The real estate market is known for its complexity and constant changes. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or rent a property, there are many factors to consider and regulations to navigate, which can be daunting.
Hence, the expertise of a property agent is crucial in facilitating a successful transaction.
In this property agent commission guide, we will provide you with valuable insights into its structure for various property transactions, as well as practical tips in selecting the right property agent.
Given the real estate market’s complexity and constant changes, facilitating a smooth and successful property transaction can be a complex process. Hence, the expertise of a property agent is crucial in facilitating a successful transaction.
Guide: Property Agent Commission Structure
The commission rate charged by property agents in Singapore is not fixed and can vary for the sale of a property. It is usually negotiable, ranging from 1% to 4% of the property’s price. The percentage may depend on factors such as the property’s value, location, demand, and the agent’s track record.
Although some small property agencies have advertised charging only 1% commission, the scope and scale of their services need to be taken into consideration. For example, how much resources can these property agents expand to sell your property fast and at the highest possible price? Also, do they have the necessary proptech (property technology) to carry out their marketing effectively?
It is also important to ensure that the property agent is registered with the Council of Estate Agencies (CEA), a government body that certifies real estate agents and regulates Singapore’s real estate agency industry.
This is because there were cases where scammers posed as property agents and ran away with the money entrusted to them by their clients.
Property Agent Commissions Are Negotiable
Although there are no industry-standard commission rates for buying, selling, and renting properties, what is highlighted below generally represents what is practised by the real estate industry.
Commissions being charged are contingent upon specific circumstances, especially in the sale/purchase of properties. This is because such transactions may involve unique situations or require more effort and time to complete.
Some situations that command a higher commission may include the following:
- Sellers may need to pay higher commissions if they need to sell their property urgently, or if the property is challenging to sell.
- Buyer’s agents may occasionally demand higher commissions, particularly when representing overseas buyers and undertaking additional responsibilities such as serving as investment advisors. In such cases, the decision to offer a higher commission ultimately rests with the seller, who must consider its potential impact on closing the deal.
- In numerous instances, especially within the luxury property segment (i.e., properties exceeding $5 million), tiered commission schemes may be implemented to motivate the seller’s agent to secure a higher sale price. For instance, a commission rate of 2% might be applied for sales with a minimum price of $5 million, but if the final closing price exceeds this threshold, the commission would be more than 2% of the selling price, which is negotiated beforehand.
Selling/Buying – Property Agent Commission
Below is just a property agent commission guide that is widely practised. As mentioned earlier, there are no fixed rules, and the commission rates can be subjected to negotiation.
The Council of Estate Agencies (CEA) does not fix commission rates or provide guidelines on commission amounts. This allows market forces to determine competitive pricing while allowing flexibility and incentives for property agents to market properties effectively.
| Type of Property | Commission | Remarks |
| Non-Landed (eg condos, executive condos) | Seller usually pays 2%, but sometimes it can go as high as 4%. | Buyers pay no commission regardless of whether they are using an agent or not. The seller’s agent splits the commission with the buyer’s agent. |
| Landed Properties | Seller usually pays a 2% commission, but sometimes higher as transactions for such properties can be a little more challenging due to the scope of checks involved and they are subjected to more government regulations. | Like non-landed properties, buyers pay no commission regardless of whether they’re using a buyer’s agent or not. The seller’s agent splits the commission with the buyer’s agent. |
| HDB Flats | Sellers usually pay 2% and buyers pay 1% commission. | Buyers and sellers to receive commissions from their respective clients. |
Rental – Property Agent Commission
| Transaction | Commission | Remarks |
| Above S$3,500 in rent with a two-year lease. | One month’s rental. | If there’s only a landlord’s agent and the tenant contacted him/her, the landlord pays his agent a one-month commission. If the renter has a tenant’s agent who represented his/her tenant, the tenant will have to pay a one-month commission to his/her agent, while the landlord pays his own agent a one-month commission. |
| Above S$3,500 in rent with a one-year lease | Half a month’s commission | If the tenant approaches the landlord’s agent without his/her own agent, the landlord pays his agent half a month’s commission. If an agent represented his/her tenant, the tenant pays his/her agent half a month’s commission, while the landlord pays his own agent half a month’s commission. |
| At or below S$3,500 in rent with a two-year lease | One month’s commission | The landlord and tenant pay a one-month commission to their respective agents. If there’s no tenant’s agent, the tenant need not pay any commission. |
| At or below S$3,500 in rent with a one-year lease | Half a month’s commission | The landlord and tenant pay a half a month commission to their respective agents. If there’s no tenant’s agent, the tenant need not pay any commission. |
Dual Representation By Property Agent & Co-Broking
Agents are prohibited by law from acting as both the landlord’s/seller’s agent and the tenant’s/buyer’s agent for the same transaction. This is due to the inherent conflict of interest, which could negatively impact the best outcome for either party.
