Is it normal for a property agent to give a discount on agent fees if they are buying and selling at the same time

In Singapore, it is not permissible for a property agent to represent and collect commission fees from both the buyer and the seller (or landlord and tenant) in the same transaction, a practice known as dual representation. This is because dual representation creates a conflict of interest, making it impossible for the agent to act in the best interests of both parties.

However, if an agent is acting solely for one party (e.g., the seller), they might negotiate their commission fee with their client. In some cases, an agent might offer a discount on their commission if they are handling both the sale of the client's current property and the purchase of a new property, but this would be a separate agreement between the agent and their client, not a result of dual representation.

It's crucial to ensure that any such arrangement is transparent and does not violate the regulations set by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). The agent must clearly act in the best interests of their client and avoid any conflicts of interest.