Buying agent for a commercial property

A buying agent searches, assesses and negotiates on behalf of the buyer of commercial real estate. The costs are typically 0.75% to 1.5% of the purchase price or a fixed amount, and are paid by the buyer. Is it worth it? For a first purchase, for tenanted real estate or for a property outside your own region, a good buying agent often pays for themselves in price and terms; if you are buying a simple property that you know well, it is less necessary.

What exactly does a buying agent do?

He searches for properties that meet your criteria, verifies the figures and legal status, negotiates the price and terms, and guides you through to completion at the notary.

Drafting a search profile: location, surface area, yield, zoning and intended use.
Access to supply that is not (yet) public.
Value test: market rent, initial yield and reference transactions.
Assessment of rental contracts, deposits, indexation and vacancy risk.
Negotiation on price, transfer date and resolutive conditions.
Coordination of building survey, valuation and notary.

What does a buying agent cost?

Count on 0.75% to 1.5% of the purchase price, or a fixed amount of several thousand euros. The buyer pays; the rate is negotiable.

Model	How it works	When favourable
Percentage	0.75 – 1.5% of the purchase price	For smaller purchases
Fixed amount	Pre-agreed amount	For more expensive properties
Hourly rate	€125 – €250 per hour	For a short, targeted instruction
Result-dependent	Part of the negotiated advantage	During sharp negotiations

Pay attention to the withdrawal conditions and whether the fee is also due for a property you introduced yourself.

Due diligence: what needs to be checked?

With commercial real estate, the paperwork carries more weight than the bricks. These points should be on the table before signing.

Ownership, easements and cadastral data (Land Registry).
Zoning and usage possibilities in the environmental plan.
Lease agreements: term, notice period, indexation, security deposit, service charges.
Creditworthiness of the tenants.
Energy label and the sustainability task (offices at least label C).
Soil conditions, asbestos and any environmental permits.
Structural condition: roof, construction, installations and overdue maintenance.
Tax position: VAT-taxed or exempt delivery, adjustment period, transfer tax.
VvE documents and long-term maintenance plan for a split property.

And if you are the one selling?

Opposite a buying agent stands a professional negotiator who knows the file. Ensure your own documents are correct.

Sellers who come to the table with a complete file – lease agreements, energy label, measurement report, maintenance history – maintain their price much better. Missing documents are every buying agent's favourite argument for price reductions.

Do you prefer not to negotiate with professionals? We purchase ourselves, with our own funds and without financing contingencies. You receive a substantiated offer and remain in control of the completion date.

Frequently asked questions

What does a buying agent for a commercial property cost?

Typically 0.75% to 1.5% of the purchase price or a fixed amount of several thousand euros, plus VAT. The buyer pays these costs; they are not deductible from the transfer tax but are often business costs in the case of commercial use.

Is a buying agent mandatory for commercial property?

No. You may negotiate and buy yourself. Only the deed of delivery at the notary is mandatory.

What is the difference with a selling agent?

A selling agent represents the interests of the seller and is paid by the seller; a buying agent does so for the buyer. One agent serving both parties creates a conflict of interest.

Compiled by the Pandverkoop.nl editorial team. Pandverkoop.nl may be the buyer; our offer is not an independent valuation. Our approach and sources policy. Last updated: 2026-09-20.