Official commission rates, payment obligations, and recent regulatory changes.
Legal Commission Rate
The upper limit of the service fee is set by the Ministry of Trade's Regulation on Real Estate Trade. For a sale, at most 4% of the sale price + VAT may be charged; unless agreed otherwise, the buyer and seller pay it half each. For a rental, at most one month's rent + VAT may be charged; unless agreed otherwise, the tenant and landlord pay it half each.
The Importance of a Written Contract
For an obligation to pay commission to arise, a written viewing agreement must have been signed with an authorised estate agent. Verbal agreements are weak in court.
Is Negotiation Possible?
4% is a ceiling, not a mandatory rate; the parties can freely agree on a fee below this limit. Negotiating is common in high-value transactions.
VAT Included or Excluded?
By law, 20% VAT is added to the commission fee. Working with an invoice provides documentary security for both buyer and seller.
Secure Payment at the Land Registry
The requirement to pay the price through the secure payment system in land registry sales was introduced in the Official Gazette of 29.04.2026 (No. 33238); its start date was postponed to 1 December 2026 by the Official Gazette of 1 October 2026 (No. 33387).
In Case of a Dispute
If the agent's marketing and introduction of the parties can be proven, the right to commission arises. Consumer arbitration committees and commercial courts hear these disputes.
