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Real estate commission payment in Argentina follows different rules depending on whether you're buying, selling, or renting a property. The payment structure varies significantly between Buenos Aires City and other provinces, with recent legal reforms creating clearer guidelines for residential rentals.
Understanding who pays the agent's commission can save you thousands of dollars and prevent unexpected costs during your property transaction. Commission rates range from 3-4% for property sales to one month's rent for rentals, but the responsibility for payment differs based on location and transaction type.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Argentina, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
In Argentina, property sale commissions of 3-4% are typically split between buyer and seller, while rental commissions vary by location.
Buenos Aires City protects tenants by requiring landlords to pay all rental commissions, but outside the capital, tenants often pay one month's rent as commission.
| Transaction Type | Who Pays Commission | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Property Sale | Buyer & Seller (split) | 3-4% of sale price |
| Rental in Buenos Aires City | Landlord only | Up to 1 month's rent |
| Rental outside Buenos Aires | Usually tenant | 1 month's rent |
| Commercial rentals | Negotiable | Varies by agreement |
| Luxury properties | Negotiable split | May be lower than 3% |
Who usually pays the real estate agent's commission when buying or renting a property in Argentina?
The payment responsibility for real estate agent commissions in Argentina depends entirely on whether you're buying or renting a property, and where the property is located.
For property purchases, both the buyer and seller typically share the commission costs. This means you'll likely pay part of the agent's fee even as a buyer, unlike in some countries where sellers cover all commission expenses. The exact split can be negotiated between parties, but shared responsibility is the standard practice across Argentina.
For rental properties, the rules vary dramatically by location. In Buenos Aires City (CABA), landlords must pay the entire commission for residential leases since 2017, meaning tenants face zero commission costs. However, outside Buenos Aires City, tenants usually pay the full commission, which typically equals one month's rent.
This regional difference creates significant cost variations for renters. A tenant signing a lease in Buenos Aires City saves approximately $500-1,500 compared to renting the same property in Buenos Aires Province, where they would pay the commission themselves.
How is the commission percentage calculated in Argentina and is it different for sales versus rentals?
Commission rates in Argentina follow different structures for sales versus rentals, with sales using percentage-based calculations and rentals using flat-rate systems.
For property sales, agents charge 3-4% of the total transaction price. On a $200,000 property purchase, you can expect total commission costs between $6,000-8,000, typically split between buyer and seller. This means each party pays approximately $3,000-4,000 in commission fees.
Rental commissions use a flat-rate system based on monthly rent amounts. The standard commission equals one month's rent, regardless of the lease duration. For a $1,000 monthly rental, the commission would be exactly $1,000, whether you sign a one-year or three-year lease.
Commercial properties and luxury transactions often see negotiated rates below these standards. High-value property sales may secure commission rates as low as 2-2.5%, while premium rental properties might negotiate reduced flat fees.
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Does the buyer ever have to pay part of the commission, or is it always the seller's responsibility?
Buyers in Argentina routinely pay part of the real estate commission, making this market different from countries where sellers cover all agent fees.
The standard practice involves splitting the 3-4% total commission between buyer and seller, with each party typically paying 1.5-2% of the purchase price. This shared responsibility is written into most purchase agreements and considered normal market practice throughout Argentina.
Buyers can sometimes negotiate for sellers to cover more commission, particularly in buyer's markets or when purchasing multiple properties from the same developer. However, expecting sellers to pay the entire commission is unrealistic in most transactions and may weaken your negotiating position on price.
First-time foreign buyers often find this cost structure surprising, so budget approximately 2% of your purchase price for commission expenses. On a $150,000 property, plan for roughly $3,000 in commission costs beyond your down payment and closing fees.
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For rentals, is the tenant required to pay the agent's commission, or does the landlord cover it?
Rental commission payment depends entirely on the property's location within Argentina, with Buenos Aires City offering unique tenant protections not found elsewhere.
In Buenos Aires City (CABA), tenants pay zero commission for residential rentals due to Law 5859 enacted in 2017. Landlords must cover the entire agent commission, which typically equals one month's rent. This law applies only to residential leases, not commercial properties.
Outside Buenos Aires City, including Buenos Aires Province and all other Argentine provinces, tenants usually pay the full commission. This creates a one-month rent upfront cost beyond security deposits and advance payments.
