The real estate market is constantly evolving, and 2025 could mark a turning point for real estate agent fees. New regulations aim to make these fees more transparent and fair for both buyers and sellers. But how will these changes affect professional commissions and working methods?
Who Pays Real Estate Agency Fees?
The allocation of agency fees depends on the sales mandate signed between the seller and the agent or advisor. The seller is free to decide whether these fees will be paid by themselves or by the buyer. This decision must be clearly stated in all listings, with the mention “fees payable by seller” or “fees payable by buyer.”
Fees are only due at the signing of the official deed at the notary’s office. A key point to note: when fees are paid by the buyer, they are added to the sale price and increase the notary’s fee base.
As of 2025, the most common practice is for the seller to bear these costs, simplifying calculations for buyers and improving transaction transparency.
Average Sales Fees: Traditional Agencies vs. Independent Agents
Traditional agencies (ORPI, Century 21, Laforêt, etc.) generally charge sales fees ranging from 6% to 10% of the property’s price. These fees often include fixed costs related to physical branches: rent, staff, local marketing, etc. This partly explains the high commission levels, although service quality may vary from one agency to another.
Conversely, networks of independent real estate agents such as Capifrance offer a more flexible model without structural overhead. This allows them to offer more competitive fees, usually between 5% and 9%, while maintaining close support and using efficient digital tools to broadcast listings widely.
At Capifrance, for example, the independent advisor benefits from the full power of a national network (distribution on more than 100 partner websites, online tracking tools, legal support), while adapting fees to the property's characteristics and the local market context. This more agile approach is often appreciated by sellers looking to manage their budget.
Exclusive Mandate: A Smart Way to Cut Costs
Opting for an exclusive mandate can also help sell quickly and reduce costs in some cases. By entrusting your property to a single advisor, you avoid scattered listings, duplicated ads, and benefit from more committed support.
Advisors implement targeted actions: professional photos, virtual tours, enhanced online visibility, filtered visits, staging advice… All these contribute to increasing the property's attractiveness. This method avoids long delays and repetitive negotiations, often allowing the property to sell at the right price within a reasonable timeframe.
However, choosing the right network is crucial: at Capifrance, the combination of national visibility and local presence offers each project maximum exposure to a large, qualified audience.
2025: More Transparent and Regulated Fees
New regulations introduced in 2025 require real estate professionals to be more transparent about their fees. All fees must now be clearly displayed from the first ad, allowing clients to easily compare offers.
The objective: to make the market more accessible, eliminate unpleasant surprises at signing, and provide a fairer environment for both buyers and sellers. For independent agents, it’s also an opportunity to highlight their model based on flexibility, proximity, and a transparent pricing policy.
Benefits for Clients
For Sellers
This evolution is a real benefit: no more negotiating in the dark—everything is displayed upfront. The ability to compare fees and services makes it easier to choose the right advisor with confidence.
For Buyers
For buyers, fee transparency allows better budgeting, especially regarding notary fees. The growing presence of independent agents offers a credible alternative to traditional agencies, often with a better service-to-fee ratio.
Conclusion
The year 2025 marks a new era for real estate agency fees. More transparent, better regulated, and adapted to a digital market, fee structures are evolving positively for both sellers and buyers. Independent advisors, like those in the Capifrance network, stand out with a leaner structure, powerful tools, and a tailor-made client approach for comprehensive support.
Before choosing a professional to sell your property, take the time to compare fees, services offered, and the strength of their network. The success of your real estate sale or purchase depends on it!
FAQ
Are real estate agency fees the same across France?
No, they vary based on location, property type, the network, and service level. In high-demand areas like Paris or Lyon, fees are often higher.
Independent agent or traditional agency: who offers the best rates when buying?
In most cases, independent agents offer more competitive rates, as they don’t have the expenses of a physical agency. Their compensation is often more flexible and adjustable.
When do you have to pay real estate agency fees?
Fees are only due at the signing of the final deed at the notary’s office. The notary is responsible for transferring them to the professional.
What are the fees for the seller or buyer, and how are they calculated?
Fee calculation formula:
Cost = Sale price × Commission rate
The rate is set in the sales mandate signed with the real estate advisor and is specified in the listing.
Examples based on commission rates between 5% and 9%:
Property Price | 5% Rate | 7% Rate | 9% Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
€150,000 | €7,500 | €10,500 | €13,500 |
€250,000 | €12,500 | €17,500 | €22,500 |
€400,000 | €20,000 | €28,000 | €36,000 |
€600,000 | €30,000 | €42,000 | €54,000 |
What are rental management fees and what are they for?
Rental management fees are the compensation for a professional responsible for managing a rental property on behalf of the owner. These fees cover services like tenant search, lease drafting, rent collection, charge adjustments, maintenance follow-up, and daily management of tenant relations. On average, standard management fees range between 6% and 10% of the rent collected (excluding charges). Additional one-time fees may apply for specific services such as property listing or the move-in inspection. For landlords, these fees represent a cost, but they also offer peace of mind and professional management of their property.
Author:
Frédéric REMY, Director of Commercial Performance at Capifrance
"As a real estate professional for several years within the Capifrance network, I’m pleased to share with you essential advice to help you succeed in your real estate project with our advisors."
Also read:
Notary Fees:
What are the notary fees for buying an older home?
A notary fee increase expected from June 2025
