By Rellia editorial team — The Rellia editorial team prepares source-linked educational pages for Long Island sellers.

Published 2026-09-06 · Updated 2026-09-06

What is a typical real estate commission on Long Island?

Quick answer

There is no legally required or universal real estate commission percentage on Long Island. Consumer conversations often still reference a historical combined listing-side and buyer-agent range around 5% to 6% of sale price. That range is historical context only. It is not a required amount, a current Long Island average, or a quote. Traditionally, that combined percentage was often paid from the seller's side at closing out of sale proceeds, alongside other closing items, not as a separate check buyers wrote at the table. How costs are allocated today still depends on the agreements for the deal. Compensation is negotiated in those agreements. Rellia's published 2% seller platform fee is a separate charge and is not an all-in transaction cost.

What "commission" usually means after 2024

"Commission" can mean listing-side compensation, buyer-agent compensation, or both. For years, consumer explanations often treated one combined percentage as the whole story, commonly framed as a seller-paid cost settled at closing. That shorthand never created a legal requirement.

Industry practice changes that took effect in 2024 put more weight on a written buyer agreement before touring. That agreement should state services and compensation. Compensation is negotiable. A seller may negotiate whether and how to contribute to buyer-agent compensation, but should not assume a contribution is required or that one combined percentage always applies. The listing agreement, buyer agreement, offer, and contract control.

Worked examples: arithmetic only

Disclaimer: Figures below are illustrations, not estimates or quotes. They do not predict sale price, proceeds, taxes, or what any party will owe. The 5% and 6% columns are historical discussion points only. The Rellia line is the published platform fee. Signed agreements and current government schedules control.

On a $500,000 sale (illustrative)

| Line | Rate shown | Amount | | --- | --- | --- | | Historical combined discussion point | 5% | $25,000 | | Historical combined discussion point | 6% | $30,000 | | Rellia published seller platform fee | 2% | $10,000 |

On a $1,000,000 sale (illustrative)

| Line | Rate shown | Amount | | --- | --- | --- | | Historical combined discussion point | 5% | $50,000 | | Historical combined discussion point | 6% | $60,000 | | Rellia published seller platform fee | 2% | $20,000 |

None of these rows replace buyer-agent compensation, attorney fees, title charges, transfer taxes, or prorations. Those sit on other lines of the file.

How Rellia's 2% fee fits

Rellia publishes a 2% seller platform / technology fee for coordinating the listing file and tools. That fee is not a claim that Rellia is a broker or that it represents the seller. It is not a substitute for attorney work, title, lending, or inspection. A free estimate does not obligate the seller to list. For path comparisons, see the Rellia vs FSBO vs agent guide. To start an estimate, use /sell.

Closing costs are separate

Commission-style compensation is not the same as New York transfer tax, county clerk fees, attorney invoices, or prorations. Sellers should read the Nassau and Suffolk seller closing-cost guides for sourced government lines.

Common questions

Is 5% or 6% required on Long Island?

No. Those percentages appear in historical consumer explanations. They are not a legal requirement and are not a quote for your home.

Does Rellia's 2% fee include buyer-agent compensation?

No. The published 2% seller platform fee is separate. Buyer-agent compensation, if any, is handled in the agreements for that transaction.

Who sets buyer-agent compensation now?

It is negotiated and should appear in the written buyer agreement and related deal documents. Do not assume a default percentage.

Where do transfer taxes and clerk fees show up?

On the closing-cost side of the file, not inside the platform fee. See the Nassau and Suffolk closing-cost guides.

How do I compare paths without guessing?

Use the savings calculator for arithmetic, read the path comparison guide, then run a free estimate on /sell when you are ready.