Do I really save money without an estate agent?

You save the commission, but you bear the risk of a worse price and a longer marketing period. The net proceeds are crucial, not just the commission.

Who pays the estate agent's commission when selling a house?

For single-family homes and flats sold to private buyers, the following applies: If the seller commissions the estate agent, the buyer may not bear a larger share than the seller.

Can I still engage an estate agent later?

Yes. Many owners come to us after an unsuccessful private attempt. It is then important to re-evaluate the price and presentation.

Sell a house with or without an estate agent?

Many owners consider selling their house themselves to save on commission. This can work – if one realistically assesses the effort and risks. Here you will find an honest comparison of both approaches.

What a private sale means

When selling without an estate agent, you handle everything yourself: property valuation, documentation, photos, advertisement, enquiries in the evenings and at weekends, viewings, credit checks, price negotiation, and coordination with the notary's office. This is feasible, but it takes time and requires experience – especially in determining the price.

The most common risks

An excessively high price leaves the house online for a long time and weakens the negotiation position. A price that is too low gives money away. Additionally, there are prospective buyers without secured financing, incomplete documents that delay the notary appointment, and liability issues for undeclared defects.

What an estate agent specifically does

A valuation based on actual sales, professional photos and exposé, targeted outreach to vetted buyers, bundled viewings, negotiation in your interest, and full coordination with the notary's office and bank. For single-family homes, the commission is legally shared between the seller and the private buyer if the seller commissions the estate agent.

Our recommendation

If you have plenty of time, market experience and already have a specific buyer, a private sale can be sensible. In all other cases, an experienced estate agent often leads to a higher net proceeds and significantly less effort. Our initial valuation is free of charge and non-binding.