through to the 1970s.

 

At one point in the nineteenth century, Balmain had more pubs per square metre than any other suburb in Australia — a direct result of the shift-work culture of the shipyard workers who needed somewhere to drink at 6am when the morning shift ended. Many of those pubs are still operating. The London Hotel on Darling Street, the Exchange Hotel at the bottom of the hill, the Cricketers Arms on Darling Street — these are not gastropub conversions. They are continuations of 150-year-old drinking establishments that have simply been maintained and gently updated.

 

The Saturday market at St Andrews Congregational Church on Darling Street has been running since 1975 — making it one of the longest-running markets in Sydney. Around 140 stalls. Handmade goods, vintage clothing, jewellery, plants. On a Saturday morning it is one of the most genuinely community-oriented events in the inner city.

 

Elkington Park at the Balmain foreshore — a reserve with broad harbour views and shaded lawns that functions as the suburb’s outdoor living room — has been a public park since 1897. The foreshore walking path from Elkington Park around toward Snails Bay passes through sections of rock-platform bushland that feel improbably natural for a suburb six kilometres from the CBD.

The Numbers: What Property Costs (and What It's Done)

At a glance Detail
Median house price ~$2.15 million
CBD distance ~6 km; 10 min by ferry
Ferry terminal Balmain East (to Circular Quay)
Market type Heritage-constrained, tightly held, community owner-occupier
House rental yield ~2.5–3%
Best pockets Birchgrove waterfront, elevated Darling Street terraces, Balmain East near the ferry

Balmain’s $2.15 million median positions it meaningfully below Paddington ($3M+) and Surry Hills ($2.45M) for comparable heritage terrace stock, while offering the ferry commute that neither can match. For buyers who can work with the ten-minute ferry rather than requiring a train, Balmain represents one of the strongest value propositions in inner Sydney’s heritage terrace market.

Living Here: What Balmain Actually Feels Like

Darling Street


Darling Street runs the full length of the peninsula from East Balmain to Rozelle — one of the longest village main streets in inner Sydney. The best stretch from the London Hotel south to the post office is where the suburb's personality is most concentrated: Victoire for pastries, Elio for Italian, independent gift shops and bookstores that haven't been displaced by pharmacy chains, and the Saturday market spilling onto the footpath.

The London Hotel's courtyard — shaded by a mature fig tree, strung with lights, open for lunch — is one of the great pub courtyards in Sydney and operates precisely as it has for decades. The Balmain Hotel on Darling Street does much the same thing on the other side of the street. Between them they handle most of the suburb's social life without requiring anyone to cross a boundary.

Birchgrove


Birchgrove — the quieter precinct at the peninsula's north end, near the water at Woolwich — is Balmain's premium pocket. Properties with direct harbour views, larger blocks, and positions backing onto the waterfront reserve here command prices that drift above $3 million for the best positions and trade almost entirely off-market. The Birchgrove Oval — a small cricket ground on the waterfront with harbour views over the pitch that few grounds in the world can match — is one of those suburban details that makes the suburb's residents slightly unbearable about how good they have it.

For Families: Schools and Community

Balmain Public School is the community’s primary anchor — well-regarded, strongly community-engaged, and heavily sought-after for its catchment. For secondary education, the ferry to Circular Quay opens up the whole city. Balmain Secondary College and Rozelle Public serve the local public options. Private school access via the ferry and bus is practical for secondary students targeting Grammar, SCEGGS, or North Shore private schools.

What Buyers Need to Know​

Balmain’s terrace market — particularly in the $1.8M–$2.8M range — has consistent off-market activity. The peninsula’s tight-knit agent community operates in a suburb where many vendors have lived for twenty years or more and prefer a quiet transaction to a public campaign. Heritage due diligence is critical: Victorian terraces on narrow blocks have specific council restrictions on external alterations, and building inspections should specifically assess original cast-iron plumbing, rising damp in sandstone footings, and asbestos in pre-1980 lean-to additions.

