Auction House Fees Compared
What it really costs to buy and sell at auction — buyer's premiums and seller commissions for 142+ auction houses, in one place.
142
Auction Houses
19
Countries
20–28%
Typical Buyer's Premium
Sep 2026
Last Updated
Quick Answer
Buyers pay a buyer's premium of 20–28% on top of the hammer price at most auction houses. Sellers pay a negotiable commission of 0–25% — major houses like Christie's and Sotheby's often waive it entirely for valuable consignments, while Heritage Auctions charges 0% on most items. Additional costs can include photography, insurance, and unsold lot fees.
Fee data compiled from official rate cards, current as of September 2026Fees depend on what it's worth — and whether a house will take it
Commission is negotiable and many houses turn down items below their minimum. Get a free value from a photo first, then compare.
The Big Four
The world's leading international auction houses, and what they charge.
🇬🇧 London · Est. 1766
Buyer's Premium
28% up to £1.5M ($2M), 22% on the portion to £6M ($8M), 15% above. Excludes wine; quoted before local sales taxes/VAT. Rates raised 1 September 2026.
Seller's Commission
Not published — negotiated per consignment and often reduced or waived on high-value property. Sellers are also charged separately for insurance, photography and shipping.
🇺🇸 New York · Est. 1744
Buyer's Premium
28% up to $2M, 22% on the portion $2M–$8M, 15% above $8M (£1.5M / £6M bands in London). Wine and spirits are a flat 24%; quoted before local sales taxes. Rates changed February 2026.
Seller's Commission
Not published — negotiated per consignment and often reduced or waived on high-value property. Sellers are also charged separately for insurance, photography and shipping.
🇬🇧 London · Est. 1796
Buyer's Premium
29% up to £1.5M ($2M), 22% on the portion to £6M ($8M), 15% above, plus local taxes (34.8%/26.4%/18% inc. UK VAT); Priority Bidding rates 25%/20%/14%. Watch sales 27%/21%/14.5%. Effective 12 April 2026.
Seller's Commission
Contact directly
🇬🇧 London · Est. 1793
Buyer's Premium
28% + VAT up to £40,000; 27% to £800,000; 21% to £4.5M; 14.5% above. From 1 October 2026: 30% up to £25,000; 28% to £500,000; 25% to £1M; 21% to £5M; 14% above (+ VAT). Wine & whisky 24%; motor cars 15% to £500,000, 12% above.
Seller's Commission
Contact directly
Full Fee Comparison
Every auction house in our directory with published fee information. Click any name for the full profile, specialties, and notable sales.
Items worth $1,000+: we introduce you to auction houses that take your item, free for you.
Check if yours qualifies →| Auction House | Country | Buyer's Premium | Seller's Commission | Price Segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davidson Auctions | 🇦🇺 Australia | 22% incl. GST for domestic bidders (22% excl. GST for international bidders); +5% for live online bidding via third-party platforms | 22% of the first $500 of hammer price, then 16.5% (incl. GST) | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Deutscher and Hackett | 🇦🇺 Australia | 25% of hammer price, including GST | Negotiated per consignment | High-End |
| Gibson's Auctions | 🇦🇺 Australia | 25% of hammer price incl. GST (per conditions of sale); online surcharge 2% (own platform) or 5% (Invaluable) | 17.5% + GST standard vendor commission | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Lawsons | 🇦🇺 Australia | 25% incl. GST for timed online sales; 27% incl. GST for live-call auctions (16.5% vehicles, 8.25% number plates) | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Leonard Joel | 🇦🇺 Australia | 25% of hammer price inclusive of GST | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Accessible to High-End |
| Leski Auctions | 🇦🇺 Australia | 19.5% + GST | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Accessible to Mid-Range |
| Noble Numismatics | 🇦🇺 Australia | 20% plus GST on the premium (22% of hammer price in total) | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Shapiro Auctioneers | 🇦🇺 Australia | 25% of hammer, including GST | Not published; quoted by department. Vendor payment within 35 days of buyer payment | — |
| Smith & Singer | 🇦🇺 Australia | 25% of hammer including GST (online-platform conditions: 22% plus GST) | — | |
| Dorotheum | 🇦🇹 Austria | 28% up to €10,000, 25% to €100,000, 22% to €600,000, 15% above, incl. VAT (margin scheme); 23.34%/20.84%/18.34%/12.5% plus VAT on fully taxed lots; +2% on post-sale purchases | Contact directly | Accessible to Ultra-Premium |
