Brokerage fee 2026: how much an estate agent costs and how to get competing offers

How the brokerage fee is determined

According to the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV), most estate agents charge a total fee of a certain percentage of the home's selling price or debt-free selling price. Many estate agents also have a minimum fee, which is charged if the percentage share would be smaller.

Some estate agents quote a low percentage and charge separately for things such as advertising and document costs. That is why a comparison should always look at the estimated total amount in euros rather than the percentage alone. The estate agent must state the fee including VAT; the standard VAT rate is 25,5 %.

According to KKV, estate agents' fees can vary considerably, and the advertised list prices can often be negotiated when the assignment is made. The fee must also be reasonable in relation to the task and the work done.

Percentage fee: for example X % of the debt-free price, incl. VAT
Minimum fee: a fixed euro amount charged at minimum
Separate costs: advertising, documents, photography or staging, if separately agreed
Fixed price: some services charge a fixed amount for the sale

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Calculation examples: what a percentage point costs

The examples below are calculated from the debt-free selling price, and the fee percentages are examples, not market averages. To get the amount of your own offer, multiply the debt-free price by the percentage quoted by the estate agent and compare the result with the minimum fee.

For example, on a debt-free price of 250 000 euros, a 3 % fee is 7 500 euros and a 4 % fee is 10 000 euros. The difference is 2 500 euros. On a 150 000 euro home the same percentage point means 1 500 euros, and on a 400 000 euro home 4 000 euros.

If, for example, the estate agent has a minimum fee of 4 000 euros, on a 100 000 euro home it is in practice 4 % of the price, even if the quoted percentage is lower. For small and inexpensive homes, the minimum fee often determines the total price.

150 000 €: 3 % = 4 500 € · 4 % = 6 000 €
250 000 €: 3 % = 7 500 € · 4 % = 10 000 €
400 000 €: 3 % = 12 000 € · 4 % = 16 000 €
All examples include VAT if the percentage is quoted including VAT

What the brokerage fee includes

According to KKV, the brokerage fee includes the costs related to selling the home and the estate agent's pay, unless other costs have been agreed separately. Typically the estate agent values the home, draws up the brokerage agreement, prepares the sales brochure and listings, shows the home, handles offers and draws up the deed of sale.

The estate agent obtains the documents relating to the home, such as the property manager's certificate and the articles of association. Using an estate agent does not, however, remove the seller's liability for defects in the home: the seller must tell the buyer all information that may affect the sale, such as known defects and the housing company's renovation projects.

The brokerage fee is usually paid at the completion of the sale, and it is normally paid by the seller. The estate agent is entitled to the fee only if the sale results from the brokerage agreement, unless otherwise agreed.

Brokerage agreement: terms worth checking

A brokerage agreement, or assignment, is always made in writing or electronically. According to KKV, the agreement can last a maximum of four months and can be renewed. A shorter agreement, for example 1–2 months, is a good way to try out an estate agent.

The agreement cannot be terminated mid-term without a valid reason. If the agreement is made through distance selling or doorstep selling, the seller has a 14-day right of withdrawal.

Under an exclusive sale agreement, the seller pays the fee even if they sell the home themselves during the agreement period. If a possible buyer is already known, such as a neighbour or relative, they must be recorded in the agreement as an exception. The agreement usually also includes a post-contract fee, which can be charged for a maximum of six months after the agreement ends and only if the estate agent has materially contributed to the sale.

Fee in euros at the estimated selling price, incl. VAT
Minimum fee and separately invoiced costs
Agreement duration (max. 4 months) and extension
Exclusive sale and buyers recorded as exceptions
Duration of the post-contract fee (max. 6 months)
What the service includes: description, viewings, advertising channels

How to get competing offers from estate agents

KKV advises asking representatives from two or three estate agencies of different sizes to value the home, and reminds that the cheapest agency is not necessarily the best. Compare offers at the same selling price and with the same service content.

Ask each estate agent for a price estimate with justification, the total fee in euros, the minimum fee, additional costs, advertising channels and an estimate of the selling time. A high price estimate alone is not a reason to choose an estate agent, because the final price is decided by buyers.

Through a quote request service you get offers from several estate agents with a single request. The final terms are always agreed directly with the estate agent you choose.

Can you sell a home without an estate agent

You can also sell your home yourself, in which case no brokerage fee arises. The seller is then responsible for pricing, advertising, viewings, handling offers, documents and the deed of sale, and for ensuring that the buyer receives all information that affects the sale.

According to Motiva, an energy performance certificate is mandatory when selling an existing building, and the energy efficiency class must be stated in the public sales listing. The certificate is obtained by the building's owner; when selling housing company shares it is usually the housing company's certificate, available from the property manager. The certificate is valid for a maximum of 10 years.

According to DIAS itself, a DIAS digital housing transaction is always carried out through an estate agent, so when selling yourself the sale is completed in another way, for example with the assistance of a bank. In a share sale made without an estate agent, the buyer pays the transfer tax themselves within two months of signing the deed of sale.

Property manager's certificate and articles of association
Energy performance certificate and energy class in the listing
Information on renovation history, known defects and the housing company's projects
Deed of sale and payment arrangement (e.g. via a bank)
Set aside time for viewings and handling offers

Frequently asked questions

How much is the brokerage fee on a 250 000 euro home?

It depends on the estate agent's percentage and minimum fee. For example, a 3 % fee is 7 500 euros and a 4 % fee 10 000 euros of the debt-free price. According to KKV, estate agents' fees can vary considerably, so it is worth getting competing offers.

Is VAT included in the brokerage fee?

The estate agent must state the fee including VAT. Still check in the offer whether the percentage is quoted with or without VAT. The standard VAT rate is 25,5 %.

Can the brokerage fee be negotiated?

Yes. According to KKV, the advertised list prices can often be negotiated when the assignment is made. Offers from several estate agents give you a point of comparison in the negotiation.

How long can a brokerage agreement be?

According to KKV, a maximum of four months at a time, and the agreement can be renewed. A shorter agreement is possible.

Do I have to pay the fee if I sell the home myself?

Usually yes, during an exclusive sale agreement. If you already know of a prospective buyer, it is worth recording them in the agreement as an exception.

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Sources

The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.