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Drafted by lawyers
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Home › Buy a property › Brokerage Agreement
Learn more about Brokerage Agreement in China
A Brokerage Agreement is a legal contract between a broker and a client, where the broker agrees to act on behalf of the client to facilitate transactions, typically in the fields of real estate, finance, or commodities. Its primary purpose is to outline the terms of the broker’s services, compensation, and the scope of their duties, ensuring clarity and protecting both parties’ interests. This agreement is crucial for businesses and individuals seeking to engage in brokerage services, as it establishes clear expectations and minimizes risks. At Themis Partner, we offer an easy-to-edit Brokerage Agreement in both English and Mandarin, tailored to meet your needs. Download it now for seamless and professional business transactions.
Table of contents
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What is a Brokerage Agreement?
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What is included in this Brokerage Agreement?
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How long is a typical Brokerage Agreement in China?
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What fees are involved in a Brokerage Agreement?
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What is the difference between a Brokerage and an agency agreement?
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Can I modify a Brokerage Agreement in China?
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How are commissions structured in a Brokerage Agreement?
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What happens if a Brokerage Agreement is breached?
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How do I terminate a Brokerage Agreement in China?
What is a Brokerage Agreement?
A Brokerage Agreement is a legal contract between a broker and a client where the broker agrees to assist the client in facilitating a transaction. The broker may provide services in various industries, such as real estate, finance, or commodities, and the agreement outlines the broker’s responsibilities, compensation, and the terms of engagement. The broker’s primary role is to act as an intermediary between the client and the market, handling tasks such as negotiating, listing properties, and ensuring smooth communication between parties. This agreement is crucial for protecting both parties’ interests, ensuring clarity of expectations, and providing a legal framework for the transaction. In China, a well-drafted Brokerage Agreement is essential to ensure compliance with local regulations and protect intellectual property rights.
What is included in this Brokerage Agreement?
➤ Scope of Representation: The broker provides services such as property listing, evaluation, showings, tenant screening, negotiation, contract drafting, and transaction coordination. |
➤ Property Description: The broker represents the property owner in the sale or lease of a specified property, as detailed in attached documents. |
➤ Terms: The agreement is valid for six months, during which the broker actively markets the property. |
➤ Listing Price: The property is listed at an agreed price, subject to market-based adjustments upon mutual agreement. |
➤ Inclusions and Exclusions: Specifies included fixtures and excluded personal belongings. |
➤ Commission and Fees: The broker earns a commission based on the final sale or rental price, payable upon transaction completion. |
➤ Exclusivity: The property owner grants the broker exclusive marketing rights for the duration of the agreement. |
➤ Multiple Listing Service (MLS): The broker may list the property in MLS databases to maximize exposure, following Chinese MLS regulations. |
➤ Disclosure and Compliance: Ensures adherence to relevant laws and protection of the property owner's sensitive information. |
➤ Termination: Defines conditions for terminating the agreement and associated rights and obligations. |
➤ Indemnification: The broker indemnifies the property owner against claims, except in cases of gross negligence. |
➤ Dispute Resolution: Provides mechanisms for resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. |
➤ Force Majeure: Allows discussions on potential actions, including termination, in case of unforeseen events. |
➤ Entire Agreement: Confirms that this agreement supersedes prior discussions or agreements. |
➤ Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The contract is governed by Chinese law, with disputes resolved in Chinese courts. |
➤ Documents Attached: Includes necessary documents such as IDs, proof of address, and property records. |
How long is a typical Brokerage Agreement in China?
A typical Brokerage Agreement in China is usually valid for a period of six months, during which the broker is actively involved in marketing and facilitating the sale or lease of the property. However, the duration may vary depending on the specific needs of the client and the property involved. After the initial six months, the agreement can be extended upon mutual written agreement between both parties. This ensures that the broker has sufficient time to work on the transaction and that both parties can reassess the situation if necessary.
What fees are involved in a Brokerage Agreement?
1. Broker's Commission
In a Brokerage Agreement, the fees primarily involve the broker’s commission, which is typically calculated as a percentage of the final sale price or rental price of the property. The commission is only payable once the transaction is successfully completed.
