Cost guide · Updated July 2026

Real estate agent commission in NZ

Real estate commission in New Zealand is a percentage of the sale price plus GST, usually tiered, with a higher rate on the first portion and a lower rate above a threshold. Published 2026 guides put it at roughly 2.5% to 4% plus GST, which works out around $23,000 to $32,000 on an $800,000 sale.

Written by The Contractor Hub.

Indicative ranges

Commission rate (of sale price, + GST)	2.5% to 4%
On an $800,000 sale	around $23,000 to $32,000
On a $1,200,000 sale	around $34,000 to $48,000

Indicative only, compiled July 2026 from the published New Zealand guides listed below. Treat these as a sanity check, then get written quotes.

What moves the price

Commission is negotiable, and the structure (flat versus tiered) changes the total, so compare the whole figure, not just the headline rate.
Marketing and advertising are usually charged on top of commission and paid by the vendor. Confirm what's included.
Commission is typically due on an unconditional sale or at settlement; no sale usually means no commission.

Common questions

Is real estate commission negotiable?

Yes. The rate and structure are a matter of agreement in the agency agreement. Compare the total cost across agents, and read the agreement before signing.

How do I check an agent is licensed?

Every agent must hold a Real Estate Authority (REA) licence. It's shown on their TCH profile, with a Verified badge and the date where we've checked it against the register, alongside reviews from past vendors.

Sources

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