Singapore property-agent commission rates are not fixed by CEA.
Negotiate the rate and scope, confirm whether GST applies, and put the payment trigger and termination terms in the prescribed estate agency agreement.
Calculate the all-in amount
A percentage sounds small until converted to dollars. For S$1.2 million at 2%, commission is S$24,000 before GST; apply GST only where the agent business is registered and the agreement provides for it. (CEA engaging a property agent)
Marketing, viewings, negotiation, paperwork and handover can be divided differently. Write deliverables, channels, photography, portal costs and reporting frequency beside the fee.
| Situation | What changes |
|---|---|
| Fee quoted as a percentage | Calculate dollars and GST from the agreed base |
| Flat fee quoted | List included and excluded work |
| Co-broking is proposed | Record how commission sharing affects the client |
| Agreement is exclusive | Read duration, termination and post-termination clauses |
Use the prescribed agreement
The written agreement should identify property, parties, agency, commission and appointment type. Do not rely on a chat message for a high-value obligation. (CEA agreements and checklists)
Exclusive and non-exclusive appointments create different duties and risk of overlapping claims. Record start, end, termination and any continuing entitlement.
Example: At 2% on S$1.2 million, commission is S$24,000. If GST at 9% validly applies, GST is S$2,160 and total is S$26,160. These are labelled calculations, not a recommended rate.
Verify the salesperson
Use the CEA Public Register and contact the property agency through an independently found channel. A valid registration does not authorise the agent to receive transaction money.
Match the invoice to the agreed base, rate, GST treatment and payment trigger. Query a mismatch before paying and keep the signed agreement and invoice.
- Verify the salesperson
- Choose appointment type
- Convert rate to dollars
- Confirm GST treatment
- List included work
- Write payment trigger
- Reconcile the invoice
