Fees and commission guide
Real estate agent fees and commission in NZ
Understand how New Zealand real estate agent commission, GST, administration fees, minimums and marketing costs fit together before comparing written proposals.
Compare the total fee and service proposal on the same expected sale price — not a headline percentage in isolation.
01
What can appear on an agency proposal
A commission quote can combine percentage tiers, a fixed fee, a minimum commission and administration charges. GST may be shown separately, while marketing and auction costs are often outside the commission figure.
- Commission before GST and the GST-inclusive total
- Every fixed, administration and minimum charge
- Marketing, photography, portals, auction and withdrawal costs
- The circumstances that trigger commission and when it is payable
02
Published structures PropertySeller can reproduce
The location-aware calculator contains 12 calculator-ready pricing records. Verified, caveated and office-specific records are labelled separately; unknown mandatory costs remain visible instead of being guessed. This is an evidence threshold, not a ranking of agencies.
| Agency | Published structure | Important exclusion | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barfoot & Thompson | Residential: 3.95% first $300,000; rural/lifestyle: first $400,000; then 2%; $11,000 minimum; + GST | Auckland/Northland; category-specific | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Total Realty | 1.5% of sale price + $550, then GST | Marketing separate; listed South Island regions | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Flat Fee Realty | From $14,995 + GST | Marketing excluded; confirm property-specific fee and service area | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Arizto | Canterbury / Christchurch / Selwyn example: $12,500 + GST; Hamilton and Hawke's Bay examples: 2% + GST | Location/team examples only; free marketing advertised; confirm exact agreement and optional auction charge | 3 Sep 2026 |
| Harcourts Gold | 3.95% first $400,000, then 2%; $550 administration; + GST | Identified Christchurch office only | 2 Sep 2026 |
03
Why a percentage is not the final number
A quoted rate may apply to only the first price band or the balance. Add fixed charges and GST before comparing. Then add the same marketing and optional-cost assumptions to every proposal.
- Ask whether the rate is negotiable
- Check whether the fee changes by office, agent, property or agreement
- Ask whether a minimum overrides the percentage result
- Keep the agreed calculation and any discount in writing
04
What the agency must explain
Before an agency agreement is signed, the agent should provide written details of how commission is calculated, the conditions under which it is payable, an estimated commission amount and the marketing plan and cost. An agency agreement is binding, so obtain legal advice when needed.
- The commission trigger and any continuing entitlement after the agreement
- Who pays marketing if the property is withdrawn or does not sell
- Whether GST is included or added
- Which services and advertising are included
05
Compare cost with the likely net result
The cheapest fee does not establish the best seller outcome. Test the agent's price evidence, buyer strategy, campaign plan, negotiation process and responsibilities alongside the complete cost schedule.