Agent Commission Calculator

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Why do real estate agents charge a commission?

In Australia, real estate agents charge a commission for their services primarily as a way to be compensated for the time, effort, expertise, and resources they invest in facilitating property transactions. Real estate agents provide a range of valuable services to both sellers and buyers, including property marketing, market analysis, negotiation, paperwork handling, property showings, and guidance throughout the buying or selling process.

The commission fee structure incentivises real estate agents to work diligently on behalf of their clients to achieve the best possible outcomes in property transactions. By tying their compensation to the successful sale of a property, agents have a vested interest in securing the best price for the seller or helping the buyer find the right property at a fair market value.

Additionally, the commission system allows real estate agents to operate their businesses without charging upfront fees to clients, making their services accessible to a broader range of property buyers and sellers. This model aligns the interests of clients and agents and ensures that agents are motivated to deliver results while assuming some of the financial risks associated with marketing and selling properties.

Are real estate agent commissions regulated in Australia?

Real estate agent commissions in Australia are not federally regulated; however, each state and territory has its own set of guidelines regarding real estate agent commissions. Real estate agents typically charge a commission based on a percentage of the final sale price of a property, which is agreed upon between the agent and the client.

While there is no fixed commission rate set by law, real estate agents are required to disclose their commission rates and fees to clients before entering into any agreement. This transparency helps clients understand the costs involved and make informed decisions when engaging the services of a real estate agent.

Clients can also negotiate commission rates with agents to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial arrangement. It’s important for property sellers and buyers to review and understand the terms of any agreement with a real estate agent, including the commission structure, before proceeding with a property transaction.

Most common Types of agent commissions

In Australia, the two most commonly used commission types for real estate agents are:

Percentage-Based Commission:

This is the traditional and widely used commission structure in Australia. Real estate agents charge a percentage of the final sale price of the property as their commission. The percentage typically ranges from 1% to 3% of the sale price. This model incentivises agents to work towards achieving the highest possible sale price for the property.

Tiered Commission:

Some agents use a tiered commission structure where the commission percentage varies based on the sale price of the property. For example, the agent may charge a lower percentage for properties sold below a certain price threshold and a higher percentage for properties sold above that threshold. This structure can provide flexibility and align the agent’s compensation with the property’s value.

What is a Flat Fee Commission?

Flat fee commissions are gaining popularity in Australia, especially in recent years. While percentage-based commissions have traditionally been the norm in the real estate industry, flat fee commissions are increasingly being embraced by both real estate agents and clients.

In this commission structure, the real estate agent charges a fixed fee for their services, regardless of the final sale price of the property. This type of commission can offer transparency and predictability for clients, as they know the exact amount they will need to pay for the agent’s services. Flat fee commissions are gaining popularity for providing clarity on costs and appealing to clients seeking cost certainty in their real estate transactions.

Additionally, flat fee commissions can be advantageous for properties with higher values, as clients may save money compared to a percentage-based commission that would increase in line with the sale price.

Overall, while flat fee commissions are still not as widespread as percentage-based commissions in Australia, their popularity is on the rise as clients seek more certainty and transparency in their real estate transactions.
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