Estate agent

An estate agent (Makler) arranges the purchase or rental of property and receives a commission (Courtage) for it.

The most important rules in Germany:

When buying a flat (since Dec. 2020):

• The agent's commission is split 50/50 between buyer and seller
• The seller must pay their share FIRST
• Typical: 3–3.57% per side (6–7.14% in total)
• With a purchase price of €400,000: approx. €14,000 per side

When renting (ordering-party principle since 2015):

• Whoever commissions the agent pays them – when renting, almost always the landlord
• Maximum 2 months' basic rent + VAT

When is an estate agent worthwhile?

• When buying: access to off-market offers, negotiating experience
• When selling: professional marketing, viewings, pricing
• Without an agent: ImmoScout24, eBay Kleinanzeigen, neighbourhood networks

Costs by region:

• Berlin/Munich/NRW: 3.57% per side (incl. VAT)
• Hamburg: 3.125% per side
• Before the 2020 reform: in Berlin, the buyer paid the entire commission alone (7.14%) – that's now prohibited