| H.D. Rauch | 🇦🇹 Austria | 22% of hammer incl. VAT (margin scheme); 18.5% on VAT-exempt gold coins; 18.5% plus 20% VAT on imported coins; 20% for exports outside the EU | 20% of hammer price; negotiated for special pieces or collections | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| im Kinsky | 🇦🇹 Austria | 30% of hammer up to €500,000, 25% to €5M, 17% above, incl. 20% VAT (margin scheme); 25%/20.8%/14.2% plus VAT under normal taxation | By agreement; minimum catalogue contribution €100 | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Leitz Photographica Auction | 🇦🇹 Austria | 20% of hammer plus tax; 24% under the EU margin scheme; LiveAuctioneers bids add 5% plus VAT | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Ressler Kunst Auktionen | 🇦🇹 Austria | 28% of hammer incl. VAT (margin scheme); 24% plus 13% VAT under normal taxation | 10% (reserve €10,000+), 15% (€5,000+), 20% (under €5,000); negotiable for high-value works | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Arenberg Auctions | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 28% of the hammer price; 30% via Drouot Digital and Invaluable; plus resale right where applicable | 15% of the hammer price all-in (20% for lots sold at €250 or less); no commission on unsold lots | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Bernaerts Auctioneers | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 28% incl. VAT (room, phone, written bids); 30% incl. VAT via online platforms; plus €2 admin fee per lot | Art & antiques: 20% up to €1,000 hammer, 15% from €1,001; works on paper: 20% up to €500, 15% from €501 (since 1 Jan 2025) | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Campo & Campo | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 25% on the hammer price plus resale right if applicable; +3% via Invaluable and Drouot Live | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Carlo Bonte Auctions | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 29% in-house and via CarloBonteLive; total 30.5% via Drouot Live, 32% via the-saleroom/51BidLive/Epailive, 34% via Invaluable/LiveAuctioneers | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Hôtel de Ventes Horta | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 22% on the hammer price plus €1 exit fee per lot; +3% incl. VAT via Drouot Digital | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Cowley Abbott | 🇨🇦 Canada | 25% up to CAD 25,000 and 20% above, plus 13% HST (26%/21% via Auction Mobility; 28% via LiveAuctioneers) | — | |
| Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers | 🇨🇦 Canada | 25% on every lot, plus HST unless shipped outside Canada | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Heffel Fine Art Auction House | 🇨🇦 Canada | 25% of hammer up to $25,000 plus 20% above $25,000, plus applicable sales tax | Set in the consignment agreement, charged on the hammer price, plus expenses and sales tax | — |
| IEGOR Auction House | 🇨🇦 Canada | 20% of the hammer price (25% for countdown sales), plus applicable taxes | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| LEVIS Fine Art Auctions & Appraisals | 🇨🇦 Canada | 20% of the hammer price, plus applicable GST/HST and PST/QST | Scaled from 10% on lots selling for $2,500 or more to 30% on lots under $500 | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Lunds Auctioneers & Appraisers | 🇨🇦 Canada | 25% when bidding on LiveAuctioneers; 20% on advance bids placed directly with Lunds | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Maynards Fine Art & Antiques | 🇨🇦 Canada | 23% of the hammer price, plus provincial taxes for buyers in Canada | 25% on lots $1-$3,000; 15% on $3,001-$5,000; 10% on $5,001 and over | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd. | 🇨🇦 Canada | 21% (from January 2026); extra 5% via third-party platforms such as LiveAuctioneers | — | |
| Waddington's Auctioneers & Appraisers | 🇨🇦 Canada | 25% of hammer up to CAD 25,000, 22% above, plus applicable taxes (28%/25% via Invaluable; wine 20%) | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Poly Auction | 🇨🇳 China | Approximately 15%–20%; varies by sale and location | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to Ultra High-End |
| Bruun Rasmussen | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 30% incl. VAT (24% + VAT) for most lots; 25% incl. VAT for coins; 15% incl. VAT for classic cars and motorcycles | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Holstebro Auktioner | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 26% on top of the hammer price, plus 5% on lots marked /CD (artist's resale royalty). Full-VAT lots (*) carry a 20% fee plus 25% VAT on hammer and fee. Minimum DKK 100 on commission and phone bids. | 20% of the hammer price (VAT on the fee paid by the buyer), plus a DKK 100 + VAT registration and cataloguing fee per catalogue number, charged whether or not the lot sells. | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Lauritz.com | 🇩🇰 Denmark | Buyer's premium applies; see auction terms for current percentage | 16% of hammer price plus DKK 200 per sold lot, incl. VAT | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Svendborg Auktionerne | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 25% including VAT. Via Invaluable.com: DKK 70 + 25% below DKK 1,400; 30% from DKK 1,400 to 70,000; DKK 3,500 + 25% above DKK 70,000. 