Pros and Cons of Buying a House from a Relocation Company in Australia

If you’ve accepted a job offer in a different region or even the country, you might find yourself needing to move quickly. Many companies provide employees with only a few weeks to pack up, relocate to a new city, and get settled. Meanwhile, purchasing a home typically takes between 60 and 90 days, which can make the timeline quite challenging. 

This is where relocation companies come in — they specialize in coordinating moves efficiently, helping you transition in the shortest time possible. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how relocation companies operate, explore available alternatives, answer common questions, and share reviews from individuals who have used relocation company services. 

Who Most Often Becomes Clients of a Relocation Company?

Clients of relocation companies typically fall into a few key categories based on their needs and circumstances: 

1. Corporate Employees: Professionals who are transferred to a new city or country by their employer often use relocation companies. These employees work in industries like finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering where companies require flexible workforces. 
2. Government and Military Personnel: Public sector employees, including diplomats and defense personnel, frequently relocate for postings or assignments. Relocation companies help manage the logistics of these moves, ensuring efficiency and compliance with government policies. 
3. Expatriates and International Workers: People moving to Australia from overseas for job opportunities or new business ventures rely on relocation companies to manage visa processing, housing, and settling-in services. 
4. Families Seeking a Better Lifestyle: Families moving to Australia for better living conditions, education, or work-life balance often use relocation services to manage the complexity of moving children, pets, and household belongings. 
5. Retirees: Older adults relocating to be closer to family or to enjoy a different lifestyle may also benefit from the convenience and support of relocation companies.

What are Alternatives to Selling a House Through a Relocation Company? 

Alternatives include selling independently, using a traditional real estate agent, renting out the property, or leveraging property auctions. 

Here is a table that outlines the pros and cons of the alternative approach: 

Aspect	Buying from a Relocation Company	Buying a Home Yourself
Pros
Efficiency	Quick and streamlined process; less hassle.	Flexibility to move at your own pace.
Convenience	The company handles paperwork, inspections, and logistics.	Full control over the process and negotiations.
Pre-Vetted Options	Homes are usually pre-inspected and approved.	Wider selection of properties to choose from.
Reduced Stress	Managed by professionals, reducing personal effort.	Satisfaction of managing the purchase directly.
Negotiation Support	Professionals negotiate on your behalf.	Potential to negotiate a better deal yourself.
Legal and Administrative Support	Assistance with legal processes and compliance.	Option to hire your own trusted professionals.
Relocation Package Benefits	May be covered by employer’s relocation package.	No corporate restrictions; freedom in decision-making.
Market Knowledge	Companies often know the local market well.	Opportunity to research and understand the market yourself.
Cons
Limited Options	Choice of homes may be restricted to the company’s network.	Access to all available properties on the market.
Higher Costs	Fees for services may be included in the price.	Potential to save by avoiding middleman fees.
Less Control	Limited involvement in the selection and negotiation process.	Full autonomy in choosing and negotiating the property.
Conflicts of Interest	The company may prioritize speed over finding the best deal.	No pressure to meet corporate timelines or quotas.
Transparency Issues	May not disclose all details about the property.	Ability to conduct thorough, independent due diligence.
Generic Solutions	Tailored to general needs, not specific preferences.	Purchase based on your exact requirements.
Potential Overvaluation	Properties may be priced higher due to relocation services.	Freedom to shop around and find better financial deals.
Hidden Fees	Additional fees might be buried in the overall cost.	Transparent costs; direct negotiations with sellers.

Financial Advantages of Buying a Home Yourself

• Cost Savings: Avoid relocation service fees or markups included in the sale price. 
• Negotiation Leverage: Ability to negotiate directly with sellers for a lower price or better terms. 
• Full Market Access: Explore a wider range of listings, including private sales and off-market deals. 
• No Corporate Pressure: Make decisions based on your timeline, avoiding rushed or pressured transactions. 
• Customizable Services: Hire professionals (agents, lawyers, inspectors) that fit your budget and needs. 

So, which scenario is better? 

Quite often, relocation is perceived more as a practical necessity than getting to a city where you will be happy to spend the rest of your life. If the employer takes care of all the expenses for the move, then there is nothing to worry about. But if you have to spend your own money, then you involuntarily wonder: could I have bought real estate more profitably if I had acted myself, and not through a relocation company? 

If you are moving to Australia and are thinking about something like this, you should definitely read the guide for buying a house in Australia to get an overview. After that, it would be a good idea to contact a local financial adviser, describe your budget and listen to their proposal. 

Even if you don’t agree to it, you will have additional information to negotiate with the relocation company.