 

Birchgrove is worth treating as a separate sub-market. Properties here with harbour views and larger blocks have a long-term growth trajectory that outperforms the broader Balmain median, and they trade at a premium the headline suburb statistics obscure.

Thinking About Buying in Balmain?

Unicorn Buyers Agents specialises in Sydney’s Inner West including Balmain, Birchgrove, and the broader Rozelle–Leichhardt corridor. Book a call to discuss the off-market layer and where value sits in 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Buying Property in Balmain, Sydney

What is the median house price in Balmain?

The median house price in Balmain is approximately $2.15 million in 2026. It is one of the Inner West's most accessible heritage terrace markets — positioned below Surry Hills and Paddington for comparable stock, with the added advantage of a 10-minute ferry to Circular Quay.

How do you get from Balmain to the CBD?

The Balmain East ferry to Circular Quay takes approximately 10 minutes and costs under $5 on an Opal card. Buses also run along Darling Street to Central Station. For buyers who can use the ferry commute, Balmain offers one of the most convenient inner-city transport options in Sydney.

Why does Balmain have so many pubs?

Balmain was a major shipbuilding and industrial suburb for over a century. Workers relied on early shift patterns starting at 6am, creating a strong pub culture that remains today. Many of the pubs have operated continuously for more than 100 years and are now part of the suburb’s heritage character.

What is the Balmain market?

The Balmain Market at St Andrews Congregational Church on Darling Street has operated since 1975. It features around 140 stalls of handmade goods, vintage items, jewellery, and plants, and is one of Sydney’s longest-running community markets.

Do I need a buyers agent to buy in Balmain?

Balmain has consistent off-market activity, particularly in the $1.8M–$2.8M terrace bracket, with Birchgrove properties often trading quietly. A buyers agent with Inner West relationships can access this stock, provide heritage and zoning guidance, and help position competitive offers in a fast-moving, relationship-driven market.

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When it comes to buying a property, many people assume that they can navigate the process on their own. However, purchasing a home or an investment property is often a complex and time-consuming process that requires expert knowledge and guidance. This is where a buyers agent can be incredibly valuable. A buyers agent is a licensed real estate professional who specializes in representing the interests of homebuyers. 

 

In this article, we will explore what a buyer’s agent is and the benefits they offer, as well as when it is appropriate to engage their services. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding the role of a buyer’s agent can make all the difference in finding your dream property.

 

What You’ll Learn From This Article

 

  1. What is a buyers agent? 
  2. What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a buyers agent?
  3. How much do buyers agents charge?
  4. Are buyers agents worth it?
  5. How much will it cost me not to use a buyer’s agent?
  6. Do i need a buyers agent in today’s market?
  7. How to choose a buyers agent?
  8. What questions should i ask a buyer’s agent before hiring them?
  9. Can you claim buyer’s agent fees on tax?
  10. Can a property seller contact the buyer agent directly?
  11. Do i have to sign a buyer agent agreement?
  12. Can you have multiple buyers agents?

 

What is a buyers agent?

A buyer’s agent is a fully licensed property agent who works on behalf of a homebuyer or property investor in a real estate transaction. The primary responsibility of a buyer’s agent is to help their client find and purchase a home that meets their specific needs and budget.

 

Buyer’s agents work exclusively with buyers and are therefore focused on helping buyers navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming process of purchasing a home. They typically have extensive knowledge of a local real estate market and relationships with a network of selling agents in that area.  

 

Buyer agents offer purchasers transparency and clarity around price and market value by researching comparable sales transactions and will drive the due diligence and research process to mitigate the risk of a purchased property causing problems or stress to its new owner in the future. 

 

The way a property is marketed, negotiated, and sold depends on many factors including demand for that property type, the expectations of the vendor, and the particular style of the sales agent. Every transaction is unique and a buyers agent’s experience navigating the many variations of the sales process and the legal and financial requirements involved can undoubtedly give a purchaser an advantage.

 

Another of the key benefits of working with a buyer’s agent is that they can provide objective advice and representation throughout the home buying process which may otherwise become an emotional decision. 

