Real Estate Referral Commission in Austria. Markus had taken a weekend off to visit some friends in Vienna. On Saturday evening, they were sitting in a small bar in the 7th district, laughing about old stories and drinking a glass of Grüner Veltliner. His friend Peter leaned over to him and casually said: "I'm thinking about selling my house - but I don't know how to start yet."
Markus recalled that he had recently been told by a Tipster commission had heard. So a simple tip-off could not only help Peter, but also be a nice perk for him.
What is a tipster commission?
Markus later explained to the group: A tipster commission is a premiumthat you receive when you successfully put an estate agent in touch with an owner - without having to conduct sales talks or draw up contracts yourself.
It was clear to Markus that he only had to establish contact between Peter and an estate agent. Professionals would take care of the rest.
Who can become a tipster?
Almost everyone, in fact - which made Markus curious. The important thing is:
- One may not the owner himself of the property.
- The real estate may not be not yet known and not already be offered privately or through other brokers.
- The tip may not be passed on from a professional position if this is against Data protection regulations violates.
- With regular typing on a larger scale, the activity may be considered commercial - in which case it is advisable to register a business.
For Markus, this meant that he could act with a clear conscience - Peter is a friend, the house is not yet officially online and he is not in breach of any professional obligations.
How does it work?
On Sunday morning, Markus wrote down a few key details about Peter's house: Location, size, year of construction - and of course Peter's contact details.
- Submit tip - He contacted an estate agent by e-mail.
- Examination - The estate agent checked whether the property was already known (it wasn't).
- Mediation & premium - Should the estate agent sell Peter's house, Markus would receive 25 % of the estate agent's commission as thanks.
How high is the commission?
Here you can find No legal requirement - the amount is freely agreed:
- Percentage rate model: Often 10-20 % of the broker's commission (net).
- Premium models: Some brokers pay up to 25 % for high-value properties.
- Fixed amount model: Instead of a percentage, a lump sum is agreed (e.g. € 500 or € 1,000).
Sample calculation (percentage model)
- Selling price: 450.000 €
- Broker commission seller: 3 % + 20 % VAT = 16.200 €
- Tipster commission at 20 %: 3.240 €
A single conversation in a bar could earn him several months' rent.
Why is it worth it?
Markus thought it was a classic Win-win situation:
- Peter saves time and finds a buyer more quickly.
- He himself receives an attractive premium - without risk or effort.
Markus also liked the fact that he could remain anonymous if he wished. In his case, however, he had already told Peter in advance that he would make the contact.
Key Takeaways – Referral Commission
- Anyone can become a tipster, as long as only the contact is mediated.
- 25 % of the broker's commission is a realistic and fair remuneration.
- The commission is taxable - so declare it on your tax return.
- Discretion and data protection are crucial.
The most important things at a glance
The tipster commission is an attractive way to earn money with a simple reference to a property. It is suitable for both private individuals and entrepreneurs, as long as clear legal conditions are observed. It is important to distinguish it from estate agency work: tipsters only mediate contact between the owner and estate agent, but do not conduct sales negotiations or property presentations.
The amount of the commission is not regulated by law and is agreed individually. It is usual to pay between 10 and 20 % of the broker's commission, in some cases even up to 25 %. Alternatively, fixed amounts are possible. Payment is only made when the broker has actually sold the property and received the commission in full.
Tax obligations should also not be underestimated: Tipster commissions are taxable as income in Austria. Anyone who regularly gives tips should also check whether a business registration is required. Data protection also plays an important role - personal data may only be passed on with consent.
Info table - Tipster commission for real estate in Austria
| Topic | Information |
| Who can be a tipster? | In principle, any private individual or company, provided there is no ownership of the property. |
| Legal basis | No brokerage activity, only contact brokerage; no business license required for occasional activity. |
| Amount of commission | Freely agreed, usually 10-20 % of the broker's commission, sometimes up to 25 % or fixed amount. |
| Payment date | After successful sale and receipt of the broker's commission. |
| Tax treatment | Taxable income, to be declared in the tax return. |
| Business registration | Required for regular, extensive activity. |
| Data protection | Only pass on data for which consent has been given. |
Would you like more information or to become a tipster? Then Contact us You can find us here: Contact us
FAQs – Referral Commissions for Real Estate in Austria
What is a referral commission in real estate?
A referral commission is a bonus that a person receives when they provide a real estate agent with a tip about a new property listing that results in a successful sale—without actively brokering or negotiating the deal themselves.
Who is eligible to be a tipster?
In principle, any individual or business— unless they are the owner of the property and the real estate agent isn't familiar with the property yet.
How exactly does placing a bet work?
1. Send property details and owner contact information to the real estate agent
2. The real estate agent checks whether the property is already listed
3. Upon sale: Payment of the agreed-upon referral commission
How much is the referral commission?
The height is freely negotiable:
– Usually between 10 % and 20 % of the brokerage commission
– Kroy Real Estate offers 25 % as the seller's commission
– Alternatively: Fixed amount (e.g., 500 €)
Do I have to pay taxes on the referral commission?
Yes. Referral commissions are considered in Austria to be taxable income and must be reported on your tax return.
Do I need a business license for this?
No, as long as it is a occasional placing a bet.
Yes, if you regularly or systematically Giving advice—then there's a Business registration is required.
What about data protection?
You may only share contact information, if the person concerned (e.g., the owner) has given consent. Anonymous tips without contact information are not sufficient.
When is the commission paid out?
First after a successful sale the property and receipt of the full brokerage commission by the broker.
Do I have to let the owner know about the tip?
No—but it is recommended, to foster transparency and trust. In some cases, owners prefer to have their properties listed anonymously.
