Policy And Procedure

Agency Fees & Service Procedures

Please read the current policy before using RealAddis services. We’ll update this page as our procedures or applicable requirements change.

RealAddis Property Management & Real Estate Agent Services assists buyers, tenants, landlords and sellers with residential and commercial property transactions in Addis Ababa. Before we arrange a viewing or make an introduction, we confirm the scope of our services, the fee and who is responsible for paying it.

1. Agency fees

• Residential or commercial lease. We confirm the fee in writing for each engagement. Contact info@realaddis.com for a quotation.
• Residential or commercial sale. Our standard fee is 2% of the total sale price. Multiply the agreed sale price by 0.02 to calculate the fee.

The agency fee is a one-time payment due when the buyer and seller or the tenant and landlord sign the relevant agreement. The written agency agreement identifies who pays. Fees exclude 15% VAT, which is added where applicable. Once earned and paid, the fee is non-refundable except where required by law or agreed in writing.

2. Viewings, introductions and negotiations

These procedures apply when RealAddis introduces a property or client, arranges a viewing, or facilitates access that leads to a transaction covered by its agency agreement. We can also assist with negotiations and coordinate the preparation of lease or sale documents when requested.

Buyers and tenants. If you have already viewed a property through another agent, tell us before we arrange a visit. RealAddis does not charge an introduction fee for a prior viewing that you disclose and we can confirm. Please notify us before referring a property we introduced to another buyer, tenant or agent.

Landlords and sellers. If a prospective buyer or tenant has already viewed your property through another agent, tell us before the RealAddis viewing. Please keep us informed of changes to the asking price, rental terms or availability, and notify us before referring a client we introduced to another owner, landlord, seller or agent.

3. Direct agreements and unpaid fees

Clients may negotiate directly after a RealAddis introduction. If those discussions lead to a lease or sale covered by the agency agreement, please tell us promptly. The agreed RealAddis fee remains payable. A payment to another agent does not settle that fee unless RealAddis agrees in writing.

If a transaction is concluded through an undisclosed referral or by bypassing a RealAddis introduction, we may seek the unpaid fee and any remedies available under the signed agency agreement and applicable law. Any late-payment charge, anti-bypass remedy or recovery cost must have a valid contractual and legal basis.

4. Lease and sale documentation

RealAddis can help coordinate the transaction and signing. Before signing, confirm the property and ownership details, the agreed price or rent, payment terms, handover arrangements and required approvals. The agency agreement sets out RealAddis’s role and fee. The lease or sale agreement sets out the obligations between the parties to the property transaction.

Guide for Foreign Residential Buyers

Ethiopia’s Foreign Nationals’ Ownership Right of Residential House Proclamation No. 1388/2025 and Directive No. 1147/2018 E.C. establish a route for qualifying foreign nationals, including those without Ethiopian ancestry, to acquire eligible residential property. Ethiopian citizens and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin should confirm the rules that apply to their own status.

What to confirm before committing to a purchase

• Buyer and property eligibility. Confirm that the house or apartment qualifies and that the underlying land-use or lease rights support the transaction. Check any restrictions on the number of homes and the intended use.
• Funding and approvals. Confirm the minimum capital requirement for the location, approved banking channels, financing restrictions and authorisation required before acquisition.
• Documents and registration. Check the current requirements for identity and immigration documents, criminal-record clearance, proof of funds, ownership and land-lease records, payment evidence and registration.
• Residency and visas. Eligible owners and family members may qualify for immigration benefits, subject to approval. Confirm the applicable visa or residence permit terms with the immigration authority.

For help finding a property and identifying which documents to check before you proceed, contact info@realaddis.com.