 

Because they work solely on behalf of the buyer, they can help their clients make informed decisions without being influenced by any other parties involved in the transaction. Additionally, many buyer’s agents will deploy methods and resources that can help buyers find and evaluate the right property more efficiently than they might be able to on their own. This includes accessing properties not listed for sale by traditional means (off-market or silent listings). 

 

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a buyers agent?

Buying and selling real estate can be complicated. That’s where buyers agents and real estate agents come in. A real estate agent is a professional who sells properties. Who does a real estate agent represent? The seller. Real estate agents are paid through commission from either the seller or the vendor. A buyer’s agent, exclusively represents the buyer. They act in the buyer’s best interest and help them through the process of securing the property they want.

 

How much do buyers agents charge?

Many buyer’s agents charge for service like a real estate sales agent ie, a percentage commission. This can make sense if you’re selling a property as the sales agent is incentivised to achieve a higher sales price. Paying more commission to your buyers agent the more you pay for your property can make less sense for buyers In hotter market years such as during 2020- 2021, Unicorn Buyers Agents offered fixed fees, to protect our clients.

 

In neutral or cooler years we offer a percentage-based fee capped at a pre-agreed rate. This way our buyers may benefit from a lower-than-expected commission whilst also having the peace of mind of knowing the maximum they’ll pay. 

For maximum flexibility and transparency, we offer clients the choice to lock in a fixed fee or to hire us on a percentage-based fee capped at a pre-agreed amount.

 

Are buyers agents worth it?

In Australia until recently the use of a professional buyers agent to undertake one’s search and property purchase was uncommon.

 

Sydney house hunters have long been resigned to the stresses of endless weekend inspections and annoying agent phone calls, not to mention having to negotiate with seasoned professionals trained in the art of extracting the highest possible price for their client- the seller. 

 

In the last few years however Australians are increasingly following the trend of their US counterparts to engage a buyers agent to find, negotiate and secure residential owner-occupied and investment property. Why?

 

 The competition for the best property in the most desirable suburbs has intensified, with a significant percentage invisible to the average house hunter. Property prices have spiked- and so has the cost of making a mistake. And we have increasingly become time-poor professionals who realise the value in deploying another professional to do what they do best.

 

Hiring a buyers agent does make sense but what can you expect for your money, and how will you assess the value of your buyers agent’s services?

 

A good buyer’s agent in Sydney will understand your brief in detail, then tailor their services and fees to your exact needs. This may be as simple as attending an auction to bid on your behalf, or appraising a property you have found, or conducting the entire search campaign all the way from day one to contract settlement.

 

  • ‘Bid at auction’ gets you a hired gun as your proxy on the big day. They will bid, deploying one of many strategies they have available, which they believe is best on the day to secure the property for you for the lowest price possible whilst taking into consideration other bidders, and the auctioneers style.
  • An appraisal and negotiate service will see a buyers agent provide you with a professional opinion on the market value and likely selling price of a property you have found, based on recent comparable sales, market momentum, and level of interest in that particular property. The agent will then deploy their negotiation expertise and relationships to negotiate a purchase by private treaty.
  • A complete search really should be just that. The best buyers agents will go beyond public listings to use real estate agent outreach, professional research tools, community networking , door knocking and letterbox drops to source and shortlist potential properties. 

Dozens of physical inspections will follow, accompanied by detailed research to validate the properties have no issues and can be secured within your budget. They will have a team of professionals including building inspector, engineer, solicitor, builder, handyman and property manager- to do all the heavy lifting, and will coordinate them all on your behalf. They’ll deal with selling agents, so you don’t have to. And they’ll package up a shortlist of desirable options to make your decisions. easier.

 

 A top buyers agent will show you the property that ticks your boxes, and sometimes that may be unconventional- but a buyers agent will also show you how an easy low-cost renovation can leave you with the property you dreamed of.

 

 An expert buyers agent will be your voice of reason- guiding you to avoid psychological pitfalls like analysis paralysis, FOMO, buyers remorse, and more.

