Buying or selling a property is a real life project. And quite often, people call on the services of an estate agent to help them through the process. It's a classic, reassuring approach... but one question always comes up:👉 who pays the agency fees? And how do things work in practice?
Don't panic: we'll explain everything, without jargon. Because understanding how it works is a big step towards a successful transaction (with no nasty surprises).
What exactly are agency fees?
Basically, it's about commission received by the agency in exchange for their work: estimating the property, creating the advert, visits, negotiations, paperwork... in short, everything that enables the sale (or purchase) to progress smoothly.
And no, it's not a guessing game:
💡 These costs are governed by lawThese must be clearly indicated, both in the shop window and on advertising websites.
How are they calculated?
Most of the time, the costs are a percentage of the sale price. In France, it's usually between 3 % and 8 % incl. VATDepending on the type of property, the region and the services on offer.
🧾 Simple example: for a house sold for €300,000, with agency fees at 5 %, the commission will be
15,000 INCL. VAT.
But remember, it's not just a matter of calculation. It's also about who pays these costs, and how they are presented.
Who pays these famous fees?
🏡 If it's the seller
This is the most common case. The advertised price already includes agency fees. The buyer pays them... indirectly. The advantage: the transaction is more secure, but that's a subject for another article!
🛒 If it's the buyer
The agency displays the price excluding costs and must specify the exact amount of commission. The advantage of this? Visit notary costs are calculated on a lower amount, which can lighten the bill a little.
👉 Whatever the case, everything must be clear and written down in black and white in the mandate and on the advertisement.
And when exactly do we pay?
Good news: you don't take out your chequebook on your first visit.
Agency fees are paid as follows the day of signing at the notary's officeat the same time as the rest. Not before. The notaire collects everything and then pays the commission to the agency. It's secure, clean and, above all, you can be sure that you won't be paying any commission. if the sale takes place.
Simple or exclusive mandate: what's the difference in terms of fees?
🟢 Simple mandate
You can entrust your property to several agencies... or even try to sell it yourself. That gives you a lot of freedom, it's true. But it can also diluting effortsThis can lead to longer lead times and the property appearing on all the portals at different prices (which can scare off buyers).
🔒 Exclusive mandate
Here, you make a commitment to a single agency. In exchange, the agency invests all its energy, because it knows that if it sells, it's for itself.
The result? Often faster and more fluid. But be sure to read the contract carefully, especially the cancellation conditions if you change your mind along the way.
Alpimmorama's choice: 100 % exclusive mandate to 4 %
At Alpimmorama, we've made a clear choice:
🎯 100 % exclusive mandate at a fixed rate of 4 % inclusive of tax.
Why do we do this? Because it allows us to be fully available for each customer. No dispersion, no compromise. We focus 100% % on your sale. And you benefit from truly personalised supportfrom the first meeting to signing at the notary's office.
No surprise costs, no stress. Just a team at your side, with a clear commitment.
Things to remember
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✅ Agency fees are a fee for service (and regulated by law)
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💸 They vary depending on the property, but range from 3 to 8 %
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🧾 They are paid at the endat the notary's office
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👥 Seller or buyer : it all depends on the mandate
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🔐 Exclusive mandateit's quicker (if you're prepared to make a commitment)
Looking for simple, local advice?
Do you have a project in mind? A question that's a little unclear about your sale?
Don't hesitate to contact us at Alpimmorama.
We're here for you, really. Not to recite a script: to find the right solution for your situation.
