Dickinson

The going rate appears to be 5%. Does any one have experience of negotiating this down?

Many thanks

Dickinson

Bigtaff

Same story in DXB I'm afraid, robbers I tell thee!

MataHari

I've never come across an agent that would take less than the 5%...and why would they...as you say, it's the going rate and it's not like if they say no, you can easily go to another agent as they will stick to the 5% as well.
What happens now apparently is that for the cheap studios they will charge 5000 dhs commission, which I can understand, as the work involved for them for doing a 350,000 dhs apartment or a 35,000 dhs studio is the same, but since the houseprices have dropped quite a bit, agents have had less of the expensive properties and more of the cheaper ones, hence their income must have dropped...

csdf

We paid 4%.

busybee2

thats the going rate.

busybee2

but if you have used certain ones a lot i have managed to negotiate it down a little but not a lot. but it depends on what they do, this particular one showed us 1 property and that was it back in the days when you didnt have much choice. now its different, now they will work a little harder for their money

Norm_uk

I think that used to be the case but now many are having to work for a living and treat their clients better. At least that's been my experience - the crash weeded out a lot of the useless ones who seemed to think turning up 30mins late for a viewing whilst wearing flip flops and clothes that wouldn't be out of place on a beach would somehow convince me I should be paying them 5% of the rent for helping me find somewhere to live...

N.

Millhouse

becuase it is a competitive market and they want to get a deal done.

The 5% is normally shared between the company and the agent standing in front of you. The chances are that the company won't budge but the agent might so you might be able to chip off 1%.

typical

Several of the agents I talked to described the fall - from more or less earning money for breathing, to having to chase hard.

One also told me how standard it is for the agent to add 5-15% onto the price the landlord asks for - then the agent would get not only the 5% commission, but the difference in rent too...

Eva

What are you looking for?
If it's a two or three bedroomed condo on Corniche,you'll pay at least 5% as they remain the most sought after.
4 bedrooms more negotiable and villas? depends where you are looking.There are many villas available now both on and off island.

Eva

Sorry I didn't answer your Q.
No. it can't normally be negotiated down becos the Landlord has incurred expenses per advertising and Agents(your scenario?) and the Agent has commission and fees.
Find a property that has a makeshift 'To Let' banner draped from it's upper majilis and avoid agents.