When selling an apartment for 250,000 euros through an iad advisor, the “fees” line on the sales agreement can represent several thousand euros. Understanding how this amount is calculated allows for anticipating the actual net seller amount and avoiding unpleasant surprises at the time of signing with the notary. iad’s agency fees follow a logic specific to the independent agent model, different from that of a traditional agency with a storefront.
Impact of the DPE on iad fees: a little-known lever
Since the rise of the Climate and Resilience law, the energy performance of a property directly influences its resale value. A property classified as F or G suffers a depreciation that complicates price negotiation.
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The LPI-SeLoger Barometer from September 2024 indicates a rise in specific commercial policies for F and G properties. Specifically, several networks are adjusting their fee scales by offering targeted discounts on energy-inefficient properties to compensate for this depreciation. At iad, as elsewhere, it is observed that advisors sometimes adjust their rates to remain competitive in this segment.
For a seller, this means that an unfavorable DPE is not just a barrier to sale: it is also a concrete argument for discussing the level of commission. Before signing a mandate, it is worth asking the iad advisor this question directly.
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An article detailing the calculation of iad agency fees shows that the scale applied varies according to the price range of the property, which mechanically opens a margin for discussion on the final fees.
iad fee scale and concrete calculation of selling costs
The iad network operates with independent advisors, without commercial premises to finance. This streamlined structure generally results in lower fees than those of traditional agencies with a storefront in the city center.
In France, agency commissions are freely set by each professional. There is no legally imposed scale. At iad, fees are calculated as a percentage of the sale price, with a rate that decreases as the price of the property increases. This decreasing system means that an apartment sold at a high price generates a proportionally lower rate than a modest studio.
What the iad commission actually covers
The remuneration of the iad advisor is not limited to posting an advertisement. It includes several concrete services:
- The property valuation, often carried out based on databases of comparable transactions and an on-site visit
- The drafting and dissemination of the advertisement on major real estate portals, with optimized photos and descriptions
- The organization and conduct of viewings, the selection of serious buyers, and the follow-up of offers
- Administrative support up to the signing of the authentic deed with the notary
The iad advisor receives a portion of the total commission. The remainder goes back to the network to finance digital tools, training, and structure. This sharing explains why the rate displayed to the client does not correspond to the net income of the advisor.
Fees charged to the seller or the buyer: consequences on financing
The question of who pays the agency fees is not just an administrative formality. It has a direct impact on the buyer’s financial arrangement.
When the fees are borne by the buyer, most banks agree to include them in the amount of the mortgage loan. The buyer therefore does not need to pay them out of their own funds. Conversely, if the fees are borne by the seller, the price displayed in the advertisement is a “fees included” (FAI) price, and the buyer’s notary fees are calculated on a lower net price.
This distinction should be clearly addressed with the iad advisor as soon as the mandate is signed. Depending on the profile of the target buyer (first-time buyer with little equity, investor), the choice can influence the speed of the sale.
DGCCRF controls on the display of fees
Since 2023, the DGCCRF has strengthened its controls on the transparency of fees in real estate advertisements. Its report published in February 2024 highlights a still significant rate of non-compliance regarding the mention “fees charged to the seller or the buyer.” The absence or ambiguity of this information can lead to administrative fines.
In this regard, iad advisors are subject to the same obligations as any professional under the Hoguet law. When consulting an iad advertisement, the percentage of fees including tax and the party bearing them must be displayed visibly.
Negotiating iad agency fees: real margins and limits
The fees of an iad advisor are not set in stone. Like any agency, the commission is negotiable within the limits that the professional accepts. Feedback varies on this point: some advisors grant a discount on high-priced properties, while others refuse any discussion below a certain threshold.
The margin for negotiation depends on several concrete factors:
- The price of the property: the higher it is, the greater the absolute amount of the commission, which leaves room for dialogue
- The estimated ease of sale: a property in a tense area with little work sells quickly, which may justify an effort from the advisor
- The type of mandate: an exclusive mandate, which guarantees the advisor to be the only intermediary, often offers leverage to obtain a reduced rate
Before negotiating, it is beneficial to compare the proposed rate with local market practices. The average cost of agency fees in France is around the lower range for agents compared to traditional agencies, but each situation remains specific.
The mandate signed with an iad advisor must explicitly mention the amount or percentage of the fees. Any subsequent modification requires a written amendment. Checking this point before committing avoids late discussions that complicate the transaction.