Fixed fees or percentage commission.

Why the model matters more as value rises

A percentage fee is easy to explain and, on a modest property, the absolute amounts involved are modest too. As the sale price rises, the same percentage produces a fee that can grow well beyond what the additional work actually requires. Two properties in Portugal needing a similar level of marketing, viewings and negotiation can end up with very different fees purely because of their price bracket.

This is not a criticism of percentage models in general, but a reason to look at the actual amount in euros rather than only the percentage figure quoted.

Factors to compare, not just the headline number

A fee proposal is only meaningful alongside what it actually includes.

• The total amount in euros at the expected sale price, not only the percentage
• What content production and marketing are included in that amount
• Whether buyer enquiries are qualified before a viewing is arranged
• Whether the owner receives regular information on how marketing is progressing
• Who the point of contact is, and whether it remains consistent
• Whether the agency's AMI licence is current and clearly stated
• What happens to any amount paid on instruction if the sale does not complete

How the two models work and what they lead to

Under a percentage commission, the amount paid grows in direct proportion to the final sale price. This aligns incentives in principle, but on expensive property the final figure can be disproportionate to the work actually performed, and it gives limited visibility of the true cost until the sale is agreed and confirmed before the notary at the deed.

Under a fixed fee, the amount is known before marketing begins and does not change with the outcome of the negotiation. The owner can plan around a known cost from the outset, and the fee no longer creates any incentive to push for a marginally higher price at the expense of a workable, timely agreement.

The Signature model

Imovendo Signature applies fixed fees of 15,000 €, 20,000 € or 25,000 €, VAT included, according to the property's value band. A payment of 1,000 €, VAT included, is made on instruction and is fully deducted from the final fee, so it is not an additional cost. The balance is due only once the sale is completed at the notary and the deed is signed. Imovendo Signature operates under a valid Portuguese AMI licence, which owners are welcome to verify.

Frequent mistakes when comparing proposals

Owners comparing offers often focus on the wrong variable.

• Comparing only percentages without converting to actual euro amounts
• Assuming a lower headline fee means a lower total cost
• Not asking what marketing budget, if any, is included in the fee
• Overlooking whether any upfront payment is refundable or deducted
• Choosing a model without asking how enquiries are qualified before viewings
• Not confirming that the agency holds a valid AMI licence before signing anything

How to decide

Convert every proposal to an expected total euro amount at a realistic sale price, then compare what each amount actually includes: content production, campaigns, enquiry qualification, documentation support through to the deed, a clear point of contact throughout the process, and confirmation of the agency's AMI licence.

Before agreeing to any fee

A private valuation clarifies the likely value band of a property in the Portuguese market, and with it, which fee tier and total cost would actually apply.