Last Updated on September 28, 2026
In the Singapore real estate market, we should engage a real estate agent to help buyers and sellers. In this article, we look at the crucial role agents play and their cost.
Importance of Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents play a key role to buy and sell properties in Singapore. They provide expert guidance so that buyers and sellers can navigate through the market properly.
Types of Real Estate Agents
In Singapore, agents are classified into buyers as well as seller agents.
- A buyer’s agent works for the buyer, while the seller’s agent works for the seller.
- In Singapore, agents are not allowed to represent both parties in one transaction to avoid conflicts of interest.
The Role of Real Estate Agents
To help home buyers find homes that meet their needs; provide information on the state of the market; and negotiate prices. Their vast knowledge and experience make the process simpler so clients save time and enjoy less stress.
Seller’s Agents
They supply sellers with important market information to set the right price for their home. They work to come up with a marketing strategy and screen buyers and negotiate for you. They also ensure compliance and efficiency throughout the process by assisting in legal matters.
Buyer’s Agents
A buyer’s agent works exclusively for you as the buyer. They shortlist properties that match your budget and requirements, arrange viewings, run checks on the property and seller before you commit, and negotiate the price on your behalf. Because they are paid by their own client rather than by the seller, their job is to represent your interests in the deal, not close the sale as quickly as possible.
Buyer’s Agent vs Seller’s Agent: What’s the Difference?
The core difference is who each agent represents. A buyer’s agent is engaged by, and acts for, the person purchasing the property — helping with search, due diligence, and negotiating a lower price. A seller’s agent (sometimes called a listing agent) is engaged by the property owner — helping set the asking price, market the listing, and negotiate the best price for the seller. Under CEA rules, the same agent cannot represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, so each side typically has its own agent, and each is paid by their own client.
Can You Buy or Sell a House Without an Agent?
Yes, it’s legal to buy or sell property in Singapore without an agent, and some sellers do it to avoid paying commission. But going it alone shifts all the work, and all the risk, onto you. Without an agent, you are more likely to:
- Overlook serious defects in a property that a trained eye would catch during viewing.
- Skip a proper background check on the buyer, seller, or the property’s title and outstanding charges.
- Misjudge the right price, either overpaying as a buyer or under-pricing as a seller.
- Miss required paperwork or deadlines, such as Option to Purchase conditions or stamp duty timelines.
- Struggle to negotiate objectively, especially in transactions involving friends or family.
A DIY transaction can work for straightforward deals between parties who already know and trust each other. For most other cases, it’s worth seeking professional help even when friends or family are involved, since a neutral third party keeps the process on track and avoids strained relationships if something goes wrong.
Agent Fees
According to the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), commission rates are not regulated; and therefore this fee is determined by the market.
- Agent fees are usually charged as a percentage of the transacted price of the property, and can be negotiated before signing a service agreement.
- Ensure payment of fees to the agency and not to individual agents directly.
Fee Structure
HDB Flats
- New flats: No agent fees.
- For second-hand flats, seller pays 2% + GST to their agent, while the buyer pays the same to theirs.
Condominiums
- New Developments’ Buyer Agent Commission Paid By Developer.
- Usually on resale, seller pays 2% + GST, which is shared with buyer’s agent.
Choosing the Right Agent
When choosing your agent, what do you look for?
- The services on offer.
- Their fees.
- What are their past experiences?
Ask to clarify all details of fees and costs and GST. Keep in mind that the agency, not the agent, earns the commission.
If you’ve decided to work with an agent, see our guides on how to find a good property agent in Singapore, how to choose between agents once you have a shortlist, and how to verify an agent’s CEA registration before you sign anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an agent to buy a house in Singapore?
No, it isn’t a legal requirement. But a buyer’s agent gives you market knowledge, access to listings, and negotiating support at no direct cost to you in most residential deals, since the buyer’s agent’s fee is often built into how commissions are split rather than charged separately.
Do I need an agent to sell my house?
No, but selling without one means you handle pricing, marketing, viewings, and negotiation yourself. An experienced seller’s agent typically has access to a wider pool of buyers and current transaction data to help you price competitively.
Can I buy a house without a realtor in Singapore?
Yes. You can deal directly with the seller or the seller’s agent. Just be aware you’ll be responsible for your own due diligence, since there won’t be a buyer’s agent working exclusively on your behalf.
Who pays the agent when I sell my house?
The seller typically pays their own agent’s commission. If a buyer’s agent is involved, that agent is usually paid by the buyer, though the exact split can vary and should be clarified upfront in the agency agreement.
Conclusion
To enhance the property transaction process and safeguard your interest, it is a good idea to engage an experienced agent from the very first step. This collaboration can save you considerable time, effort and money.
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