5% resale royalty on qualifying art. | 18.75% including VAT, plus a DKK 50 (incl. VAT) cataloguing fee per item. Proceeds paid 15 banking days after the auction. | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| VF-Auktion | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 22% added to the hammer price, plus postage. Used items are sold under the Danish margin scheme for second-hand goods (VAT not deductible). | Monthly auction: 15% of the hammer price, no lot fee and no fee on unsold lots. Weekly auction: 10% plus DKK 10 per lot handed in (DKK 5 for lots offered again). Minimum consignment estimate DKK 1,500. | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Aguttes | 🇫🇷 France | Typically 25%–30% including VAT. Rates may vary for automobiles and high-value lots. Verify current schedule before bidding. | Negotiable based on consignment value and category. Free verbal estimates available. Guaranteed minimums offered for significant consignments. | €500 – €10,000,000+ |
| Artcurial | 🇫🇷 France | 26% (varies by category and location) | Contact directly | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr | 🇫🇷 France | 28% up to €40K, 27% to €800K, 21% to €4.5M, 14.5% above; +20% VAT | Contact for rates; negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Millon | 🇫🇷 France | Degressive: 11.90%–29.17% depending on lot value and category | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Piasa | 🇫🇷 France | Approximately 20%–28% depending on sale category | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Tajan | 🇫🇷 France | 26% excl. tax up to €500K, 21% €500K–€3M, 14% above €3M | Contact directly | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Grisebach | 🇩🇪 Germany | 34% up to €1M, 29% to €4M, 22% above, incl. VAT (margin scheme); 29%/23%/17% plus VAT under regular taxation | Contact directly | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Hampel Fine Art Auctions | 🇩🇪 Germany | 29.5% of hammer price inclusive of VAT | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Ketterer Kunst | 🇩🇪 Germany | 34% up to €2M, 29% to €4M, 22% above, incl. VAT (margin scheme); 29%/23%/15% plus VAT under regular taxation | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to Premium |
| Lempertz | 🇩🇪 Germany | 27% up to €800,000 and 22% above, plus 19% VAT on the premium (32.13% incl. VAT on the first tier); regular-taxed (R) lots add 7% or 19% VAT on hammer and premium | Contact directly | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Nagel Auktionen | 🇩🇪 Germany | 29.5% incl. VAT (margin scheme); 24.5% plus VAT under regular taxation | Contact directly | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Quittenbaum Kunstauktionen | 🇩🇪 Germany | 33% incl. VAT (margin scheme); 26% plus VAT under standard taxation; +3% via LiveAuctioneers/Invaluable | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range |
| Saffronart | 🇮🇳 India | 20% up to INR 100 crore, 18% above; GST on the premium for lots shipped within India | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to Premium |
| Adam's | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 25% including VAT (Irish art, jewellery, watches); 30% including VAT for most other sales | 10% (Irish art) to 17.5% plus VAT; minimum €25 per lot | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 25% including VAT; online bidding surcharges of up to 5% | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Morgan O'Driscoll | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 20% plus VAT on the premium | Negotiated per consignment; minimum €10 per lot plus VAT | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Sheppard's Irish Auction House | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 25% including VAT | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Whyte's | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 20% (art sales) or 24% (collectibles sales) plus VAT | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Cambi | 🇮🇹 Italy | 30% up to EUR 3,000; 26% to EUR 100,000; 23% to EUR 300,000; 20% above (VAT included) | Competitive rates; negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Meeting Art | 🇮🇹 Italy | 25% of hammer price | Competitive rates within the Italian market | Affordable to High-End |