2. Additional Fees
Additionally, there may be other fees associated with the agreement, such as administrative or service charges, which are clearly outlined in the contract. The fees should be agreed upon in advance, and the contract should specify the exact amount or percentage that the broker will receive.For further information on fees and brokerage practices, you can refer to the China Real Estate Law for more official insights into the industry.
🔗 The Real Estate Purchase Agreement formalizes the terms and conditions of the property sale, often resulting from the efforts outlined in the Brokerage Agreement to secure a buyer.
What is the difference between a Brokerage and an agency agreement?
➤ Brokerage Agreement: The key difference between a Brokerage Agreement and an Agency Agreement lies in the role of the intermediary. In a brokerage agreement, the broker acts as an intermediary to facilitate a transaction between two parties, such as the sale or lease of a property. The broker is typically compensated based on the completion of the transaction. |
➤ Agency Agreement: On the other hand, in an Agency Agreement, the agent is generally empowered to act on behalf of the client in a broader range of activities, which may include representation in negotiations and decision-making. An agent in an agency agreement may have the authority to act on behalf of the principal in legal matters, while a broker usually only facilitates transactions and earns commissions from successful deals. |
🔗 In many cases, the Real Estate Agent Agreement complements the Brokerage Agreement, establishing the specific duties of the agent who is tasked with helping the client purchase or sell the property.
Can I modify a Brokerage Agreement in China?
1. Modification Process
Yes, a Brokerage Agreement can be modified in China, but any changes must be mutually agreed upon by both the broker and the client.
2. Legal Documentation
Modifications should be documented in writing, and both parties must sign off on the amendments to ensure the changes are legally binding. The contract may specify the process for modification and include conditions under which changes may be made. This flexibility allows both parties to adjust the terms of the agreement if the situation changes during the course of the transaction.
- Remarks:
Modifying a contract without proper documentation can lead to legal disputes. It’s important to specify that any modifications should be made following a formal process
How are commissions structured in a Brokerage Agreement?
1. Commission Percentage
In a Brokerage Agreement, commissions are typically structured as a percentage of the final sale or rental price of the property. The exact percentage is agreed upon before the agreement is signed and is clearly stated in the contract.
2. Payment Terms
The commission is typically paid upon completion of the transaction, either when the sale is finalized or when a lease agreement is signed. The contract may also include clauses outlining any additional charges for special services or additional responsibilities the broker may take on during the transaction process.
What happens if a Brokerage Agreement is breached?
1. Liability for Breach
If a Brokerage Agreement is breached, the party in breach may be liable for damages. The contract usually outlines the remedies available in the case of a breach, including compensation for any financial losses incurred due to the breach.
2. Legal Remedies
In China, if a breach occurs, the non-breaching party may seek to resolve the issue through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration as specified in the agreement. The agreement should also define the specific actions that constitute a breach, such as failure to complete the transaction or failure to adhere to agreed-upon terms.For more details, you can check the Chinese Civil Code related to breach of contract and legal remedies.
- Remarks:
In case of a breach, the parties must be aware of the legal consequences, such as compensation and legal remedies, to prevent worsening the situation
How do I terminate a Brokerage Agreement in China?
1. Termination Conditions
A Brokerage Agreement can be terminated in China under various circumstances, and the agreement should specify the conditions for termination.
2. Notice and Penalties
Either party can terminate the agreement with written notice, but there are often conditions attached. For example, the broker or client may need to give notice a certain number of days in advance, or there may be penalties or fees associated with early termination. Termination may occur due to non-performance, breach of terms, or mutual agreement.
3. Post-Termination Obligations
The agreement should outline the rights and obligations of both parties upon termination, including any outstanding payments or responsibilities.
Why does Brokerage Agreements matter in China?
A Brokerage Agreement is a critical document that protects both the broker and the client in real estate, finance, or commodities transactions. By clearly outlining the scope of services, compensation structure, and rights and obligations, this agreement helps prevent disputes and ensures compliance with Chinese laws. Whether you’re selling or leasing property, or engaging in any other type of brokerage transaction, having a well-drafted contract in place is essential for a smooth and successful transaction. For further assistance in drafting a customized Brokerage Agreement, it’s advisable to seek professional legal counsel to ensure the contract meets all necessary legal requirements and adequately protects your interests.
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