Real Estate Agent Fees — Broker Commissions

Who pays for the broker?

Since 2015, Germany has implemented the Bestellerprinzip (ordering principle):

Whoever orders the broker, pays.

Apartment Rental

• If the landlord hired a broker → landlord pays
• If you're searching through a broker → you pay (rare)

In practice: For private apartment rentals, tenants typically do NOT pay commission.

Buying an apartment/house

Rules are different here:
- Commission split 50/50 between buyer and seller
- Or only seller pays (depends on region)

How much is the commission?

Rental:
- Maximum 2 months' cold rent + VAT
- Approximately ~2.38 months' net rent

Purchase:
- 3-7% of purchase price + VAT
- Depends on region

When do you NOT pay commission?

• Rental through SAGA/GWG (Hamburg)
• Directly from owner (private)
• Listings marked "provisionsfrei" (commission-free)
• Housing cooperatives

Protection against fraud

Red flags:
- Commission before apartment viewing
- Commission for just viewing
- No written contract with broker
- Commission for rental from private owner

Your rights

• Broker must have a written contract with you
• Commission is due only after signing rental/purchase agreement
• You can negotiate commission amount

Editorial hamboorg.city · As of: April 2026 · Carefully prepared, regularly updated. Content is informational and does not replace legal advice.