For the rental of properties, the landlord’s agent (and occasionally the tenant’s agent) may aid both parties throughout the lease term. They may help to address any maintenance issues and disputes that may arise, although they are not legally obligated to do so.
The term “co-broke” or “co-broking” refers to the collaboration between two agents who mutually agree to facilitate a transaction. One agent represents the landlord/seller, while the other agent represents the tenant/buyer.
Co-broking is encouraged by the CEA to facilitate the closing of a property transaction in the shortest time possible. However, the co-broking arrangement and sharing of commissions will have to be negotiated between the agents.
Role of Landlord’s / Seller’s Property Agent
The role of a property agent encompasses a range of crucial duties. Acting as a representative appointed by the landlord or seller to facilitate the marketing of a unit, the property agent assumes the following responsibilities:
Strategic Promotion and Presentation: The property agent formulates and implements effective strategies to enhance the visibility and appeal of the unit. These may involve staging, advising the client to tidy up the unit, and in some case, applying a fresh coat of paint to make the property looks more presentable.
The property agent will also devise targeted promotional initiatives to attract potential buyers or tenants. These may include advertising on major property portals, online classifieds, and social media.
Buyer/Tenant Acquisition: By employing multi-channel advertising, the property agent actively seeks out prospective buyers or tenants. This involves creating compelling property listings and engaging in proactive outreach efforts to connect with interested parties. These may include video advertising for added publicity and to garner more interest.
Viewing Management: The property agent manages the schedules and viewing process for interested individuals. This entails coordinating appointments, conducting property tours, and effectively showcasing the unit’s features and advantages to potential buyers or tenants.
Negotiation and Bidding Representation: Once one or more parties express an interest, the property agent assumes the vital role of advising and representing the landlord or seller during the negotiation and bidding stages. Leveraging on their expertise, the agent ensures an optimal outcome for the clients they are representing by employing effective negotiation strategies.
Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Throughout the entire process, the property agent meticulously ensures that all necessary procedures, legal obligations, and regulatory requirements are diligently executed and strictly adhered to. This guarantees a smooth and lawful transaction, safeguarding the interests of all the parties involved, and minimising potential disputes.
It is imperative to note that the aforementioned responsibilities are fundamental in contributing to the successful marketing, negotiation, and finalisation of property transactions.
Role of Buyer’s/Tenant’s Property Agent
The buyer’s/tenant’s property agent assumes a pivotal role in assisting individuals seeking to acquire or rent a property. Their responsibilities encompass the following:
Property Search and Selection: The agent diligently conducts an extensive search for suitable properties based on the buyer’s/tenant’s preferences and requirements. This involves thorough market analysis and comprehensive property evaluations to identify options that align with the client’s needs.
Viewing Coordination: The property agent adeptly coordinates and arranges property viewings, ensuring optimal utilisation of the buyer’s/tenant’s time. They will meticulously schedule appointments, accompany the client during visits, and provide insightful guidance to facilitate informed decision-making.
Negotiation in the Client’s Best Interests: Acting as the client’s representative, the property agent skilfully engages in negotiations with the seller’s/landlord’s agent. Their primary objective is to secure the most favourable terms and conditions for the buyer/tenant, leveraging on their expertise and advocating for the client’s best interests throughout the negotiation process.
Professional Advice and Guidance: The buyer’s/tenant’s property agent offers comprehensive professional advice and guidance, meticulously explaining the proper procedures involved in purchasing or renting a property. They will provide clarity on the necessary paperwork, legal obligations, and any relevant regulations, ensuring that the client is well-informed and equipped to navigate the process smoothly.
