A fixed-fee estate agent charges an agreed price for the estate agency service rather than calculating their fee as a percentage of the final selling price. This can make the cost of selling easier to understand and potentially less expensive.
How Does a Fixed Estate Agent Fee Work?
The payment structure varies. Some agents charge upfront, others split payment between stages, and some charge for optional services. The defining feature is that the core fee is agreed rather than increasing automatically as the property price rises.
Fixed Fee vs Percentage Commission
At 1.5% commission, a €400,000 sale produces a €6,000 fee before VAT and an €800,000 sale produces €12,000. A fixed-fee model removes that direct relationship between the price of the property and the professional fee.
What Should Be Included?
Ask whether valuation, photography, floor plans, listing preparation, major portal advertising, buyer enquiries, buyer qualification, viewing management, offer management, negotiation and sale-agreed support are included. Establish any additional charges.
Who Is It Best Suited To?
Fixed fees can be attractive for homeowners who want certainty over selling costs, especially at higher values. Some lower-cost models require more active participation, particularly with viewings.