The financial impact is substantial for renters. A tenant renting a $800/month apartment in Buenos Aires City pays no commission, while the same tenant in La Plata (Buenos Aires Province) would pay $800 upfront in commission fees.
Always verify the property's exact location before signing rental agreements, as areas like Vicente López or San Isidro (Buenos Aires Province) follow different rules than Buenos Aires City proper.
Are there provincial differences, for example in Buenos Aires versus other regions of Argentina, regarding who pays the commission?
Provincial differences in commission payment create a patchwork of rules across Argentina, with Buenos Aires City standing as the major exception to national practices.
| Region | Sales Commission | Rental Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires City (CABA) | Split buyer/seller | Landlord pays all |
| Buenos Aires Province | Split buyer/seller | Tenant usually pays |
| Córdoba Province | Split buyer/seller | Tenant usually pays |
| Santa Fe Province | Split buyer/seller | Tenant usually pays |
| Mendoza Province | Split buyer/seller | Tenant usually pays |
| Rosario | Split buyer/seller | Tenant usually pays |
| Mar del Plata | Split buyer/seller | Tenant usually pays |
What is the standard commission rate charged by real estate agents in Argentina today?
As of September 2025, Argentine real estate commission rates remain relatively stable despite ongoing economic fluctuations in the country.
Property sales generate commission rates between 3-4% of the transaction price, with 3.5% being the most common rate in major cities. Luxury properties above $500,000 sometimes secure reduced rates of 2.5-3%, while properties under $100,000 may face slightly higher percentages.
Rental commissions equal one month's rent regardless of lease duration or property value. A $600/month apartment generates a $600 commission, while a $2,500/month luxury rental creates a $2,500 commission fee.
Regional variations exist but remain minimal. Buenos Aires commands the highest rates due to market demand, while smaller cities like Tucumán or Salta may accept slightly lower percentages for sales transactions.
Commission rates have remained stable throughout 2024-2025 despite Argentina's currency volatility, as most transactions now price in US dollars for stability.
Are these commission rates regulated by law or are they negotiated between the parties?
Real estate commission rates in Argentina are primarily market-driven rather than legally mandated, with few exceptions for specific transaction types and locations.
No national law sets fixed commission percentages for property sales, allowing agents and clients to negotiate rates freely. The 3-4% standard reflects market competition rather than legal requirements, meaning you can potentially negotiate lower rates for high-value transactions or multiple property purchases.
Buenos Aires City provides the main regulatory exception through Law 5859, which caps rental commissions at zero cost for residential tenants. This law doesn't set commission rates but prohibits charging tenants any commission fees for residential lease agreements.
Professional real estate associations like Colegio de Martilleros suggest commission ranges, but these serve as guidelines rather than binding regulations. Individual agents can accept lower rates or charge premiums based on service levels and market conditions.
Always negotiate commission rates before signing exclusive representation agreements, as flexibility exists within market norms for most transaction types.
What recent legal reforms in Argentina have changed the rules about who pays the commission, especially for residential rentals?
The most significant recent reform affecting real estate commissions occurred in Buenos Aires City with the implementation of Law 5859 in 2017, fundamentally changing rental market dynamics.
This law prohibits charging residential tenants any commission fees in Buenos Aires City, transferring the entire cost burden to landlords. The reform aimed to reduce rental barriers and protect tenant rights in Argentina's most expensive rental market.
National discussions about deregulating real estate agent requirements continue in 2025, with some congressional proposals seeking to eliminate licensing requirements nationwide. However, these broader reforms haven't affected commission payment structures as of September 2025.
The Buenos Aires City law remains unique within Argentina, creating a significant regulatory island that doesn't extend to surrounding municipalities or other provinces. Recent challenges to expand these protections nationwide have failed to gain legislative traction.
Property investors should monitor potential federal reforms, as changes to agent regulations could eventually impact commission structures across Argentina.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Argentina versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
If the tenant is responsible, how much is the maximum commission they can legally be charged in Buenos Aires?
In Buenos Aires City (CABA), tenants cannot legally be charged any commission for residential rental agreements, making the maximum legal commission exactly zero dollars.
Law 5859 completely prohibits real estate agents from charging residential tenants commission fees within Buenos Aires City boundaries. This protection applies to all residential lease agreements, regardless of property value or lease duration.
