In Singapore, property agents must be registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). A good agent handles pricing, viewings, negotiation and paperwork — but you should understand who they represent and how commission works before you sign anything. Always verify an agent’s registration on the CEA public register.
Are property agents in Singapore regulated?
Yes. Every practising agent must be registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) and work under a licensed property agency. You can check any agent’s name, registration number and agency on the free CEA Public Register. If they’re not listed, do not engage them.
How does agent commission work?
Commission is negotiable and not fixed by law. Typically the seller pays the selling agent (often around 2% for private resale), while HDB and rental deals follow their own norms. The key rule: one agent cannot collect commission from both sides of the same transaction without full written disclosure and consent.
How do you choose a good agent?
- Verify CEA registration first.
- Ask about recent transactions in your target segment and area.
- Clarify whether they represent you (buyer) or the seller.
- Get the commission and duties in writing before viewing.
- Check they carry professional indemnity and follow CEA’s prescribed agreements.
Frequently asked questions
Can one agent represent both buyer and seller?
Dual representation is heavily restricted. An agent generally cannot act for and collect commission from both parties in the same deal without explicit written disclosure and consent — and many situations prohibit it outright.
General information, not legal advice. Verify agent registration on the CEA Public Register (cea.gov.sg).
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Who must a practising Singapore property agent be registered with?
The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). You can verify any agent free on the CEA Public Register — if they’re not listed, don’t engage them.
Is agent commission fixed by law?
No. Commission is negotiable and varies by transaction type; it is not set by regulation.
Can one agent collect commission from both buyer and seller?
It’s heavily restricted. Dual representation generally requires full written disclosure and consent, and is prohibited outright in many situations.
What should you get in writing before viewing?
The agent’s commission, who they represent (you or the seller), and their duties — using CEA’s prescribed agreements.