| Pandolfini | 🇮🇹 Italy | 26% up to EUR 250,000, 22% above, VAT included (online sales 25%; wine 24%) | Negotiated per consignment; favorable terms for significant collections | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Wannenes Art Auctions | 🇮🇹 Italy | 30% up to €3K, 25% to €2M, 22% above; category-specific rates for cars, wine, coins | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to High-End |
| AAG - Arts & Antiques Group | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 29.6% up to EUR 20,000; 25% to EUR 200,000; 20% above (VAT on premium included) | 10% for paintings, works on paper and sculpture; 15% for other goods; min EUR 100 per lot; 1% insurance | — |
| Catawiki | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | No traditional buyer's premium. Buyers pay a Buyer Protection fee, usually 9% of the purchase price plus a fixed amount (typically €3), non-refundable. | 12.5% seller success fee plus a fixed amount by sale price (€0.75 under €75, rising to €10 over €1,000); excludes VAT. No listing fees. | Affordable to Premium |
| Venduehuis der Notarissen | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 30% of hammer up to EUR 100,000, 24% above; +5% via Invaluable, +3% via Drouot | 20% up to EUR 15,000, 12% above; EUR 18 per sold lot in Vendue Next Door online sales | — |
| Zeeuws Veilinghuis | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 28% of the hammer price, plus artist's resale right where applicable | — | |
| 33 Auction | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 22% of hammer price (live and online), no GST added | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Strauss & Co | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Tiered, plus VAT: 17.5% up to R100,000; 15% to R250,000; 13.5% to R1m; 12.5% above (wine 15% up to R250,000) | Same tiers as buyer's premium (17.5% to 12.5%) plus VAT; trade sellers 12% | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Abalarte Subastas | 🇪🇸 Spain | 22% of hammer price, VAT included | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Alcalá Subastas | 🇪🇸 Spain | 24.2% of hammer price, VAT included | 13% of hammer price plus taxes, plus a €3–€120 catalogue fee on sold lots | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Ansorena | 🇪🇸 Spain | 20.66% + VAT (25% total) up to EUR 1,000 hammer; 19.01% + VAT (23% total) above | Agreed case by case | — |
| Balclis | 🇪🇸 Spain | Buyer's premium applies; see sale conditions | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Durán Arte y Subastas | 🇪🇸 Spain | 23% of the hammer price, VAT included (room and online auctions) | Agreed per lot; plus EUR 10-20 catalogue fee and 0.6% insurance on the starting price | — |
| Isbilya Subastas | 🇪🇸 Spain | 18% plus VAT (21.78% VAT included) | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Setdart | 🇪🇸 Spain | 21% + VAT on the premium | Competitive rates; varies by category and value | Affordable to High-End |
| Soler y Llach | 🇪🇸 Spain | 22% including VAT (18.18% plus VAT), plus shipping | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Subastas Segre | 🇪🇸 Spain | 18% plus VAT on the commission (21.78% total) | 11% plus VAT, plus €3–€21 catalogue costs | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Tauler & Fau | 🇪🇸 Spain | 20% of hammer price, VAT included | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Bukowskis | 🇸🇪 Sweden | 25% incl. VAT (25.3% in Finland); 18.75% incl. VAT on the part above SEK 10m / EUR 1m; online sales add SEK 80 / EUR 8 per lot | 17.5% incl. VAT (17.7% in Finland), plus 1.95% insurance and a photo fee | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Stockholms Auktionsverk | 🇸🇪 Sweden | Buyer's premium applies; see conditions of sale for current rates | 17% incl. VAT of hammer price, plus 1.75% insurance and a SEK 350 (live) / SEK 170 (online) photo fee | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Uppsala Auktionskammare | 🇸🇪 Sweden | 25% of hammer incl. VAT plus SEK 80 hammer fee per lot | — | |
| Antiquorum | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 25% up to CHF 1M, 20% to CHF 5M, 15% above (26% first tier in online-only sales); plus 8.1% Swiss VAT | Contact directly | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| David Feldman SA | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Typically 22% (check individual sale terms) | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Galerie Fischer | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Private sales only since 2016; terms negotiated individually | Private sale and advisory fees by arrangement | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Koller Auctions | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Buyer's premium applies plus Swiss VAT; 3% additional fee for live online bidding | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Piguet