Estate agent fees when selling an apartment: what do they cost?

How much does an estate agent charge?

The agent’s fee is agreed in the brokerage contract. In Estonia it’s often a percentage of the sale price — commonly in the 2–4% range — or a fixed amount, and VAT may be added on top. The exact fee depends on the agency, the apartment’s price and the terms of the contract.

Beyond the fee itself, check whether the agent charges separately for things like listings or photos, and whether the contract gives the agent exclusive rights and a minimum term.

Worked example

If the apartment sells for €150,000 and the agent’s fee is 3%, the fee comes to €4,500. With 24% VAT added, the total cost is €5,580. On top of that, a sale typically takes several weeks or months.

When is an agent worth it?

If you have time, the apartment is in good condition and there’s demand in the market, an agent can help you achieve a higher sale price that covers the fee. A good agent also handles the viewings, negotiations and paperwork.

But if you need the money by a certain date, the apartment needs renovation, or you don’t want to deal with viewings and waiting, a direct buyer may be the better option. Kinn.ee charges no commission, we pay the notary and transaction fees, and the money reaches your account within 7 days. A direct buyer’s offer reflects the fact that we take on the time and the risk, so it’s worth comparing.

How the sale works

1. 1Enter the apartment address and a few basic details — it takes a couple of minutes.
2. 2You get our offer within 24 hours. The offer doesn’t commit you to anything.
3. 3If the offer suits you, we sign the deal at a notary and the money reaches your account within 7 days.

Frequently asked questions