Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent changes in commission fees for second-hand housing transactions in Guangzhou, highlighting the shift in the commission structure and the impact of market conditions on pricing strategies [3][10]. Commission Fee Changes - Recent reports indicate that the commission rate for sellers on the Beike platform in Guangzhou has increased from 1% to 1.5%, while the buyer's commission remains unchanged [3][4]. - The average commission rate across 25 major cities in China is reported to be 2.2%, which is approximately 30% lower than the mainstream reference price of 3% [5][10]. - In Guangzhou, the commission rates typically range from 1.5% to 3%, with smaller agencies sometimes charging as low as 0.69% [5][10]. Market Dynamics - The current "buyer’s market" has reduced the bargaining power of sellers, leading to a decrease in their ability to negotiate commission fees [7][10]. - The increase in commission fees for sellers is attributed to a high volume of listings and prolonged transaction times, with average selling periods exceeding 200 days [10][11]. - The competitive landscape has led to some agencies offering aggressive pricing strategies, such as zero commission for buyers and reduced fees for sellers [14][15]. Industry Trends - The article notes a significant "involution" phenomenon in the real estate agency sector, where smaller agencies engage in price wars, leading to unsustainable low commission rates [13][14]. - Experts suggest that the future of commission pricing should be more refined, with a focus on service content and transparent pricing [12][15]. - Despite the downward trend in commission fees, leading agencies may maintain their pricing standards due to their established market position [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The commission rate for second-hand housing transactions in Guangzhou has been adjusted by the Beike platform, increasing the commission for sellers from 1% to 1.5%, while the buyer's commission remains unchanged [1] Group 1: Commission Structure - Market rumors suggest that Beike has changed its commission structure for second-hand housing transactions in Guangzhou, raising the seller's commission rate from 1% to 1.5% [1] - Internal sources from Beike in Guangzhou indicate that the commission rates of "1.5%, 1.5%" for both buyers and sellers have always been suggested and are not a recent change [1] - A store manager from a chain store in Guangzhou confirmed that the commission rates for both buyers and sellers were publicly announced last year, with the implementation starting in the last two months [1]

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].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of using a real estate agency for second-hand property transactions to mitigate risks associated with large financial dealings, highlighting that trust in the other party is not advisable in such high-stakes situations [3][5][10]. Risk Management - Utilizing a real estate platform allows for risk identification and filtering, ensuring that transactions are secure and legitimate [5][6]. - The platform acts as a neutral third party, ensuring that funds are safely managed and that the property title is clear before any money changes hands [6][10]. Transaction Complexity - The article outlines the numerous potential pitfalls in second-hand property transactions, including hidden debts, unclear ownership, and potential legal issues, which can complicate the buying and selling process [8][10]. - It stresses that without a middleman, the complexities of these transactions can lead to significant financial and legal troubles [10][12]. Value of Established Platforms - The article highlights the advantages of using established platforms like Beike, which have extensive transaction histories and risk management systems in place, allowing them to identify and mitigate risks effectively [11][12]. - Beike's transaction volume, which exceeds 2 trillion yuan annually, enables it to recognize and block a significant number of potential risks, demonstrating its capability in risk management [11][12]. Trust and Accountability - The article argues that in high-value transactions, it is crucial to rely on a professional third party rather than trusting the other party involved in the transaction, as the stakes are too high [13]. - Established platforms have a vested interest in maintaining their reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction, which adds an additional layer of security for users [13].

Core Insights - The second-hand housing market is experiencing significant changes, with a new commission model introduced by a local intermediary platform in Guangzhou, offering buyers zero commission and sellers only 0.8% [1][3] Group 1: New Commission Model - The new commission structure allows buyers to avoid paying the typical commission fee, which can be substantial, while sellers benefit from a reduced fee [1][4] - For example, on a property priced at 1 million, traditional platforms like Lianjia would charge 10,000 from both buyer and seller, whereas the new platform allows the buyer to save 10,000 and the seller to pay only 2,000 [4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The second-hand housing market is largely dominated by major platforms like Lianjia and Beike, with Beike projected to surpass 2.2 trillion yuan in transaction volume in 2024, accounting for two-thirds of total transactions [4][6] - Recent data from the Guangzhou Real Estate Intermediary Association indicates a significant decline in second-hand residential transactions, with July's net signed contracts falling below 9,000, a decrease of nearly 10% from the previous month and over 10% year-on-year [6] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The current market conditions, characterized by a high number of unsold properties and reduced buyer activity, have prompted intermediaries to adopt aggressive pricing strategies to attract clients [6][9] - The competitive environment is forcing intermediaries to innovate and provide better value to both buyers and sellers, as the market dynamics shift towards cost-saving measures [9]

Core Viewpoint - The real estate agency industry in Ruian is undergoing a fierce "survival battle" amid prolonged transaction cycles and increasing difficulty in sales, leading to a significant rise in intermediary fees for second-hand housing transactions [1][3]. Group 1: Changes in Intermediary Fees - The intermediary fee for second-hand housing transactions in Ruian has increased from a combined 1.5% to 3%, reflecting a shift towards "rigid payment by sellers and flexible payment by buyers" [1][3]. - The adjustment of intermediary fees to 3% has been in effect for nearly two years, initiated by the entry of "Beike Zhaofang" into Ruian, prompting local agencies to follow suit [3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Challenges - The total intermediary fee for a property priced at 1.5 million yuan has risen from 22,500 yuan to 45,000 yuan, indicating a significant increase in transaction costs for real estate agencies [5]. - The time required for property viewings has extended to 3 months or even half a year, increasing the workload for real estate agents, while the number of agency storefronts has decreased, intensifying industry competition [5]. Group 3: Buyer-Seller Fee Discrepancy - Many real estate agencies offer discounts on intermediary fees for buyers to facilitate transactions, resulting in a model where sellers pay the full fee while buyers often pay only half [7]. - The current market conditions have led to a situation where the supply of second-hand homes exceeds demand, with over 10,000 listings but only about 200 transactions per month, further skewing the fee structure in favor of buyers [7].