# Property agent commission in Singapore: negotiable, GST and who to pay

> There is no standard commission, so what to agree before you sign, how GST applies, who you pay and when, and what exclusive and non-exclusive agreements mean for you.

- Tool: [Property Agent Commission Calculator](https://toolsg.com/en/property-agent-commission-calculator)
- Language: en (available: en, zh)
- Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28
- Source site: ToolSG — a planning guide, not official or financial advice. Cite the agencies listed under Sources.

## Key figures at a glance

| Fact | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Commission rate | Not fixed, you can negotiate — The amount or rate should be written in the Prescribed Estate Agency Agreement before you sign. | [CEA](https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/what-to-take-note-of-when-engaging-a-property-agent/) |
| GST on commission | 9%, only if the agency is GST-registered — Ask whether the quote includes or excludes GST. | [CEA](https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/what-to-take-note-of-when-engaging-a-property-agent/) |
| Who you pay | The agency, not the agent — Payable once the property transaction is completed. | [CEA](https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/what-to-take-note-of-when-engaging-a-property-agent/) |
| Exclusive agreement | One agency, up to 3 months — Commission may be owed even if you transact on your own during that period. | [CEA](https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/what-to-take-note-of-when-engaging-a-property-agent/) |

## There is no standard commission

CEA says commissions are not fixed and you are free to negotiate the amount or rate. That is why this calculator does not assume a rate: enter what you agreed, as a percentage, a flat fee or, for a tenancy, months of rent.

## Get it in writing

Agree the amount or rate with the agency before you sign, and have it written in the **Prescribed Estate Agency Agreement**. The same document should say whether the figure includes or excludes GST.

## How GST applies

Only **GST-registered** agencies can charge GST, so ask. If your quote excludes GST, the calculator adds 9%. If it includes GST, the calculator shows how much of the total is GST. If the agency is not GST-registered, choose no GST.

## Worked examples

| Case | Total payable | Effective rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sell at $600,000, 1% plus GST | $6,540 | 1.09% |
| Sell at $600,000, 1% including GST | $6,000 | 1% |
| Rent out at $3,500 for 24 months, one month of rent plus GST | $3,815 | 4.54% of total rent |

## Who you pay and when

Pay **the property agency, not the individual agent**. Once the property transaction is completed, you need to honour the deal and pay the agreed commission.

## Exclusive and non-exclusive agreements

- **Exclusive.** You appoint one agency for up to three months. You still owe commission if you transact on your own or through another agency during that period, and for three months after it ends if the deal is with a party the agency introduced.
- **Non-exclusive.** You appoint more than one agency with no set validity period, and you pay only the one that completes the transaction.

## One agent, one side

A property agent can act for only one party in a transaction and must collect commission only from that party. An agent may help the other party with paperwork if you consent and the agent makes clear they are neither acting for nor collecting fees from that party.

## Common mistakes

- **Assuming a standard rate.** There is none.
- **Not asking about GST.** The same number can mean two different totals.
- **Paying the agent personally.** Pay the agency.
- **Signing an exclusive agreement without noting its term.** You may owe commission after you change your mind.

## Related tools

- [HDB sale proceeds calculator](https://toolsg.com/en/hdb-sale-proceeds-calculator) — what you keep after selling.
- [Seller's Stamp Duty calculator](https://toolsg.com/en/seller-stamp-duty-calculator) — SSD on an early sale.
- [Rental stamp duty calculator](https://toolsg.com/en/rental-stamp-duty-calculator) — stamp duty on the tenancy.
- [GST calculator](https://toolsg.com/en/gst-calculator) — add or remove GST on any amount.

## Frequently asked questions

**What is the standard property agent commission in Singapore?**

There is none. CEA says commissions are not fixed and you can negotiate the amount or rate with the agency.

**Is GST charged on agent commission?**

Only if the agency is GST-registered. Check whether your quote includes or excludes GST.

**Who do I pay the commission to?**

The property agency, not the individual agent, once the transaction is completed.

**Can an agent charge both buyer and seller?**

No. A property agent can act for only one party and collect commission only from that party.

**Can I agree a flat fee or months of rent?**

Yes, the amount or rate is negotiable. This calculator accepts a percentage, a flat fee or months of rent.

**Is this financial advice?**

No. It calculates from the figure you enter.


## Sources

- [CEA — What to take note of when engaging a property agent](https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/what-to-take-note-of-when-engaging-a-property-agent/) — Negotiable commission, GST, who to pay, exclusive and non-exclusive agreements and dual representation (page updated 13 May 2026).