Who Pays the Agent's Commission When Buying Property in the Philippines?

Which side pays

Told not to worry about commission, but cannot say who pays the person showing you units? → Let Yixing set out the service relationship and fee structure first

In Philippine sales, commission is generally carried by the seller side and shared under their own arrangements. In new projects the sales and marketing teams are paid by the developer, not by you.

That does not mean a buyer has no costs. Budget instead for transaction taxes and registration charges allocated by law and contract, and for professional services you engage yourself. Three separate things; do not negotiate them as one. Rates and practice vary, so rely on what is agreed in writing.

Who pays matters more than how much

Payment defines position. When the fee comes from the seller, closing is the agent's job. That is structure, not character, and the useful conclusion is that buyer-side scrutiny is not something you get for free: title verification, contract review and structuring are either your work or work you pay for; see whether to engage a lawyer.

Roles differ too; see broker, agent and sales representative compared.

Raise it at first contact

1. Who pays you — the seller, the developer, or me?
2. Whom do you represent, and how are conflicts handled if both sides?
3. What is in and out of scope — viewings, negotiation, document follow-up, attendance at inspection?

Record clear answers in writing, even as a message. Unclear answers mean everything that follows rests on ambiguity.

Four statements to question on the spot

"Pay me a viewing or good-faith amount first." Any payment needs a named payee, a stated nature, refund conditions and an official receipt; see reservation fees and refunds. "I got you this price, so look after me." Changes to a fee structure belong in writing. "Only I have this listing." Exclusivity is fine; information lockout is not — see using listing platforms. "It is a standard contract." Fee terms are terms.

Leasing follows different customs

Who bears the fee, how it is computed and when it falls due are all different in leasing; see rental commission in the Philippines. Also confirm licensing, which determines whether a person may lawfully broker at all; see checking a broker's licence.

Yixing (SEC CS202009551 · BI CA-202624381-1) states scope and fee structure before work begins rather than relying on grey areas.