 

 Finally, a good buyers agent will ensure you pay the right price, the lowest price possible given market conditions. 

 

How much will it cost me not to use a buyer’s agent?

I talk to buyers every day and a comment I often hear is “I’d love to use a buyers agent to find my property but I really can’t afford it because I need to put every dollar toward my purchase”.

 

I put one to three on-market and off-market property matches in front of my clients every week. These properties are within budget, they have been physically inspected and researched to make sure they’re problem free. 

 

I know how the sales agent will run the campaign and by deal time I’ll know the minimum price that needs to be paid to secure the property. This saves my clients thousands of dollars of search time  and many thousands more by not overpaying. I’ll also buy a better house on a better street which means tens, or hundreds of thousands of dollars more in your pocket. 

 

How? Let’s assume you manage to buy without overpaying and you’ve chosen a good suburb, street, and property type that grows in value at say 4% a year for the next decade.

 

 Now let’s assume I could buy you a slightly better property that grows in value at a slightly better 5% for the next decade. That 1% extra on a $2m property means my purchase will be worth $200k more than yours in ten years time. Not using a good buyers agent will cost you money.

 

Do i need a buyers agent in today’s market?

In a seller’s market with FOMO running high it seems easier to understand the value proposition for a buyers agent.

But great buyer agent work is just as critical in a cooler market. Here’s a few reasons why.

  1. Selling agents get much better at returning your calls in a tough market but they still have one thing top of mind – squeezing the highest possible price out of you. That’s their job. 
  2. We have the relationships with agents which helps us find opportunities in the form of off-market /silent listings by anxious and distressed owners. We also help bring things to market. Potential sellers are more likely to list when a buyers agent walks through the home during an appraisal. 
  3. We assess up to the minute market value. Sydney property prices are volatile. Price action varies suburb to suburb, street to street. Last nights’ sale resets todays suburb benchmark. On a $2M home purchase overpaying by 3% is a $60,000 mistake and buying at a 5% discount to market is a $100,000 win.
  4. Cooling markets are a minefield of second grade properties and unrealistic vendors. We shortlist, inspect and present only the best, most viable options saving you time money and stress. 

How to choose a buyers agent?

Hiring a buyer’s agent is a significant investment. Understanding how to prepare for the buying process and how to choose the right agent for your search will save you in every respect. Avoid the following mistakes and you’re well on the way to a profitable, and enjoyable buyer’s agent experience.

 

Mistake #1. Hiring an agent before your finance is approved.

Serious property hunting without the funds available is unproductive. You cant buy if you haven’t got the money! The first step of buyer preparation is to have your finance in place- preferably a fully assessed loan rather than just an approval in principle.

 

It’s certainly advisable to research your property market, write your brief, and get your buying team in place whilst arranging finance. However, the right time to put your buyer’s agent to work officially is when your finance is approved.

 

Mistake #2. Choosing a buyer’s agent without a buying team if you don’t have one of your own

A successful buying assault on a sought-after home or investment requires a crack team of experts; In addition to your buyer’s agent you’ll need a top broker and solicitor, and if the property is a renovation project, an architect, private certifier, a builder, or tradespeople, an engineer a  quantity surveyor as well. This group comprises your personal army, your buying team.

 

If you don’t have a team at hand make it a high priority to select a buyers agent who can bring one to the table. Hiring this agent means you’ll inherit their panel of experts who have worked together in the past. You’ll enjoy the advantage of ‘synergy’ when an experienced team works together with your buyer’s agent for a great result -all without you having to lift a finger.

 

Mistake #3 Not choosing a buyer’s agent who is completely independent and working for you

A buyer’s agent must be  100% working in your best interest.

 

This means they should not accept any type of incentive or remuneration that would affect their ability to give you independent advice.  A clear contravention of this principle would be a buyer’s agent accepting an incentive from a builder or developer for an introduction that leads to a sale. 

 

Standard agency agreements in all states generally make provision for an agent to disclose referral fees and commissions so you can understand whether there is a financial incentive involved with any of your buyers agents associations.

