In Venezuela no law sets how much a real estate agent charges. The commission is whatever you agree in writing with the corredor (broker) or the agency. What does exist is a widely repeated market practice, a trade code of ethics and, since September 2026, a circular from the ONCDOFT (the national anti-money-laundering office) that specifies how agencies register in its anti-money-laundering registry.
What the law says about the commission
We found no law, regulation or providencia (administrative order) that sets a percentage or a fee for real estate brokerage. The Código de Comercio (Commercial Code; Gaceta Oficial No. 475 Extraordinario, 1955) regulates brokers in its articles 66 to 81, but it does not set fees: its article 74 says that "the profession of broker is free". That code defines a broker as someone who mediates between merchants (article 66), so it is debatable whether it applies to a sale between private individuals; this guide does not assume it does. Some agencies argue that, without a written contract, a judge would be guided by custom (article 9); that is an opinion, not a rule. The safe course is to have the amount written into your contract.
The Ley del Régimen Especial de Arrendamiento de Inmuebles Destinados a Vivienda (residential lease law; Gaceta Oficial No. 7.065 Extraordinario, August 7, 2026) does not mention the broker or the commission either. It regulates the rent, the security deposit and the relationship between landlord and tenant.
What the Chamber's code of ethics requires
The Código de Ética del Profesional Inmobiliario (code of ethics for real estate professionals) of the Cámara Inmobiliaria de Venezuela (Venezuelan real estate chamber) has been in force since September 29, 2020 and is mandatory for its members throughout the country (article 35). We found no separate code published by the regional chambers; the national Chamber's code tasks them with handling the submissions and complaints made to them in writing and with identification (article 30). What it says about money and contracts:
The code binds only members; with any other agent, you can ask for the same terms in the contract.
How much is charged in practice
These figures are market practice according to agencies and the press, with their dates, not official rates:
| Transaction | Figure cited | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Sale | 5% of the final price, "custom" | Xinergia Inmobiliaria, January 2021 |
| Sale | 3% to 5%, paid by the owner | Mettryc Realty, August 2025 |
| Rental | One month's rent from each party | Xinergia Inmobiliaria, January 2021 |
| Rental | One month's rent, added to what the tenant pays on moving in | Broker in Guarenas quoted by El Diario, March 2026 |
Some agencies claim that the Chamber "recommends" 5%; we found no Chamber document that says so, and its code of ethics sets no percentages. Everything is negotiable. For example, on an $80,000 sale, 3% is $2,400 and 5% is $4,000; on a rental of $400 a month, one month's commission is $400.
Who pays it and when it is earned
On a sale, the sources we consulted agree that the seller usually pays. The buyer may also pay if they hired their own agent or if that was agreed; if a single agent represents both, the code requires that both know it in writing. Add the commission to the rest of the closing costs before setting your price.
On a rental, the sources disagree: Mettryc puts it on the owner, the broker quoted by El Diario on the tenant, and Xinergia on both. The contract decides, and the tenant should know before signing.
When it is earned. Article 71 of the Código de Comercio says that the broker "has no right to the brokerage fee if the matter in which they intervene is not brought to conclusion". That rule is written for commercial brokerage and, as we saw, it is debatable whether it governs a sale between private individuals. The practical question is what counts as "concluding": signing the opción de compra-venta (purchase option agreement) or executing the deed at the registry. Xinergia cites a decision of a superior civil and commercial court in Caracas dated February 20, 2009, under which payment became due when the sale was recorded at the registry (we could not consult the original ruling); Mettryc says payment can be split, for example half on signing the option or paying the arras (earnest money) and the rest at the registry. Put in writing in the contract:
Exclusivity: what to agree on
With an exclusivity contract, only that agent or that agency sells your property for a set period. Under the code, whoever receives an exclusive commits to work diligently until the deal may be concluded, and the exclusive must have a time limit; the agent may ask for an extension (article 22). The code considers it unethical for another agent to offer you the same services if you have already given an exclusive to a colleague (article 26). It is worth defining:
Invoice, IVA and ONCDOFT registration
IVA. IVA applies to independent services provided in the country, and brokerage is one; an agency that is a taxpayer must charge it on its invoice. According to PwC Venezuela, the reform in Gaceta Oficial No. 6.507 Extraordinario (January 29, 2020) sets the general rate at 16% until the Executive sets another, and creates an additional rate of 5% to 25% for payments in foreign currency or crypto assets that applies only 30 days after a decree sets it. We did not find that decree; PwC's tax guide, reviewed on September 30, 2026, gives 16% as the general rate and does not indicate that an additional rate has been set. We could not confirm this with the SENIAT (the national tax authority). Ask whether the agreed percentage includes IVA and confirm it with your accountant.
Anti-money-laundering registry. Circular ONCDOFT-DGCJ 003-2026, dated September 8, 2026, sets the requirements for registering in the Registro Unificado de Sujetos Obligados (unified registry of obligated entities), which has existed since 2021 (Providencia Administrativa 002-2021, cited in the circular), and revokes Circular DGCJ-002-2026, dated September 1. It names "real estate agencies, when they are involved in handling funds" for purchases and sales. Further on, it says that "real estate agents considered obligated entities" take on, when they register and through an online sworn statement, the commitment to carry out customer due diligence and determine the origin and destination of their funds. It sets no specific requirements for agents who work on their own, and no deadline to register. On September 12, 2026, the Cámara Inmobiliaria de Venezuela asked offices and franchises to register "their offices and real estate agents". That is why it is normal for your agency to ask you for identification and where the money comes from. More detail in our note on the circular.
If the brokerage or exclusivity contract has clauses you do not understand, consult a lawyer before signing.