Estate agent's commission

Immobilienab 9 J.

The estate agent's fee. In Germany since December 2020 it is split 50/50 between buyer and seller of homes. Typical: 3–3.57% per side. For rentals, the landlord pays.

The agent's commission (Maklercourtage, also Maklerprovision) is the fee for an estate agent when a deal is successfully brokered.

Purchased property in Germany (since 23.12.2020):

The "Act on the Distribution of Estate Agent Costs" stipulates:

• The buyer pays no more than the seller (50/50 split)
• If only the seller commissions the agent: the seller pays everything (or splits 50/50)
• If only the buyer commissions the agent: the buyer pays everything

Typical commissions by region:

• Berlin: 3.57% + 3.57% (each incl. VAT)
• Hamburg: 3.125% + 3.125%
• Munich: 3.57% + 3.57%
• NRW: 3.57% + 3.57%

Sample calculation:

Flat: €400,000. Commission 3.57% per side.
Buyer pays: €14,280. Seller pays: €14,280.
Total: €28,560 for the agent.

Rental property (ordering-party principle since 2015):

• Whoever commissions the agent pays them – when renting, almost always the landlord
• Maximum 2 months' basic rent + VAT
• Before 2015, tenants often had to pay 2–3 months' rent

Alternatives to an estate agent:

• Private sales (ImmoScout24 private listings)
• Finding a notary directly
• Some developers sell commission-free

Did you know? Before the 50/50 rule (2020), in Berlin the buyer paid the ENTIRE commission of 7.14% – on a €500,000 flat that was €35,700 for the agent alone. Today buyer and seller share the cost.

→ Kaufen oder Mieten Rechner

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