By law, there is no fixed or mandatory “standard” real estate commission in Ontario. Commissions are entirely negotiable.
However, in the Greater Toronto Area and across most of Ontario, the typical total commission generally ranges from 4% to 5% of the home’s final sale price.
This fee is almost always paid by the seller out of the proceeds of the sale, meaning you do not pay anything upfront out of pocket.
In Ontario, the seller is responsible for paying the real estate commission. The buyer does not pay any agent fees.
When a seller agrees to a total commission rate, that single fee covers the services of both the listing brokerage (your agent) and the co-operating brokerage (the buyer’s agent).
Do you have to pay this upfront? No. You do not need to write a check or pay anything out of pocket to list your home.
The total commission, along with the applicable taxes, is simply deducted from the final sale proceeds by your real estate lawyer on closing day.
The biggest misconception about real estate fees is that your listing agent keeps the entire amount. In reality, the total commission is divided between two brokerages:
The Co-operating Brokerage (Buyer’s Agent): Typically, 2% to 2.5% is offered to the real estate agent who brings the successful buyer to the table. Offering a competitive rate here is crucial, as it incentivizes thousands of local agents to show your property to their qualified buyers.
The Listing Brokerage (Your Agent): The remaining 2% to 2.5% goes to your listing agent. This covers the cost of marketing your property, preparing the listing, hosting showings, and managing the legal negotiations.
You shouldn’t have to overpay to get an experienced Realtor on your side.
That’s why we offer a transparent, tiered commission structure that puts you in complete control of your real estate fees.
Whether you are looking for a streamlined MLS listing on a strict budget, a premium marketing package designed to maximize your final sale price.
Now you can choose the exact level of service that fits your goals—before we even meet.