HDV Hôtel des Ventes | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 25% (as stated by the house; see its terms of sale for VAT and online-bidding fees) | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Bubb Kuyper Auctions | 🇳🇱 the Netherlands | 27.3% incl. all taxes for EU buyers; 22.5% outside the EU or with EU VAT number; +5% via Invaluable | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Schulman b.v. | 🇳🇱 the Netherlands | 24% of the hammer price; extra 3% for lots bought via Schulman's live internet system | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Van Sabben Poster Auctions | 🇳🇱 the Netherlands | 22.5% plus 21% VAT on the premium for EU residents (27.2% incl. VAT); about 5% extra via Invaluable/Drouot | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Veilinggebouw De Zwaan | 🇳🇱 the Netherlands | 29.5% of the hammer price incl. VAT; resale right where applicable | Up to 20% incl. VAT, insurance and illustration, plus 10 euros administration per lot | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Veilinghuis Onder de Boompjes | 🇳🇱 the Netherlands | 30% of the hammer price plus 1 euro table fee per lot; resale right where applicable | 20% of the hammer price plus 5 euros photography per lot; negotiable for valuable items | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Veilinghuis Van Spengen | 🇳🇱 the Netherlands | 29% of the hammer price plus 0.50 euros per lot (margin scheme, no VAT shown); resale right where applicable | 18.15% incl. VAT, covering photography, marketing and insurance; no charge if unsold | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% + VAT on the hammer price; online surcharge 2% + VAT (own site) or 4.95% + VAT (the-saleroom). | 20% inc. VAT, minimum £5 + VAT per lot sold (£8 + VAT at Ruislip and Devon). | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Anderson & Garland | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% + VAT (30% inc. VAT) on the hammer price; vehicles 10% + VAT. the-saleroom live bidding adds 4.95% + VAT. | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Bloomfield Auctions | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 15% + VAT on the hammer price; the-saleroom adds 6% + VAT. | 19% of the hammer price (minimum £5) plus £5 per lot, both + VAT. | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Bonhams | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 28% + VAT up to £40,000; 27% to £800,000; 21% to £4.5M; 14.5% above. From 1 October 2026: 30% up to £25,000; 28% to £500,000; 25% to £1M; 21% to £5M; 14% above (+ VAT). Wine & whisky 24%; motor cars 15% to £500,000, 12% above. | Contact directly | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Chiswick Auctions | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 26% + VAT up to £500,000; 12% + VAT above; wine & spirits 24% + VAT. | Competitive rates; contact for details | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Chorley's | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% + VAT (30% inc. VAT) on the first £100,000; 15% + VAT to £500,000; 12.5% + VAT to £1,000,000; 10% + VAT above. the-saleroom adds 6% inc. VAT. | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Christie's | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 28% up to £1.5M ($2M), 22% on the portion to £6M ($8M), 15% above. Excludes wine; quoted before local sales taxes/VAT. Rates raised 1 September 2026. | Not published — negotiated per consignment and often reduced or waived on high-value property. Sellers are also charged separately for insurance, photography and shipping. | High-End to Ultra-Premium |
| Dreweatts | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 28% + VAT (33.6% inc.) up to £25,000; 27% + VAT (32.4% inc.) to £500,000; 26% + VAT (31.2% inc.) above. | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Fellows | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% + VAT (30% inc. VAT) on the first £100,000; 15% + VAT (18% inc. VAT) above. Some sale types differ. | Typically 12.5% + VAT | Accessible to High-End |
