In the real estate sector, the term “courtage” refers to the commission or fee that a real estate agent receives for their services. These services typically consist of finding a suitable buyer or tenant for a property and facilitating the conclusion of a purchase or lease agreement. The real estate agent’s commission represents compensation for the services rendered by the agent, which include, among other things, showing the property, preparing property listings, and conducting negotiations. The commission for real estate purchases is not set by law and is usually calculated as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. On average in Germany, it ranges between three and six percent, plus value-added tax. The brokerage fee is usually paid by the buyer or landlord of the property and becomes due upon the conclusion of the brokered contract. When renting an apartment, the brokerage fee can amount to up to two months’ net rent excluding utilities.
It is important to note that in many federal states, the brokerage fee for rentals must now be paid by the landlord and may no longer be passed on to the tenant. The landlord, acting as the client, is therefore obligated to pay the brokerage fee upon signing the lease agreement. In other countries, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, the brokerage fee is generally borne exclusively by the seller. It is important to note that the brokerage fee is only due if the real estate agent actually completes a successful transaction. This means that the sale or rental of the property must actually be finalized for the real estate agent to be entitled to the brokerage fee.
