What is the standard realtor commission in BC?

BC law sets no commission rate. The seller and the listing brokerage agree the amount in the listing contract. A structure often quoted is 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% to 3% on the balance, and this calculator starts from it. That is a description of common practice, not a standard and not a recommendation. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “Listing your home” (service agreements state the remuneration).

Who pays the realtor commission?

The seller, out of the sale proceeds on completion. The conveyancer normally deducts it before releasing the balance, so the seller does not write a cheque. The listing brokerage receives the whole amount and pays the brokerage that brought the buyer the share set in the listing contract. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “What costs come with selling a home”.

How is the commission split between the two agents?

The listing contract states what the listing brokerage will share with a brokerage that brings a buyer. Each brokerage then pays its own agent from its share, so neither figure is what an individual takes home. The buyer-side rates in this calculator are an example to show the split, not a market figure. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “Listing your home”.

Is GST charged on realtor commission?

Yes, at 5%, on the commission and not on the sale price. On a $1,200,000 sale at 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% on the balance, the commission is $34,500, the GST is $1,725, and the total is $36,225. The sale of a resale home is itself not subject to GST; new construction is a separate matter. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “What costs come with selling a home”.

Can I negotiate the commission?

Yes. BC law sets no rate, so the amount is whatever the seller and the brokerage agree in the listing contract before the home is marketed. The contract also states what is shared with a buyer’s brokerage and when commission is payable, normally when the sale completes. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “Listing your home”.

Why does the rate on the balance change with the price here?

The example structure eases from 3% on the balance at sale prices of $500,000 or less to 2.5% at $800,000 or more, moving in proportion in between. Many published calculators use a flat 2.5% on the balance. Leaving the balance field blank uses this example for the price entered; typing a number uses yours. Source: this is an illustration of one commonly quoted structure, not a regulated rate.

BC Realtor Commission Calculator

Name: BC realtor commission calculator
Author: Bronson Job PREC

The listing commission on a BC sale; the rates are editable because British Columbia has no standard rate.

Sale price

Rate on the first $100,000

Rate on the balance

Notes: the balance rate

Left blank, the balance uses a commonly quoted BC structure for a sale this size: 2.5%. That structure eases from 3% to 2.5% on the balance as the price rises, so it moves when you move the price. It is an example of current practice, not a standard and not a recommendation.

To the buyer’s agent, first $100,000

To the buyer’s agent, balance

Notes: the buyer-side offer

The amount offered to the brokerage that brings the buyer is set in the listing contract. The figures here, 3.22% on the first $100,000 and 1.15% on the balance, are an example to show the split. They are not a market figure.

Listing commission, with GST

$36,225

On a $1,200,000 sale the commission is 2.88% of the sale price before tax.

Commission: $34,500
GST on the commission: $1,725

Where the money goes

The seller pays one figure on completion. The listing brokerage receives it and pays the brokerage that brought the buyer out of it, which is why a buyer usually pays nothing directly. At this price the buyer’s side is 46.0% of the commission, which moves with the price because the two rates slide differently. Both figures below include GST.

Listing brokerage: $19,562
Buyer’s brokerage: $16,664

Notes: who gets paid from what

Each brokerage then pays its own agent from its share, so neither figure is what any individual takes home.

Notes: estimate only, confirm with a licensed professional

Estimate only. Confirm with a licensed professional before relying on this number.

How we verify

What the fee pays for

Commission is normally payable when the sale completes. The listing contract states when it falls due and any exceptions, so read it for the exact terms.

Commission is one line in what a sale costs. The mortgage payout, any penalty for breaking it, legal fees and adjustments all come off the same proceeds, which is what the cost of selling a house calculator works out end to end.

Common questions

What is the standard realtor commission in BC?
BC law sets no commission rate. The seller and the listing brokerage agree the amount in the listing contract. A structure often quoted is 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% to 3% on the balance, and this calculator starts from it. That is a description of common practice, not a standard and not a recommendation. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “Listing your home” (service agreements state the remuneration).
Who pays the realtor commission?
The seller, out of the sale proceeds on completion. The conveyancer normally deducts it before releasing the balance, so the seller does not write a cheque. The listing brokerage receives the whole amount and pays the brokerage that brought the buyer the share set in the listing contract. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “What costs come with selling a home”.
How is the commission split between the two agents?
The listing contract states what the listing brokerage will share with a brokerage that brings a buyer. Each brokerage then pays its own agent from its share, so neither figure is what an individual takes home. The buyer-side rates in this calculator are an example to show the split, not a market figure. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “Listing your home”.
Is GST charged on realtor commission?
Yes, at 5%, on the commission and not on the sale price. On a $1,200,000 sale at 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% on the balance, the commission is $34,500, the GST is $1,725, and the total is $36,225. The sale of a resale home is itself not subject to GST; new construction is a separate matter. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “What costs come with selling a home”.
Can I negotiate the commission?
Yes. BC law sets no rate, so the amount is whatever the seller and the brokerage agree in the listing contract before the home is marketed. The contract also states what is shared with a buyer’s brokerage and when commission is payable, normally when the sale completes. Source: BC Financial Services Authority, “Listing your home”.
Why does the rate on the balance change with the price here?
The example structure eases from 3% on the balance at sale prices of $500,000 or less to 2.5% at $800,000 or more, moving in proportion in between. Many published calculators use a flat 2.5% on the balance. Leaving the balance field blank uses this example for the price entered; typing a number uses yours. Source: this is an illustration of one commonly quoted structure, not a regulated rate.

Sources(1)

Also drawn from: BC Financial Services Authority.

Spot an issue? Report an inaccuracy. How we verify.

Bronson Job PREC, REALTOR® at Momentum Realty Inc.. GVR Member #6015742 · FVREB Member #FJOBBR

Last reviewed November 6, 2026 by Bronson Job PREC, REALTOR®. Licence CC BY 4.0. How we verify.