REAL ESTATE COMMISSION RATES
28 Sept. 2022 - Real estate commission rates in New Zealand for residential properties generally range from 2.5% to 3.95% of a sale price but only up to the first $400-$500k of the sale price. This then reduces to around 2%-2.5% for the remainder of the sale price.
When selling a farm or a business, the commission has quite a different structure.
We have collated much information about commission rates over the years and share lots of tips including things you can do to avoid unforeseen costs. For example:
How to pay the lowest commission rates in NZ - provides 10 common sense ways to keep all real estate costs to a minimum
Negotiating real estate commission and fees - marketing and advertising with some tips to avoid unnecessary expenses
Examples of real estate company expenses and legal responsibilities under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 - individual real estate agents only receive about 50% of the commission charged - this is worth knowing more about.
DOUBLE COMMISSION RATES OCCUR WHEN LISTING TWICE
If you've had your house listed for sale with a real estate agent but have not sold it and are now intending to change real estate agents, you need to be wary of being charged double real estate commission rates (one to the first agent and one to the new agent).
There is a process to help you avoid this type of situation and certainly emphasises the importance of finding a suitable real estate agent first time around.
When the first listing agreement ends - whether the time period concludes or if you cancel it in accordance with the terms of the agency agreement - the first estate agent must give you a list of the people they intend to claim a commission for, if the property is sold to one of them at a later date by the new estate agent.
If you are dissatisfied and want to change real estate agents - find out how.
CLAUSES AVAILABLE TO USE AT THE OUTSET
Agreeing who influenced or made a sale and who should get your real estate commission is one area that results in complaints with the Real Estate Authority (REA).
Standard Clauses were therefore developed jointly by the Real Estate Authority and the Real Estate Institute of NZ to address this situation. These clauses protect people selling property by:
- Reducing the likelihood of sellers being charged double commission rates by two separate agencies
- Clarifying when the agency agreement ends and when the seller needs to pay commission.
AVOID HAVING TO LIST YOUR PROPERTY TWICE
Agent Finder NZ is here to guide and protect you through the whole process, so when you make contact you will receive:
- a shortlist of vetted real estate agents to compare objectively.
- questions to ask real estate agents.
- information about how to scrutinise real estate appraisals.
- a buying and selling a house checklist.
Request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents to review and compare now.
THE COST OF BEING SECOND TIME ON THE MARKET
Some consequences of not selling the first time include:
- having to look for a real estate agent who is better than the last one.
- finding new ways to attract fresh buyer interest in your property.
- paying for an additional period of property advertising and marketing at your expense.
- the possibility of paying double commission rates if you omit signing the commission clauses provided.
- additional interest paid on a mortgage on the property if you have one.
- increased legal costs from your lawyer.
- having more prospective home buyers trudging through your house.
- you may have to re-rent the property again to new tenants.
- price reduced marketing can impress as being 'desperate to sell' which can attract buyers in lower price brackets or investors wanting a higher yield.
- you are more likely to accept a less than desirable sale price.
HOW TO AVOID THE RISK OF PAYING DOUBLE COMMISSION
You can avoid the risk of paying double real estate commissions by taking the following steps:
- When you have the list of people from the first real estate agent, you should provide it to the new agent you are intending to list with and ask them to exclude those named parties from the agency agreement you enter into with them.
- Alternatively, you can request that your new real estate agent put a clause in the new listing agency agreement that will ensure that you will not have to pay double commission, should your property sell to one of those named persons introduced by the first estate agent.
- If you take this latter approach, and if the second agent sells your home to one of the named persons, the two agents will have to sort out any sharing of the real estate commission between themselves.
You can prevent having to be in this predicament at all by engaging a professionally vetted real estate agent the first time. It's a free service for Kiwi home sellers. Request a shortlist now
For over a decade, we have had numerous home sellers approach us for help because their house hasn't sold. Many have sold in just a few weeks after taking our advice. Call 0800 789 532 - 7 days. Get in Touch.
Agent Finder NZ Awards:
- Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
- Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
- Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
- Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC
Article updated March 23, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)
