Estate Agent Commission Calculator
See exactly how much estate agent commission would come off your sale price — and how much you keep by selling privately on OwnersOnly for a flat R299.
Commission in South Africa is negotiable and usually quoted excluding VAT. Most mandates fall between 5% and 7.5%; 15% VAT is added on top if the agency is VAT-registered.
Estate agent commission at a glance
Commission at 6% plus 15% VAT, the midpoint of typical South African rates:
| Selling price | Commission incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| R 1 000 000 | R 69 000 |
| R 1 500 000 | R 103 500 |
| R 2 000 000 | R 138 000 |
| R 3 000 000 | R 207 000 |
| R 5 000 000 | R 345 000 |
What you still pay when selling privately
Selling without an agent removes the commission, not the legal steps. You'll still need compliance certificates (electrical, and gas, electric fence, plumbing or beetle where they apply), a rates clearance from the municipality, and bond cancellation costs if you have a home loan. The buyer pays the transfer costs. The seller's guide covers each of these, and how to price your home explains how to set a realistic asking price without an agent's valuation.
Frequently asked questions
How much do estate agents charge in South Africa?
There is no fixed rate — commission is negotiated with the agency. Most mandates fall between 5% and 7.5% of the selling price, plus 15% VAT if the agency is VAT-registered.
Who pays the estate agent's commission?
The seller, out of the sale proceeds on the day the property is registered in the buyer's name.
Is it legal to sell my house without an estate agent?
Yes. Any owner may sell their own property privately. You still need a conveyancer (attorney) to handle the transfer, and the usual compliance certificates — the conveyancer is needed with or without an agent.
What do I need to do myself if I sell privately?
Price the property, market it, show it to buyers, and agree an Offer to Purchase in writing. Our seller's guide and OTP guide walk through each step, and a conveyancer can draft or check the OTP for a fixed fee.
Estimates only, based on rates checked in October 2026. Fees vary by conveyancer and bank — get a written quote from a registered conveyancer or your bank before you commit.
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Selling? Keep the commission.
List your property on OwnersOnly for a flat R299 and deal with buyers directly — no agent, no commission.