Answer
Property Agent Commission in Singapore — Rates, Negotiation & Who Pays
How much do property agents charge in Singapore? Who actually pays? And can you negotiate? Here's the full breakdown for HDB, private resale, and new launch.
Answer: Sellers pay 1–2% commission (2% typical for HDB, 1–2% for private). Buyers pay $0 for resale (seller covers co-broking) and $0 for new launch (developer pays 3–5%). Rates are not fixed by law — always negotiate. Inclusive pricing folds commission into the asking price; exclusive adds it on top.
Commission Rates by Property Type
| Property Type | Seller Pays | Buyer Pays | Who Pays Agent? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB Resale | 2% | $0 | Seller (split 1%+1%) |
| Private Resale | 1–2% | $0 | Seller |
| New Launch Condo | N/A | $0 | Developer (3–5%) |
| Rental (Landlord) | 1 month rent | 0.5–1 month | Landlord (lease ≥2yr) |
HDB 2% is the industry norm, split between seller's agent (1%) and buyer's agent (1% co-broking). For private, some sellers negotiate down to 1%.
Commission in Dollar Terms
What 1–2% actually looks like at common price points:
| Sale Price | 1% Commission | 2% Commission |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 HDB | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| $700,000 HDB | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| $1,000,000 Condo | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| $1,500,000 Condo | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| $2,000,000 Condo | $20,000 | $40,000 |
At $2,000,000, the difference between 1% and 2% is $20,000. Worth negotiating.
Inclusive vs Exclusive Commission
| Inclusive | Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Commission baked into asking price | Commission added on top of sale price |
| Example ($600,000 HDB, 2%) | Seller lists at $600,000, receives $588,000 | Seller receives $600,000, pays $12,000 separately |
| Buyer impact | Pays the listed price (commission hidden) | Same — pays the listed price |
| Common in | HDB resale market | Private property market |
Always ask your agent: "Is your commission inclusive or exclusive?" This determines whether the price you negotiate is the price you receive, or whether commission is deducted from it.
How to Negotiate Agent Commission
1. Know the market rate
HDB: 2% is standard, but some agents accept 1.5% for easy-to-sell flats (popular locations, good condition). Private: 1% is achievable for properties above $1,500,000.
2. Consider flat-fee agents
Some agents and platforms offer flat-fee services ($3,000–$8,000) regardless of sale price. For high-value properties, this can save significantly vs percentage-based commission.
3. Use a tiered structure
Example: 1% base rate, plus 10–20% of any amount above your target price. This motivates the agent to sell higher while keeping your base cost low.
4. Get it in writing
Commission terms should be stated in the estate agency agreement. CEA (Council for Estate Agencies) requires written agreements between agents and clients. Don't rely on verbal agreements.
Selling your HDB? Know your numbers first.
Agent commission is just one cost of selling. Factor in stamp duty, legal fees, and CPF refund.
FAQ
What is the standard agent commission rate in Singapore?
There is no fixed rate by law. The industry norm is 1-2% of the sale price paid by the seller. For HDB resale, sellers typically pay 2% (split 1% to their agent, 1% co-broking to buyer's agent). For private resale, sellers pay 1-2%. Buyers of resale properties typically pay nothing. New launch buyers pay nothing — the developer pays the agent 3-5%.
What is the difference between inclusive and exclusive commission?
Inclusive means the agent's commission is already factored into the asking price — the seller receives the net amount after commission. Exclusive means the commission is on top of the sale price. For example, on a $600K HDB with 2% exclusive commission, the seller pays $12K separately. With inclusive pricing, the asking price would already account for the commission. Always clarify with your agent which model they use.
Can I negotiate agent commission?
Yes. Commission rates are not regulated — they are fully negotiable. Strategies include offering a lower base rate (1% instead of 2%), using flat-fee agents ($3,000-$8,000 regardless of price), or negotiating a tiered structure where the agent earns more if they sell above a target price. Higher-value properties ($2M+) have more room to negotiate.
Do buyers pay commission in Singapore?
In most cases, no. For new launch condos, the developer pays the agent commission (3-5%). For resale private property, the seller typically pays the buyer's agent via co-broking. For HDB resale, the seller's 2% commission is split between both agents. The only scenario where a buyer might pay is if they hire a dedicated buyer's agent on a separate agreement — but this is uncommon.
Is GST charged on agent commission?
Only if the agent or agency is GST-registered (annual taxable turnover exceeding $1M). If GST applies, 9% GST is added on top of the commission. For example, 2% commission on a $600K sale = $12,000, plus 9% GST = $13,080 total. Smaller agencies or individual agents below the GST threshold do not charge GST.
What happens if I sell without an agent?
You save the seller's commission (1-2%). For HDB resale, you can list and transact through HDB's resale portal yourself. For private property, you can list on PropertyGuru, 99.co, and handle viewings and negotiations directly. However, if the buyer has an agent, that agent may request a co-broking fee (typically 1%) which you'd need to negotiate.
Related
- Agent Commission Singapore (Quick) — 1–2% overview
- Agent Fee Negotiation — negotiation tactics
- Agent vs No Agent — is it worth paying?
- Exclusive vs Open Listing — which agreement to sign
- Selling Property Costs — full cost breakdown for sellers
Last updated Feb 2026. Commission rates are industry norms, not regulated. Always get written agreements. This is informational, not financial advice.