BC Real Estate
Commission Calculator
Use this free realtor fee calculator to estimate the total cost of selling your home in British Columbia. Whether you're researching realtor commission in BC or want to understand how real estate agent fees work, this tool breaks down exactly what you'll pay — and what you'll keep.
Seller's Agent
$0
Buyer's Agent
$0
GST (5%)
$0
Total Commission
$0
Estimated Seller Receives
$0
Enter a sale price to see your estimate
Results are estimates based on typical BC commission rates (7% on first $100K + 2.4% on balance). Actual rates are negotiable. Consult a real estate professional for accurate figures.
How Real Estate Commission Works in BC
Realtor fees in British Columbia follow a tiered structure and are always negotiable — there is no fixed or standard rate. Canada's federal Competition Act specifically requires realtors to stress there is no set BC real estate agent commission rate. Each real estate professional sets their own rate.
To give you a real example, I charge 7% on the first $100,000 of the sale price and 2.4% on the balance. This is called a blended commission because it involves two percentages on different portions of the sale price. Unlike jurisdictions like California that may use a single flat percentage (e.g., 6%), BC uses this tiered structure — which typically results in lower overall commission rates.
This total commission is then split between the seller's agent (listing agent) and the buyer's agent. The split varies by agent, but a common arrangement is roughly 45% to the buyer's agent and 55% to the seller's agent.
Unlike some provinces, BC does not charge PST on realtor fees — only the 5% federal GST applies to real estate fees in British Columbia.
Important: Commission rates in BC are not fixed by law. They are always negotiable between the seller and their listing agent.
Current Realtor Rates in BC
Realtor commission rates in BC vary depending on your location, property type, and market conditions. In Greater Vancouver, real estate agent fees tend to be slightly lower on a percentage basis because higher property values mean agents earn more per transaction. In the Fraser Valley — including Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford — realtor rates typically follow the same tiered structure but the balance rate may be marginally higher (2.4%–3%) to account for lower average sale prices.
Several factors influence realtor rates in BC:
- Property price — higher-value homes often command lower percentage rates
- Market conditions — in a fast-moving seller's market, some agents offer competitive rates
- Services included — full-service listings (photography, staging, marketing) may carry a different rate than limited-service arrangements
- Agent experience — seasoned agents with strong track records may charge a premium, but often deliver higher sale prices
Compared to other provinces, BC's tiered commission structure generally results in lower overall realtor fees. In Ontario, for example, a flat 5% total commission is common on the full sale price. BC's blended approach — 7% on the first $100,000 and a lower percentage on the balance — means that on a $1 million home, the effective rate works out to roughly 2.86%, well below the national average.
BC Real Estate Commission Structure
| Price Portion | Rate | Example ($1M) |
|---|---|---|
| First $100,000 | 7% | $7,000 |
| Remaining balance | ~2.4% | $21,600 |
| Subtotal | — | $28,600 |
| GST (5%) | 5% | $1,430 |
| Total Commission | — | $30,030 |
The 7% on the first $100,000 is the most common realtor rate in BC. The rate on the remaining balance is where negotiation typically happens — real estate fees can range from 2% to 3.5% on the balance depending on the property, market conditions, and services offered.
Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in BC?
The seller pays the realtor fees in BC in the vast majority of property transactions. The total commission is deducted from the sale proceeds at closing, so buyers typically don't pay realtor fees directly. In rare cases, a seller may choose not to offer a buyer's agent commission — but this is uncommon and more typical with off-MLS transactions.
Important: Sellers and buyers never pay their realtor directly. All commissions in BC are paid to the realtor's brokerage, typically through the lawyers handling the conveyancing, and then distributed to the agent.
How much does a buyer's agent get paid?
The listing agent offers a commission to buyer's agents as part of the cooperation system on the MLS. This buyer agent commission is payable if their client purchases the property. The amount offered to the buying agent varies — there is no standard buyer's agent commission. I can only discuss what I charge and offer.
When is commission paid?
Realtors are typically paid on the Completion Date — the day ownership transfers and funds are exchanged at the Land Titles Office. Note: the Completion Date is not the same as the Possession Date (when the buyer can move in), which is typically a day or two after completion.
GST and Taxes on Real Estate Commission in BC
Real estate commission in BC is subject to the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). There is no Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on real estate commissions.
Example — $1M Sale
The GST is calculated on the total commission amount and is included in what the seller pays at closing.
Note: This is different from GST on the property itself, which only applies to new construction homes — not resale properties. If you're buying a new build, see my GST New Home Rebate Calculator.
How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission in BC
Commission rates are always negotiable. Here's how to approach the conversation:
Understand what you're paying for
Ask your agent exactly what services are included. Full-service typically means professional photography, virtual tours, MLS listing, open houses, marketing, and negotiation support. If you don't need all services, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate.
Consider the property price
Agents are often more flexible on higher-priced homes. On a $2M property, even a small percentage reduction represents significant savings.
Look at market conditions
In a hot seller's market where homes sell quickly, you may have more leverage. In a slower market, agents may be less willing to reduce their rate since more work is required.
