Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustment of commission rates for second-hand housing transactions in Guangzhou has sparked discussions, with the Beike platform increasing the commission rate for sellers from 1% to 1.5%, while maintaining the buyer's rate at 1.5% [2][5]. Commission Structure - The commission structure for second-hand housing transactions varies across different cities in China, with a dual commission model being common in cities like Chengdu and Guangzhou, where both buyers and sellers share the commission costs [3][6]. - According to statistics from the Yiju Research Institute, the average commission rate across 25 major cities in China is 2.2%, which is about 30% lower than the mainstream reference price of 3% [3][6]. - In Guangzhou, the commission rates typically range from 1.5% to 3% of the total property price, with smaller agencies sometimes charging as low as 0.69% [3][6]. Market Dynamics - The current "buyer's market" has led to a decrease in the bargaining power of sellers regarding commission fees, as the high volume of listings and slow transaction speeds have made selling more challenging [7][8]. - The average transaction cycle for properties in Guangzhou has exceeded 200 days, indicating a significant slowdown in the market [7][12]. - The increase in commission fees for sellers reflects the changing supply-demand dynamics in the real estate market, where sellers are willing to offer higher commissions to incentivize agents to promote their properties [7][8]. Competitive Landscape - The real estate brokerage industry is experiencing intense competition, with smaller agencies often engaging in price wars to attract clients, leading to extreme pricing strategies such as flat fees or full commission refunds [9][10][11]. - The entry barriers in the brokerage industry are low, resulting in a proliferation of small agencies that may lack the service quality and brand reputation of larger firms [11]. Future Trends - Experts suggest that commission structures should become more refined, with pricing based on specific service components rather than flat rates, to better reflect the value provided [11][12]. - Despite the downward trend in commission fees, leading agencies may maintain their pricing standards due to their established market presence and service quality [12].