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Realitná kancelária

Real estate agency (realtor's office)

What does “Realitná kancelária” mean in Slovakia?

Realitná kancelária (colloquially realitka) — this is a real estate agency that acts as a go-between for owners and people looking for housing to rent or buy. Most listings in Slovakia are posted by agencies, and a specific property is shown by an agent — a realitný maklér.

What you need to know beforehand

The agency charges a commission (provízia) — for rent, this is often the amount of one month's rent; for purchase, it is a percentage of the price.
The commission is a separate payment, in addition to the security deposit and the first month's rent, so include it in your budget.
Before paying, you sign an agency agreement (sprostredkovateľská zmluva) — read carefully what exactly you are paying for.

The industry in Slovakia is not very strictly regulated, so check the agency's reputation and reviews. Never pay the commission in cash without a contract and proof of payment. A good agent will show you the property for free and only charge a commission after you sign the lease agreement — a demand to pay "for the viewing" in advance should make you suspicious.

Important. Ask about the commission amount before you see the apartment: often it is a full month's rent, and together with the deposit and the first month, the starting amount is three times higher than newcomers expect.

Examples of use

The apartment is offered by a real estate agency. The commission is one month's rent.

The apartment is offered by an agency, the commission is one month's rent.

The real estate agent showed me an apartment.

An agent from the agency showed me an apartment.

I signed a contract with a real estate agency.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a real estate agency charge?

When renting, the commission is often equal to one month's rent. When buying, it is a percentage of the price. The exact amount must be in the brokerage agreement.

Is it possible to find housing without an agency?

Yes, there are ads "od majiteľa" (from the owner) without a commission, but there are fewer of them and they disappear quickly. Through an agency, the choice is wider, but more expensive.

Is it safe to pay a fee in advance?

Pay only after signing the contract and only with a receipt or to a bank account. Paying cash in advance to a stranger without documents is a typical scam.