| Gorringes | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% + VAT on the hammer price; online surcharges + VAT: 3% (EasyLive), 4.95% (the-saleroom), 5% (Invaluable). | Competitive rates; varies by consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Lawrences Auctioneers | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% + VAT (30% inc. VAT) on the hammer price in Fine Art and timed online sales; timed online sales add a £5 hammer fee per lot. No VAT on books and unframed maps. | 15% + VAT in Fine Art Sales; 15% + VAT plus a £5 + VAT lot fee in timed online sales; 1.5% damage and warranty fee. | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Lyon & Turnbull | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | From 30 September 2026: 28% + VAT up to £25,000; 27% + VAT to £500,000; 26% + VAT above (previously 27% to £20,000, 26% to £800,000, 20% above). No VAT on premium for printed books and unframed maps. | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Mellors & Kirk | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 24% + VAT (minimum £6 + VAT per lot); online surcharges + VAT: 1.5% (own site), 3% (EasyLive), 4.95% (the-saleroom). | Competitive rates; varies by consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Phillips | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 29% up to £1.5M ($2M), 22% on the portion to £6M ($8M), 15% above, plus local taxes (34.8%/26.4%/18% inc. UK VAT); Priority Bidding rates 25%/20%/14%. Watch sales 27%/21%/14.5%. Effective 12 April 2026. | Contact directly | High-End to Ultra-Premium |
| Propstore | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 26% of hammer price | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Ultra-Premium |
| Rogers Jones & Co | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Varies by auction; e.g. 22% + VAT (26.4% inc. VAT) for the Colwyn Bay monthly sale, May 2026. Rate shown in each sale's terms. | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Spink & Son | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 22.5% of the hammer price + VAT where applicable (UK terms, Feb 2026); NFT lots 25%. Other sites and sales may differ per sale terms. | Contact relevant department for rates | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Sworders | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 27% + VAT on the first £20,000 of the hammer price, 25% + VAT from £20,001 to £500,000, 20% + VAT above £500,000; fine wine and spirits 20% + VAT; cars and motorcycles 12.5% + VAT. No VAT on the premium for books. | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Tennants Auctioneers | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Fine, Country House & Specialist Sales: 24% + VAT (28.8% inc.) up to £1M, 20% + VAT above; Antiques & Interiors: 22% + VAT (26.4% inc.); motor vehicles 10% + VAT. | Competitive rates; varies by consignment value | Affordable to High-End |
| Thomson Roddick Callan | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 20% + VAT on the hammer price. Online purchases add 3% + VAT (own site or EasyLiveAuction) or 4.95% + VAT (the-saleroom). | Negotiated per consignment | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Toovey's | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% + VAT (30% inc. VAT) on the hammer price; the-saleroom live bidding adds a surcharge. | Competitive regional rates; contact for details | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Watches of Knightsbridge | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 22% + VAT (26.4% inc. VAT) on the hammer price; VAT on premium can be excluded for bidders outside the UK. | Contact directly | Accessible to Mid-Range |
| Woolley and Wallis | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 27% + VAT (32.4% inc.) on the first £20,000; 26% + VAT (31.2% inc.) to £500,000; 20% + VAT (24% inc.) above. | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Abell Auction Company | 🇺🇸 United States | 23-25% | Negotiated per consignment | Accessible to High-End |
| Bonhams Skinner | 🇺🇸 United States | From 1 Oct 2026: 30% up to $35K; 28% to $750K; 25% to $1.5M; 21% to $7.5M; 14% above | Negotiated per consignment; contact department | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Brunk Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | 25% (cash/check/wire); 28% via Bidsquare; 30% via LiveAuctioneers; +3% card payments | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Clars Auction Gallery | 🇺🇸 United States | 26% up to $500K; 20% $500K–$1M; 10% above; +2% Clars online, +5% other platforms | Negotiated per consignment | Accessible to High-End |
| Cottone Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | 22% flat; +3% card payments | Negotiated per consignment; complimentary estimates | Accessible to High-End |
| Doyle | 🇺🇸 United States | 28% up to $50K; 27% $50K–$1M; 21% $1M–$4M; 15% above | Contact directly | Mid-Range to High-End |
| DuMouchelles | 🇺🇸 United States | 24% direct (in person, phone, absentee, dumoart.com); higher via third-party platforms | Negotiated per consignment | Accessible to High-End |
