Estate agents and surveyors charge lower rates
In the fourth quarter of 2008, fees of estate agents and surveyors were 1.1 percent down on one year previously. Most fees of other service providers in the sector operation of and trade in real estate, rental services and other business services were higher than one year ago. The increase was less substantial than in the third quarter of 2008.
Lower counselling service rates
The most important activity of estate agents and surveyors is providing counselling services. Due to fierce competition, the rates in the fourth quarter of 2008 were 3.5 percent down on one year previously. Evaluation of owner-occupied property also became cheaper. Prices were 0.5 percent lower than twelve months ago.
Prices of property-related notary services have dropped since the collection of statistical data on this subject started by the end of 2003. More competition is the main reason for the price reduction.
Prices services estate agents and surveyors
Prices other commercial services still increasing, but less rapidly
In the fourth quarter of 2008, prices in the sector commercial services increased by an average 2.2 percent relative to one year previously. The price increase in the third quarter was 2.6 percent.
Services provided by estate agents and surveyors are included in the sector operation of and trade in real estate, rental services and other business services. Prices in this sector rose by more than 2 percent in the fourth quarter.
Prices charged by nearly all service providers in this sector rose less rapidly in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the preceding quarter. Prices of software consultancy rose by 0.8 percent compared the one year ago. The price increase is much more modest than in the third quarter, when an increase by nearly 3 percent was recorded. Engineering services, on the other hand, increased more in the last quarter of 2008.
Prices in the sector operation of and trade in real estate, rental services and other business services
Tanya Gelsema and Koen Link