What Kind of Work Does a Relocation Company Undertake?

Relocation companies handle a comprehensive range of tasks to facilitate smooth transitions for individuals and families. Their services typically include: 

1. Home Search Assistance: Helping clients find suitable housing, whether renting or buying. 
2. Selling or Buying Property: Assisting with the sale of an existing home or purchase of a new one, including negotiations and paperwork. 
3. Packing and Moving Services: Coordinating professional packing, transportation, and unpacking of belongings. 
4. Visa and Immigration Support: Guiding clients through visa applications and compliance with immigration requirements. 
5. Temporary Accommodation: Arranging short-term housing until permanent accommodation is secured. 
6. Orientation Services: Providing tours and information about neighborhoods, schools, healthcare, and local amenities. 
7. School Search Assistance: Helping families find appropriate educational options for their children. 
8. Cultural Training: Offering resources to help clients adapt to their new environment. 
9. Pet Relocation: Assisting with the transport and quarantine processes for pets. 
10. Car Relocation or Sales: Coordinating the transport or sale of vehicles. 

Relocation companies offer end-to-end support to make moving less stressful and more efficient.

If an Employer Has Hired a Relocation Company, Can the Employee Refuse and Take the Money? 

Yes, some companies offer a lump sum option where employees can manage their move independently. However, this depends on company policy. 

How Quickly Can You Move with the Help of a Relocation Company? 

The timeline for moving with a relocation company can vary, but generally, it can be expedited significantly. Here's an estimate of how quickly the process can be completed: 

• Immediate Relocations: For urgent moves, a relocation company can organize temporary accommodation, packing, and transportation within 1-2 weeks. This is typical for corporate relocations with pressing deadlines. 
• Standard Relocations: For most moves, the process takes 4-6 weeks. This includes home search, securing housing, packing, moving, and settling-in services. 
• International Relocations: Moving from overseas typically takes 8-12 weeks due to factors like visa approvals, customs clearances, and international shipping logistics. 

Relocation companies expedite the process by handling multiple tasks simultaneously and leveraging their networks of service providers.

Buying a Home from a Relocation Company Reviews 

When buying a home through a relocation company, clients often have mixed experiences depending on the service provider and the specific circumstances. Here are four real-life reviews that highlight different aspects of buying a home from a relocation company: 

Emily S., Sydney:

"Buying a home through a relocation company was incredibly streamlined. We were relocating from the UK to Sydney, and the company pre-selected homes that matched our criteria. The process was surprisingly efficient, and they even arranged virtual tours for us. Our agent was knowledgeable and helped with paperwork, making it less stressful. However, we did feel like the options were somewhat limited compared to browsing the market independently." 

Daniel P., Melbourne: 

"The relocation company was helpful but lacked personal touch. We bought a home in Melbourne while moving from Brisbane. They managed everything — inspections, negotiations, and paperwork. However, they didn’t give us much say in the process. I felt we could have gotten a better deal if we were more involved. For someone who wants a hands-off approach, it’s ideal, but if you want control, it might not be the best fit." 

Aisha K., Perth: 

"I had a positive experience with our relocation company when moving to Perth. They knew the local market well, gave us a detailed breakdown of potential properties, and handled all the logistics. The process was quick, and they found us a beautiful home. The only downside was the lack of flexibility on viewing times since everything was arranged according to their schedule." 

Marcus B., Adelaide: 

"We had a frustrating experience. The relocation company rushed the buying process, and we ended up with a home that didn’t fully meet our needs. They promised after-sale support but were hard to reach once the deal was done. I wish we’d done more independent research before committing. Relocation companies can be convenient, but make sure to stay involved." 

These reviews show that while relocation companies can streamline the home-buying process, they vary in quality and client satisfaction. Staying involved and communicating your needs clearly can help ensure a smoother experience.

What Does it Mean for a Company to Pay for Relocation? 

When a company pays for relocation, they cover expenses like moving costs, temporary housing, and travel. Some packages also include home sale assistance, legal fees, and visa costs. 

Do I still need a real estate agent if I use a relocation company? 

Some relocation companies provide their own agents, but you may have the option to work with an independent agent for added support. 

Can I negotiate the price of the house when buying through a relocation company?

Yes, negotiations are usually possible, although the relocation company often handles this on your behalf. 

What if the relocation company doesn’t find a suitable house for me? 

You may be able to opt-out and look independently, depending on the terms of your agreement. 

What should I do if I suspect the relocation company is overcharging me? 

Seek an independent property valuation and consult with a real estate professional to verify the pricing. 

• Next