A new role. A new city.
I can narrow the suburbs and build a shortlist around your budget, arrival date and household needs before you get here.
Canberra buyers agent · APS, Defence, AFP & ACT Government
Buying in Canberra? Work with someone who understands public service life.
After 10 years in the public service, I now provide fixed-fee buying support for Australian Public Service (APS), Defence, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and ACT Government buyers in Canberra, from property search and inspections to negotiation.
The assessment is optional. You can book a call directly.
Hi, I'm Thad.
Thad Austin-Niven, founder of Property Lookout. You work directly with me throughout your purchase.
Get to know meA home around your life
How I help public servants buy in Canberra.
Your commute, timing and life outside work shape the search. Here are three ways I can help.
You cannot be at every inspection.
I can inspect on your behalf and share observations, photographs and video, so a busy work week does not mean missing out on a local perspective.
Your next move may not be your last.
I can weigh up upkeep, location and property type with a future posting in mind, including questions for your lender, accountant or property manager.
I do not provide financial or legal advice. Confirm finance and scheme eligibility with your lender or provider.
Real buyers, real decisions
Buying from a distance.
With someone on the ground.
Two buyers who needed someone local while buying from elsewhere.
Kambah
An auction plan for an interstate move
“Instead, we stayed home, listened in over the phone, and heard Thad’s calm, confident, and strategic approach in action.”
Yass
Local inspections, three hours from home
“He was friendly and went way beyond the call of duty by checking out properties for us as we were a three hour drive away from where we wanted to buy.”
Buying around postings and transfers
If a posting or transfer is likely, I look beyond how a home suits you today. I consider whether its location, layout and condition could appeal to tenants if you need to move.
I also look at the range of buyers who might want it when you sell. Rental demand and resale results are never guaranteed, but I can help you weigh the practical trade-offs before you commit.
- Rentability: access to jobs, transport and services, plus a layout tenants can use.
- Resale depth: appeal to different households, rather than relying on one type of buyer.
- Holding costs: repayments, rates, insurance, maintenance and possible vacancy, with advice from your lender and accountant.
DHOAS for Defence members
DHOAS gives eligible current and former ADF members a monthly subsidy on their home loan interest through a DHOAS loan with an approved lender. Occupancy conditions apply, so I encourage you to check eligibility and requirements at the official DHOAS website before choosing a loan or property.
Stamp duty and LMI
From 1 July 2026, the ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme has no income threshold or property value limit. Eligible buyers pay no conveyance duty, but prior ownership and residence requirements still apply. I encourage you to check the ACT Revenue Office eligibility rules before relying on a saving. Some lenders offer LMI waivers to eligible senior APS staff and sworn police, including AFP, subject to lender criteria. I cover the detail in Buying a House in Canberra as a Public Servant: The 2026 Guide for APS, Defence and AFP.
Before your call
Your questions, answered.
Can you help me buy a home before I move to Canberra?
Yes. I help APS, Defence, AFP and ACT Government buyers shortlist properties and inspect homes before they arrive. I can share photographs, video and observations, then negotiate within your instructions. You’ll still need specialist building checks and your solicitor’s contract advice.
What if I’m posted elsewhere after buying in Canberra?
I can consider that possibility when choosing the property, including its location, upkeep and potential suitability as a rental. Before moving out, check any loan, concession or subsidy conditions with your lender and scheme provider. Future rent and resale outcomes aren’t guaranteed.
How much does a buyers agent cost for APS, Defence and AFP buyers?
I charge a fixed fee: Full Service from $12,000 + GST, Negotiation Only from $6,000 + GST, Auction Bidding from $2,000 + GST. Your exact fee is confirmed in writing before you commit. See my services and fees for the full breakdown.
Can you inspect properties when I can’t get away from work?
Yes. I can attend inspections and deal with selling agents within our agreed service scope. You receive my observations and stay in control of your budget and purchase decisions, without needing to attend every open home.
Do you work with ACT Government employees too?
Yes, I help APS, ACT Public Service, Defence and AFP buyers.
Can I use DHOAS with a buyers agent?
Yes, my service is separate from your loan. Your DHOAS eligibility and loan go through DVA and an approved lender.
General information only, not financial advice. Check scheme eligibility with the relevant government body.
Start with your situation
Tell me what brings you here.
I'll work from there.
Book a free chat to talk through your move, timing and the support you need.
The assessment is optional. You can book a call directly.
Property Lookout is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department or agency.