It is vital to recognise the responsibilities and core duties of a buyer’s/tenant’s property agent. Their expertise and support will significantly contribute to the successful acquisition or rental of a property, fostering a positive experience for the client while safeguarding their interests.
Should Sellers And Buyers Save on Property Agent Commission?
When considering the prospect of saving on property agent commission, it may be advisable to reassess this decision. The acquisition or sale of the property represents a significant financial undertaking in one’s lifetime, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of a slew of laws and regulations.
Moreover, property agents possess valuable knowledge and experience in negotiation tactics, enabling them to effectively engage with opposing agents. In contrast, individuals lacking familiarity with the market and relevant regulations may encounter difficulties.
This could result in protracted and convoluted transactions at best, and costly legal complications and financial losses at worst.
Consequently, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the commission fees and services provided by various property agents before making a decision to engage one or multiple agents (Note: Contrary to popular beliefs, having multiple agents to market a property may not be the most effective. In fact, it can complicate matters as different agents may market the property differently, which could affect the potential selling price of the property. Please WhatsApp me to find out more.
Hence, it may be prudent to sign an Exclusive Rights agreement with the agent, which is a legally binding arrangement granting sole representation in marketing and selling the property. Such an exclusive right usually last three months, and can be extended, upon agreement between both parties.
Should Landlords And Tenants Save on Property Agent Commission?
In the context of saving on property agent commission, it is crucial for landlords and tenants to carefully consider the potential ramifications. For landlords, the inclusion of a landlord’s agent can prove invaluable, mitigating a plethora of potential challenges.
This is because the agents possess the requisite expertise to not only identify suitable tenants but also to effectively screen out individuals with dubious backgrounds. Furthermore, depending on the agreed-upon responsibilities, a landlord’s agent may assist in navigating tenant-related issues that may arise during the rental period (although the agent’s responsibility ceases upon the conclusion of the deal).
Conversely, tenants who possess the time and resources to independently search for and arrange viewings for rental properties may opt to forgo the engagement of a tenant’s agent.
Nonetheless, we strongly advise tenants to seek rental properties exclusively represented by a landlord’s agent as there have numerous cases where unscrupulous landlords abscond with tenants’ deposits or effect sudden and unjust evictions, emphasising the necessity of proper representation.
Even in cases where the lease duration spans just a year, the engagement of a property agent on either or both sides can provide a safeguard and peace of mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, due to the complexities of the real estate market and the potential risks involved, it is prudent to prioritise engaging the services of a property agent. By doing so, individuals can mitigate the challenges and uncertainties inherent in property transactions, safeguard their interests and ensure a smoother and more efficient process.
Please WhatsApp me if you have further queries or wish to find out more about the property market in Singapore.
FAQs About Property Agent Commission And Services
1. What services do property agents provide?
Property agents offer a wide range of services, including property search and selection, property valuation, marketing and advertising, negotiation, paperwork assistance, and sometimes after-sales support. But do take note that a property agent’s responsibility ends once the transaction is completed. Any assistance rendered subsequently is on a goodwill basis.
2. How do I find a reliable property agent?
To find a reliable commission property agent, consider seeking recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently engaged in property transactions. You can also explore online platforms that provide agent listings and reviews. But do ensure to choose an agent with the necessary experience.
3. Are property agents regulated in Singapore?
Yes, property agents are regulated by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) in Singapore. They must be registered with the CEA and adhere to a strict code of conduct, ensuring ethical practices and professionalism.
4. Can I negotiate the commission rate with a property agent?
Yes, the commission rate is negotiable. However, it’s important to remember that a lower commission rate may impact the level of service and dedication you receive from the agent. It’s crucial to strike a balance between affordability and quality of service.
5. What should I expect during the property transaction process?
During the property transaction process, you can expect your property agent to guide you through property viewings, handle negotiations, prepare legal documents, and provide insights on market trends and property values. They will be your trusted advisor throughout the journey.
6. How can I verify a property agent’s credentials?
You can verify a commission property agent’s credentials by checking their registration status with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). The CEA provides a public register where you can search for the agent’s name to ensure they are licensed and in good standing.
Other Property Resources
- Singapore Property Market Overview.
- Singapore Property Rules for Foreigners.
- How to Buy a New Launch Private Property.
- How to Buy a HDB BTO Flat.
- Understanding Singapore Property Policies & Financing Options.