| Eldred's | 🇺🇸 United States | 28% up to $500K; 10% above (select sales 26% or 30%) | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Freeman's | 🇺🇸 United States | Live: 28% up to $1M; 21% above. Timed online 30%, online-only 28% (coins 23%/21%); $50 min per lot; + third-party platform fee (from Apr 2026) | Contact directly | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Freeman's Chicago (formerly Hindman) | 🇺🇸 United States | Live: 28% up to $1M; 21% above. Timed online 30%, online-only 28% (coins 23%/21%); $50 min per lot; + third-party platform fee (from Apr 2026) | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Freeman's Cincinnati (formerly Cowan's) | 🇺🇸 United States | Live: 28% up to $1M; 21% above. Timed online 30%, online-only 28% (coins 23%/21%); $50 min per lot; + third-party platform fee (from Apr 2026) | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Hake's Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | Typically 20% of hammer price | Contact for consignment rates; free appraisals available | Affordable to Premium |
| Heritage Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | 20% on most categories; 22% on some online-only sales | 0% seller commission on most consignments; 10% for Buy Now items | Accessible to Ultra-Premium |
| iGavel Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | Set by each consigning auction house; varies by sale | Set by each consigning auction house | Accessible to High-End |
| John Moran Auctioneers | 🇺🇸 United States | 27% up to $1M (direct/own site); 32% via LiveAuctioneers/Invaluable | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Julien's Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | Typically 26% (check sale terms) | Negotiated per consignment; free evaluations available | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Kaminski Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | 20% in person/phone/absentee; 25% online | Negotiated per consignment | Accessible to High-End |
| Leland Little Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | 20% via LelandLittle.com/in-house; 25% via third-party platforms; vehicles 10% | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Material Culture | 🇺🇸 United States | Approximately 25%; may be higher on some online platforms | Negotiated per consignment | Accessible to High-End |
| Morphy Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | 23%; + surcharge via third-party platforms; +3% card payments | Negotiated per consignment; free appraisals available | Affordable to Premium |
| Nate D. Sanders Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | Typically 20% of hammer price | Contact for consignment rates | Affordable to Premium |
| Neal Auction Company | 🇺🇸 United States | 25% up to $200K; 15% above (22% if paid by cash/check/wire within 5 days); 30% via LiveAuctioneers/Invaluable | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| New Orleans Auction Galleries | 🇺🇸 United States | 25% up to $200K; 12% above; 30% (up to $200K) via LiveAuctioneers/Invaluable | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Pook & Pook | 🇺🇸 United States | 27% up to $1M; 20% above; + surcharge via third-party platforms | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Rago Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | 28% up to $2M; 22% above; + surcharge via third-party sites | Contact directly | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries | 🇺🇸 United States | 18% of hammer price | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| RR Auction | 🇺🇸 United States | 25% of hammer price; additional 3% for credit/debit card payments | Competitive rates; contact for consignment evaluation | Affordable to Ultra-Premium |
| Shapiro Auctions | 🇺🇸 United States | Approximately 25% | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Sotheby's | 🇺🇸 United States | 28% up to $2M, 22% on the portion $2M–$8M, 15% above $8M (£1.5M / £6M bands in London). Wine and spirits are a flat 24%; quoted before local sales taxes. Rates changed February 2026. | Not published — negotiated per consignment and often reduced or waived on high-value property. Sellers are also charged separately for insurance, photography and shipping. | High-End to Ultra-Premium |
| Stack's Bowers Galleries | 🇺🇸 United States | 22% (min $29 per lot), auctions closing from Apr 1, 2026 | Negotiated per consignment; contact for rates | Mid-Range to Ultra-Premium |
| Stair Galleries | 🇺🇸 United States | 31% up to $50K; 25% above; +5% via bidding platforms | Negotiated per consignment | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Swann Auction Galleries | 🇺🇸 United States | 27% up to $100K; 22% $100K–$1M; 12% above; +5% via Invaluable/LiveAuctioneers | Contact directly | Accessible to High-End |
| Wright | 🇺🇸 United States | 28% up to $2M; 22% above; + surcharge via third-party sites | Contact directly | Mid-Range to High-End |
142 of 142 auction houses shown · Fee data is compiled from publicly available rate cards and may change — always confirm directly before consigning.