Get multiple opinions
Interview 2-3 agents before deciding. Compare not just rates, but also their marketing plans, experience, and track record in your neighbourhood.
Don't sacrifice quality for savings
A skilled agent who negotiates a higher sale price may net you more money even with a higher commission rate. Focus on the bottom line, not just the fee.
Commission Examples at Different Price Points
| Sale Price | Commission | GST (5%) | Total | Seller Receives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $16,600 | $830 | $17,430 | $482,570 |
| $750,000 | $22,600 | $1,130 | $23,730 | $726,270 |
| $1,000,000 | $28,600 | $1,430 | $30,030 | $969,970 |
| $1,500,000 | $40,600 | $2,030 | $42,630 | $1,457,370 |
| $2,000,000 | $52,600 | $2,630 | $55,230 | $1,944,770 |
Calculations use 7% on first $100,000 and 2.4% on balance. Your actual commission may vary based on the rate you negotiate.
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a Home Sale?
A common question I hear is “how much does a listing agent actually make?” The short answer: significantly less than the gross commission number suggests. Here's where the money goes on a typical $1 million sale in BC.
Where commission goes — $1M example
Before pocketing that amount, a realtor also covers ongoing business expenses: marketing and advertising costs for your listing, professional photography and videography, MLS and board fees, errors & omissions insurance, continuing education, and vehicle expenses. These costs can reduce the agent's actual take-home pay to 30–50% of their gross commission share.
For a buyer's agent, the math is similar. They receive their share of the commission from the listing, pay their brokerage split, and cover expenses — all while working with the buyer over weeks or months before a successful purchase. How much commission a realtor makes per transaction varies widely depending on the brokerage agreement, experience level, and local market.
Commercial Real Estate Commission in BC
Commercial real estate commission works differently than residential:
- Rates typically range from 3% to 6% of the sale price
- Leasing commissions are usually calculated as a percentage of total lease value
- Industrial, retail, and office properties may have different rate structures
- Commission is often more negotiable due to higher transaction values
If you're buying or selling commercial property in Surrey, contact me to discuss your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard real estate commission in BC?
The standard structure is 7% on the first $100,000 of the sale price, plus a negotiable rate (typically 2.4% to 3%) on the remaining balance. GST of 5% is added to the total. On a $1,000,000 home, expect total commission around $30,000.
Who pays the realtor commission in BC — buyer or seller?
The seller pays the total commission out of the sale proceeds. This amount is then split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. Buyers typically don't pay their agent directly.
Is real estate commission negotiable in BC?
Yes, commission rates are always negotiable. There is no fixed rate set by law. Factors like property price, market conditions, and services offered all influence what rate you can negotiate.
Do I pay GST or PST on real estate commission?
You pay 5% GST on real estate commission in BC. There is no PST on commission.
How much commission do realtors make in BC?
Commission is split between the buyer's and seller's agents. On a typical transaction, each agent's brokerage receives their portion, and the individual agent then receives a split from their brokerage (often 70-90% depending on their agreement).
Can I sell my home without paying commission?
You can sell privately (For Sale By Owner), but you'll handle all marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. If a buyer is represented by an agent, they may still expect you to pay their agent's commission.
How much does a realtor make on a home sale in BC?
On a typical $1 million home sale in BC, the total commission is approximately $30,030 including GST. This is split between the buyer's and seller's agents. After brokerage fees (20–40%) and business expenses like marketing, photography, and insurance, a listing agent might net $9,000–$13,000 from the sale.
How much does a listing agent make?
A listing (seller's) agent in BC typically receives roughly 55% of the total commission. On a $1 million sale, that's approximately $15,730 before GST. However, agents must pay their brokerage split (often 20–40%), marketing costs, professional photography, MLS fees, and other business expenses from this amount.
How much commission does a realtor make in BC?
Realtor commission in BC is typically structured as 7% on the first $100,000 and a negotiable rate (often 2.4%) on the balance, split between the buyer's and seller's agents. On a $1 million sale, total commission is about $28,600 plus 5% GST. Individual agents don't keep the full amount — they split with their brokerage and cover business expenses.
What are the average realtor fees in BC?
Average realtor fees in BC work out to approximately 2.5–3.5% of the sale price when you factor in the tiered commission structure. For a $1 million home, expect total fees of $28,600–$33,000 plus GST. BC generally has lower commission rates than other Canadian provinces thanks to our tiered structure.
Do buyers pay realtor fees in BC?
In most BC real estate transactions, the seller pays both the listing agent and buyer's agent commissions from the sale proceeds. The commission offered to buyer's agents is set by the seller when listing the property. In rare off-MLS cases where no buyer agent commission is offered, buyers may need to pay their agent directly.
Can you negotiate realtor commission in BC?
Yes, realtor commission is always negotiable in BC. Canada's Competition Act prohibits realtors from suggesting there's a "standard" rate. You can negotiate the percentage, ask about tiered or flat-fee options, or compare rates between agents. Keep in mind that significantly lower commissions may affect the marketing budget or buyer agent cooperation.
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