Estate agent fees

How much an agent costs

The law does not set the fee — it goes into your contract with the agent. If no amount was agreed, the fee usual for the area is due, and if there is none, a reasonable one (VÕS § 665).

For a sale the commission is usually 2–5 % of the sale price; in 2026 lawyers quoted a range of 2–6 % depending on the property, the area and the scope of service.

If the agent is VAT-registered, 24 % VAT is added to the fee. Check whether a quoted amount includes VAT or not.

Who pays and when

Whoever signed the contract with the agent pays; in a sale that is usually the seller.

The agent earns the fee when a contract is concluded thanks to their work, and keeps that right even if the deal is signed after the agency contract has ended (VÕS § 664). Agree in advance when the fee is due — buyer found, contract signed or money received.

Expenses beyond the fee, such as advertising, can be charged only if separately agreed — and that applies even if the deal falls through (VÕS § 667).

Acting for both sides, and records

If, against the contract, the agent also worked for the other side of the deal, they lose the right to the fee. If they lawfully acted for both sides, the two are presumed to pay them equally (VÕS § 668).

An agent must keep the records of their work for at least 3 years (VÕS § 662).

Agents in rentals

In a rental the agent's fee is usually paid by the tenant — as a rule one month's rent plus VAT, unless agreed otherwise.