Not sure which house fits your item?
Fees only matter once you know what you're selling. Get a free AI valuation first, then we'll point you to the houses that specialise in it.
How Auction House Fees Work
Understanding the two sides of auction economics before you buy or sell.
The Buyer's Premium
The buyer's premium is a percentage added to the hammer price, paid by the winning bidder. If you win a lot at $10,000 with a 26% premium, you actually pay $12,600 (plus applicable taxes). This is the auction house's primary revenue source, and it is not negotiable.
Most major houses use a sliding scale: the premium percentage decreases as the price increases. Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips all charge around 26% on the first $1 million, dropping to roughly 14.5% above $6 million.
The Seller's Commission
Sellers (consignors) pay a commission deducted from the hammer price. Unlike the buyer's premium, this is highly negotiable — and for desirable consignments, major houses frequently reduce it to zero. They make their money from the buyer's premium, so winning your consignment matters more than charging you commission.
- Items under $5,000: expect to pay 10–25% seller's commission
- Items $5,000–$50,000: typically 5–15%, often negotiable
- Items over $50,000: frequently 0% — houses compete for these consignments
- Collections and estates: almost always negotiable as a package
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Photography & cataloguing: $50–$300 per lot at some houses (often waived)
- Insurance: typically 1–1.5% of the hammer price
- Unsold lot ("buy-in") fees: around 5% of the reserve if your item doesn't sell
- Withdrawal fees: charged if you pull an item after cataloguing
- Shipping & handling: both to the auction house and to the buyer
How to Pay Less
Get consignment offers from at least two or three auction houses before committing — they know they're competing. Ask each house to waive photography and insurance fees, and to reduce the seller's commission. For items worth over $10,000, a 0% seller commission is a realistic target. Before negotiating, know what your item is worth: get a free AI valuation or browse our complete selling guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about auction house fees and costs.
A buyer's premium is a fee added on top of the hammer price (the winning bid), paid by the buyer to the auction house. At major houses like Christie's and Sotheby's it is typically 26% on the first $1 million, decreasing for higher amounts. Regional auction houses usually charge 20-25%. The buyer's premium is how auction houses earn most of their revenue.
Christie's charges sellers a negotiable commission (typically 10-15% of the hammer price, often waived for high-value consignments) plus possible fees for photography, insurance, and shipping. Buyers pay a premium of 26% up to $1 million, 20% on the portion from $1 million to $6 million, and 14.5% above $6 million.
Heritage Auctions offers 0% seller commission on most consignments, making it one of the most seller-friendly major houses. Regional auction houses generally charge lower buyer's premiums (20-25%) than the international houses (26-28%). The 'cheapest' option depends on whether you are buying or selling, and on your item's value.
Seller's commissions are almost always negotiable, especially for items expected to sell above $10,000 or for collections. Many houses will reduce or waive the seller's commission entirely to win a desirable consignment. Buyer's premiums, however, are fixed and non-negotiable.
Possibly. Many auction houses charge unsold lot fees (also called buy-in fees), typically 5% of the reserve price, plus photography and cataloguing costs. Always ask about unsold fees before consigning, and check whether the house charges withdrawal fees if you change your mind.
Beyond the seller's commission, watch for: photography and cataloguing fees ($50-$300 per lot), insurance (typically 1-1.5% of the hammer price), shipping and handling, withdrawal fees, and unsold lot fees. At major houses, many of these are negotiable or waived for valuable consignments.
Selling Something Valuable?
Know what your item is worth before negotiating with auction houses. If it's worth $1,000 or more, we introduce you to houses that take your item — free for you.