Outside Buenos Aires City, no legal maximums exist for rental commissions. Buenos Aires Province, Córdoba, and other regions allow agents to charge whatever the market accepts, typically one month's rent but potentially more for luxury properties.
The zero-commission rule in Buenos Aires City applies only to residential properties. Commercial leases, office rentals, and retail spaces don't receive these protections, allowing agents to charge standard market rates to business tenants.
Tenants should verify property addresses carefully, as areas like San Telmo fall within Buenos Aires City (protected), while similar neighborhoods like Avellaneda fall within Buenos Aires Province (not protected).
In practice, do real estate agents sometimes ask both parties (buyer/seller or tenant/landlord) to contribute to the commission?
Argentine real estate agents commonly request commission contributions from both parties in transactions, particularly for property sales where this practice is standard market procedure.
For property purchases, asking both buyer and seller to pay commission portions is universal practice rather than an unusual request. Most purchase agreements automatically split commission costs, with buyers paying 1.5-2% and sellers covering the remaining 1.5-2% of the total commission.
In rental transactions outside Buenos Aires City, agents may request partial contributions from both landlords and tenants, especially in competitive rental markets. However, tenants typically bear the full commission cost in these areas.
Some agents attempt creative fee structures, such as asking buyers for "administrative fees" separate from commission or requesting landlords in Buenos Aires City to pay "marketing fees" beyond standard commission. These practices often violate local regulations and should be questioned.
Always clarify commission payment responsibilities in writing before engaging any agent, as verbal agreements about fee splitting often lead to disputes during closing processes.
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Are there common ways to negotiate the commission with agents in Argentina to reduce the cost?
Several negotiation strategies can effectively reduce real estate commission costs in Argentina's flexible market environment.
1. **Multiple property transactions**: Purchasing several properties from the same agent or developer often secures commission discounts of 0.5-1%, reducing costs from 3.5% to 2.5-3% per property.2. **High-value property leverage**: Properties above $300,000 provide stronger negotiating positions, with agents more willing to accept reduced rates to secure large transactions.3. **Exclusive representation agreements**: Offering agents exclusive selling or buying rights for extended periods (60-90 days) can justify commission reductions in exchange for guaranteed business.4. **Cash transaction premiums**: All-cash purchases without financing contingencies allow for commission negotiations, as agents prefer quick, certain closings.5. **Direct developer relationships**: Working directly with property developers rather than third-party agents can eliminate buyer-side commissions entirely on new construction projects.Timing negotiations appropriately increases success rates. Approach commission discussions after establishing rapport but before signing representation agreements, when agents remain motivated to secure your business.
What extra fees besides the commission should a buyer or tenant expect to pay when dealing with a real estate agent in Argentina?
Beyond commission costs, property transactions in Argentina involve several additional fees that buyers and tenants should anticipate in their budgets.
Property buyers face substantial closing costs beyond commission payments. Notary fees range from 1-2% of the purchase price, while property registration costs add another 0.5-1%. Stamp duty taxes vary by province but typically cost 2-4% of the transaction value. Legal due diligence fees for title verification and document review add 1-2% to total costs.
Rental transactions involve smaller but significant additional expenses. Security deposits equal 1-2 months' rent, while advance rent payments require another 1-2 months upfront. Document authentication and contract stamping fees add $50-200 to move-in costs. Some agents charge administrative fees for lease processing, though these often represent questionable add-on charges.
Foreign buyers and tenants face additional documentation costs, including CDI tax ID applications, document translations, and apostille certifications that can total $500-1,500 depending on complexity.
Budget approximately 6-10% of purchase price for total transaction costs when buying property, or 3-4 months' rent for move-in expenses when renting outside Buenos Aires City.
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Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Understanding real estate commission structures in Argentina is crucial for successful property transactions, whether you're buying, selling, or renting.
The regional differences, particularly Buenos Aires City's tenant protections, create unique opportunities and considerations that can significantly impact your transaction costs and overall investment strategy.
Sources
- The LatinVestor - Argentina Property Buying Guide
- The Wandering Investor - Buenos Aires Real Estate Market
- BA Expats - Real Estate Commission Discussion
- Gateway to South America - Real Estate Agent Regulations
- The LatinVestor - Argentina Property Taxes
- Global Property Guide - Argentina Rental Yields