 

Mistake #4 Not choosing the buyer’s agent service that corresponds to your needs

Good buyers agents generally have three or four core offerings ranging from “Done For You” to appraisal, negotiation, and auction attendance. Choosing the appropriate service will require you to be realistic about your own property skillset and the time you can allocate to your house hunting.

 

 If you have the network, resources, and experience to access suitable properties then an ‘appraise and negotiate’ or ‘bid at auction’ service may really be all you need.


Be aware that although you think you can do the job using just these services, you can’t buy what you can’t see and this approach may cost you more time and money in the long run. 

 

Mistake #5 Not choosing a buyer’s agent who specializes in your desired area

An agent that works (and lives and plays) in the suburbs you are searching within is tuned into the important details that can affect a successful purchase. A formal appraisal or valuation is no comparison to the local knowledge of a seasoned area specialist. Bad neighbours, upcoming poor development, problematic executive committees..a local specialist will be aware and steer you clear of troublesome issues that are not apparent to an outsider.

 

Mistake #6 Not paying the right price for the service you’re getting

Buyer’s agents’ pricing can vary widely, and with good reason. Any good agent will tailor the scope of works to your circumstance and most will agree on a fixed price that reflects the work involved. It is worthwhile to understand what that work entails.

 

 A detailed, particular brief for a property in a tightly held suburb should command a premium and what you’ll be paying for is the buyer’s agent’s network of local selling agents, business people, and community, as well as their less conventional methods of sourcing property.

 

More abundantly available property in a less salubrious suburb will see you paying a buyer more for their time conducting inspections and putting together the deal, or their analytical skills if it is an investment property.

 

Paying an entry-level agent an entry-level fee for a challenging brief will not give you an expert outcome.

 

Be as wary of ‘cheap’ fees as exorbitant fees. Take a moment to consider the difficulty of the task at hand and the time and expertise required.

 

Mistake #7 Not assessing the methods your buyer’s agent will use to find your ideal property

Good buyer’s agents will apply multiple resources to source property and it merits asking how your buyer’s agent operates. Key activities you should listen for include personal outreach to a selling agent network, extensive use of research tools such as RPData, and personal outreach to potential sellers, amongst others. Opportunities arise from contact with people and the best agents spend all day talking and researching.

 

Mistake #8 Not choosing an agent with auction experience if that’s the likely method of sale for your property

If the common method of sale for your future home or investment is via an auction then your buyer’s agent should have extensive bidding experience.

 

Auctions are volatile environments where the odds are stacked against the seller. There is plenty of room for error leading up to, and on the day and you will need an agent that, is calm, knows all the rules, and has multiple battle-tested bidding strategies. A well-chosen agent will often know the auctioneer and their calling style which can help.

 

It’s not considered rude to ask your prospective buyer’s agent about their auction experience, and their preferred bidding strategies.

 

Mistake #9 Not screening your agent for negotiating power

Buyer’s agents are negotiators. They are the conduit between you and all the other players in a high-stakes situation. They’ll likely even mediate between you and your spouse when the pressure is on at deal time! To screen for a good negotiator you’ll need to trust your instincts rather than ask questions. Your prospective hire should leave you with the sense that things are going to go your way. Chances are they’ll be waving that magic wand over the other parties too which makes a good deal more likely.

 

Mistake #10 Not having a well-defined brief for your agent

The more thoroughly you detail and communicate your wants and needs, the better your outcome. A good brief goes way beyond just the property attributes. If the property is to be an investment share your overall long-term goals, how the purchase will fit into your portfolio, and when and how it will be divested.

 

If it’s your family home share what you do for work sports and hobbies, what your evenings and weekends look, like where your kids spend their time. Property choice is driven by lifestyle and understanding this is key for your agent to find that perfect property match.

 

Mistake #11 Not confirming your buyer’s agent will be working exclusively on your brief

A buyer’s agent cannot work in your best interest if they have signed on other clients looking for the same type of home in the same suburb and a similar price range.

