Selling property: which route suits you?

You sell a property via an estate agent (highest asking price, 4 to 12 months, 1 to 2% commission), via an auction (fast, but uncertain proceeds), or directly to a fixed buyer (offer within days, no commission, transfer in 2 to 6 weeks). The right route depends on your time, the type of property, and whether it is tenanted.

Three ways to sell a property

Real estate agent, auction or direct sale: each route trades off proceeds, certainty and speed differently.

Route	Lead time	Seller's costs	Certainty
Real estate agent	4 – 12 months	1 – 2% commission + VAT, marketing	Depending on buyer's financing proviso
Auction	6 – 10 weeks	Auction costs, proceeds uncertain	High after awarding, price unpredictable
Direct sale to regular buyer	2 – 6 weeks	No commission	High: no financing contingency

Step-by-step plan: how to sell your property

Determine a realistic value, for example with our value calculation tool or a valuation.
Gather documents: title deed, floor plans, energy label, lease agreements, and maintenance history.
Choose the sales route that fits your timeline.
Evaluate offers on price and conditions (provisos, completion date).
Sign the purchase agreement and schedule the completion at the notary.

What are the costs to sell a property?

When selling via an estate agent, you pay commission (1 – 2% + VAT) and often marketing costs. With a direct sale, you pay no commission. The transfer tax is borne by the buyer.

Calculation example: at a selling price of €750,000 and 1.5% commission plus 21% VAT, you pay over €13,600 to the agent. Calculate your own situation with the agent costs calculation aid.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can I sell my property?

With a direct sale, you receive an offer within 24 hours and delivery can take place within 2 to 6 weeks. Via an estate agent, it takes on average 4 to 12 months.

Can I sell a tenanted property?

Yes. Sale does not terminate lease: the lease agreements transfer to the buyer. For investors, a rented property is actually attractive.

Who pays the transfer tax?

When selling a property, the buyer pays the transfer tax, unless otherwise agreed.

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: 2026-10-12.