It’s the question I get asked most often — by people considering entering the industry, and by those already in it who wonder if they’re getting what they deserve. How much does a real estate agent earn?
The honest answer is: it depends. But not in the vague way it’s usually dismissed. It depends on very specific factors that I can explain clearly, after training and working with hundreds of agents over thirty years.
The problem with most answers you find online is that they give you an average. And an average, in our industry, is a number that describes no one. A junior agent starting out in a traditional franchise in Milan might take home €800–1,000 a month in the early days. An experienced agent working well in an active area can exceed €5,000. Same profession, same market, radically different earnings. The right question isn’t “how much does a real estate agent earn” but “what determines that difference.”
The earnings structure: base salary and commissions
An agent’s income in Italy almost always consists of two components: a fixed monthly allowance and commissions on completed transactions.
In reality, for many agents the “fixed” component is little more than an expense reimbursement — we’re talking about figures between €400 and €1,000 per month, depending on the agency and experience level.
For junior agents in many firms, even that isn’t provided: just expense coverage and commissions.
Commissions are the variable component and, in most cases, the one that makes the real difference.
The agency collects a fee from the transaction that generally ranges between 2% and 3% from the seller and the same from the buyer. Of this fee, the agent who managed the deal receives a percentage that varies enormously: from 10–20% in the more structured franchises, up to 50–70% in more modern models where overhead costs are lower.
Let’s look at a concrete example.
On a €200,000 sale, with a total commission of 6%, the agency collects €12,000. If the agent retains 15%, they earn €1,800 from that transaction. If they retain 50%, they earn €6,000.
Same sale, same work, same client. The difference is the model you work in.
Why the model matters more than talent
This is the point that’s rarely addressed when discussing how much a real estate agent earns. People always talk about commitment, experience, negotiation skills. All true and important. But the factor that has the greatest impact on actual earnings isn’t how good you are at selling — it’s how much you keep of what you sell.
In a traditional agency with a street-front office, high fixed costs, and a hierarchical structure, the agent indirectly bears the weight of those costs through a low commission percentage. The agency’s reasoning is understandable: “We offer you the brand, the office, the training, the portals, the management system — in return you keep a smaller share.”
But in 2026, many of these services are accessible differently, at lower costs, through digital platforms.
Anyone who has considered opening a traditional real estate agency knows that structural costs can exceed €50,000–80,000 in the first year. Those costs are passed on, directly or indirectly, to agents’ commissions. In a model where those costs don’t exist — no street-front office, no furnishings, no royalties — the agent’s margin is structurally higher.
The real numbers: from junior to top performer
Based on my direct experience, here is a realistic picture of earnings in Italy in 2026.
A first-year agent, in the learning phase, with 2–4 completed transactions, can expect between €15,000 and €25,000 gross per year. This is a phase of investing in yourself: learning the trade, building a network, acquiring skills. It’s not the time to judge the profession’s potential.
An agent with 3–5 years of experience, operating steadily in an area and handling 6–10 transactions per year, can reach €35,000–50,000 gross. At this level, the choice of business model starts to make a significant difference.
Top performers — agents with consolidated experience, a solid network, and the ability to handle mid-to-high value properties — can exceed €70,000–100,000 gross. In tourist areas, the luxury segment, or with an international clientele, the figures can be even higher.
The common factor among those who earn well isn’t just talent. It’s the combination of competence, territory, and a business model that allows them to retain a fair share of the value they produce.
The question you should be asking yourself
If you’re a real estate agent reading this article, the question isn’t just “how much do I earn.” It’s: “how much of the value I generate is actually recognised?”
If you close a €300,000 sale and take home €1,500, the problem isn’t the market. The problem is the structure you operate in. This isn’t about disloyalty to the agency you work for.
It’s about awareness. The 2026 market offers concrete alternatives: models where the agent maintains higher margins, has access to advanced technology, and can build a career path that doesn’t stop at the role of associate. Some models also offer the possibility of evolving towards territorial responsibility and equity participation — something that simply doesn’t exist in the traditional franchise.
If you’re evaluating the next step in your career, find out how our model works. It’s not the right choice for everyone. But for those seeking autonomy, fair margins, and a real growth path, it’s worth understanding what a system built with a different logic can offer.
To learn more about how to become a real estate agent and what paths are available, read our dedicated guide.
FAQ
How much does a real estate agent earn per month? Average earnings range between €1,200 and €2,500 net per month, but vary enormously based on experience, location, and above all the business model. Top performers exceed €5,000 monthly.
How much commission does an agent keep? In traditional franchises, the agent retains 10–20% of the total commission. In hybrid and proptech models, the percentage can rise to 50–70%.
Is it worth working as a real estate agent in 2026? Yes, the market is growing with 800,000 transactions expected. But actual earnings depend more on the chosen business model than on sales volume.