 

You need to ask the question- will your brief, price range and instruction have exclusivity in your agents’ portfolio, until they have found your property? It’s not a rude question to ask a prospective buyers agent what other types of clients they will concurrently be working on and what assurances they can give you there will be no conflict of interest.

 

It’s easy for buyer’s agencies large and small to blur the line by having multiple clients with similar briefs. In a tight market with short supply who gets first dibs on something matching multiple briefs?

 

Mistake #12 Choosing a larger agency and being assigned a junior or an associate.

As with many professional services sectors you run into the possibility of being pitched to by a senior expert only to have your brief delegated to a junior once you are on board.

 

 This can be a frustrating experience. If you are choosing a larger organisation always confirm that the agent you want to be looking after you actually will personally be responsible for your search.

 

Mistake #13 Not reference checking your Buyers Agent

Just as you would when you hire an employee- dont be afraid to ask your buyers agent for one or two names of past clients who would be happy to comment on how they worked. Confidentiality issues aside a good buyers agent should be able to agree to this. 

 

So there it is in a nutshell. Using a buyer’s agent will be a profitable and enjoyable experience so long as you can avoid the above mistakes.

 

What questions should i ask a buyer’s agent before hiring them?

 

When you’re hiring a buyer’s agent, it’s important to ask a few questions to ensure that they’re the right fit for you. Here are some questions you may want to consider:

 

  1. What experience do you have as a buyer’s agent?
  2. How do you plan to help me find the right property?
  3. How familiar are you with the local real estate market?
  4. Can you provide references from previous clients?
  5. How will you communicate with me throughout the buying process?
  6. How do you handle negotiations and bidding wars?
  7. Do you have experience working with first-time homebuyers?
  8. How do you get paid for your services?
  9. How many clients do you currently have?
  10. Do you work full-time as a buyer’s agent or do you also handle listings?

Asking these questions will help you get a better sense of the agent’s experience, expertise, and approach to working with clients, which will help you make an informed decision when hiring a buyer’s agent

 

Can you claim buyers agent fees on tax?

If you are using a buyer’s agent to purchase an investment property, for example, your buyers agent fees may be capitalised into the purchase and be deductible on sale. Even if you are using a buyer’s agent to purchase a personal residence, it’s worthwhile hanging on to the invoice. Check with your accountant and tax agent to see what portion of fees may be expensed and how. 

 

Can a property seller contact the buyer agent directly?

Yes, a property seller can contact the buyer’s agent directly. This does in fact happen. Here at Unicorn Buyers Agents we are contacted daily by sellers interested to avoid sales agents commissions by seeing if we may have a buyer for their property.

A property seller who already has their home listed with a sales agent is much less likely to contact the buyers agent directly as they trust their nominated agent to facilitate the transaction. 

 

A property seller who is selling privately will contact the buyer agent directly and we have conducted a number of purchases directly with the seller.

 

On occasion, a buyers agent may contact a seller directly even if they have a sales agent- but always with the permission of the sales agent. It may be to clarify some detail directly, to give a client peace of mind. 

 

Do i have to sign a buyer agent agreement?

Yes, you do have to sign a buyer agent agreement. A buyers agent operating in NSW is required to be either a class one or class two real estate agent and must operate under legislation set down in the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act and Regulation. The legislation stipulates that an agency agreement must be in place between an agent and a principal, outlining the terms on which the work will be conducted.

 

Can you have multiple buyers agents?

Whilst you could theoretically have multiple buyers agents working for you, it would be both unlikely and undesirable for you to enter into this arrangement. Most buyers agents will require you to enter into an exclusive agency agreement which recognizes they alone are working for you and their fee is liable to be paid even in the instance another buyers agent finds a property.

 

Here at Unicorn Buyers Agents we work with clients confident to trust us to find and purchase their home and as such only enter into exclusive agency agreements. We do not co-opt with other agents. 

 

So saying, we do occasionally collaborate with buyers agent colleagues outside of our organisation to assist us with a challenging brief. In this instance, we negotiate remuneration directly from our commission and no further fee is payable by our clients.