Commission across NZ typically sits between 2% and 3.75%, plus marketing. Here's what drives the number — and how to make sure you're paying a fair rate.
Rates vary by region, property value, and what's included — marketing, open homes, photography, and negotiation style all factor in. Commission in NZ is typically quoted plus GST.
Commission isn't one-size-fits-all. Understanding what drives the rate puts you in a stronger position to negotiate — and to choose well.
Higher-value homes in competitive urban markets (think Auckland's central suburbs, inner Wellington) often attract lower percentage rates — there's more absolute fee at stake, so agents compete on rate. Regional markets tend to sit at the higher end of the range.
A top-performing local agent may quote above average — but their median sale price above valuation, shorter days on market, and buyer database often more than make up for it. Commission is only half of the equation; net return is what actually matters.
Professional photography, drone shots, videography, staging, premium trademe.co.nz listings, social campaigns — some agents fold these into the commission, others charge separately. Always compare the all-in number, not just the headline rate.
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Yes. Commission in NZ is negotiable between you and the agent — there's no legally set rate. Most agencies publish a guide structure (e.g. a tiered rate: a higher percentage on the first portion of the sale price, a lower one above a threshold), but the final number is always a conversation. Comparing multiple agents gives you real leverage to negotiate.
New Zealand agents are almost always paid a commission that's a percentage of the final sale price. Most NZ commission structures use a tiered model — for example, a higher rate on the first $400,000 of sale price and a lower rate on the balance. In addition to commission, many agencies charge a separate marketing or vendor package (photography, listings, social campaigns), which may be payable upfront or deducted at settlement.
Commission is payable on the settlement date — the day the sale is legally completed and ownership transfers to the buyer. Your solicitor typically deducts the agent's fee (and any agreed marketing costs) from the sale proceeds before transferring the balance to you. You don't pay commission when the property sells at auction or goes unconditional; you pay it on settlement.
Agents' commissions are generally quoted exclusive of GST, with 15% GST added on top at invoicing. So if your agent quotes 3% commission on a $1,000,000 sale, you'll pay $30,000 plus $4,500 GST ($34,500 total). Always ask your agent to confirm in writing whether the rate they've quoted includes or excludes GST, and whether marketing packages are similarly treated.
The agent does — and only when your home actually sells through a match we've made. We never charge homeowners a cent, and we don't accept payment for preferential placement. Our referral fee is 14.5% of the agent's commission, paid by the agent on settlement.
Yes, but the ease depends on the type of agency agreement you signed. A sole agency agreement (most common in NZ) runs for a fixed term — usually 60 to 90 days — during which you can't list with anyone else without risking fees. A general agency agreement lets you list with multiple agents simultaneously. Always read the cancellation clause carefully before signing.
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