Estate agent and buyer-side negotiator: different roles that run in parallel
Last updated · August 2026
This is not a choice between one or the other. Your agent sources listings, arranges viewings and handles the provisional agreement and completion. Pactum does one thing: analyse the price from the buyer's side and negotiate it.
The difference is scope and who pays, not who is more professional. You can keep your existing agent and still get an independent view on price.
This page explains the split in roles. It does not value any individual flat or recommend an offer.
Side-by-side comparison
| Area | Estate agent | Pactum Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Property sourcing | Provides and filters listings | Does not source listings |
| Viewings | Arranges and accompanies viewings | Does not arrange viewings |
| Transaction process | Provisional and formal agreements, mortgage and solicitor coordination | Not involved in the transaction process |
| Price analysis | Market context and asking-price information | Independent review of comparables, valuation and asking-price position |
| Negotiation focus | Bringing both sides to a deal | Lowering the buyer's transaction price only |
| Commercial alignment | Commission typically paid by both sides | Paid by the buyer only, and only on a successful reduction |
| Buyer's role | Follows the agent's process | Buyer leads the price decision |
An agent's income is tied to a completed deal — standard market practice, not a criticism. It simply means that on price, a second perspective that answers only to the buyer is useful.
How the two work together
- You continue viewing through your agent and identify a target flat.
- You send that flat's asking price and details to Pactum for a confidential assessment.
- If we see negotiating room and accept the case, we act for you on price.
- The provisional agreement, mortgage and completion stay with your agent and solicitor as usual.
How the fee works
The fee is (asking price − final transaction price) ÷ 2, invoiced only at the signing of the provisional agreement. No reduction, no fee. Agency commission and our fee are separate and do not overlap.
Sources and method
- Written from general Hong Kong secondary-market transaction practice and Pactum's engagement experience.
- Commission arrangements describe market convention; your own agency terms govern your transaction.
What this page does not provide
No property valuation, offer recommendation or unit-specific negotiation strategy.