Two major auction houses, Christie's and Bonhams, have updated the fees charged to buyers, signaling a fresh recalibration in the global art market.
Christie's revises premium bands
From September 1, Christie's began applying a new buyer's premium structure across most departments, excluding wine. The house now charges 28% on the hammer price up to £1.5 million or $2 million, 22% on the portion between £1.5 million and £6 million, and 15% above that level. Christie's said the change followed an internal business review.
The move brings the auction house in line with Sotheby's, which had already increased its own fees earlier in the year. Christie's had also adjusted its structure in September 2025, showing how quickly auction pricing models are evolving.
Bonhams introduces a new tier
Bonhams will implement its revised premium structure on October 1. The update affects all sale categories except wine and whisky, coins and medals, and cars and motorcycles. It is the first major change to the company's buyer's premium since 2023.
The new model adds a fresh entry band: 30% on the first £25,000, then 28% up to £500,000, 25% up to £1 million, 21% up to £5 million, and 14% above that. Bonhams said the revision is designed to support specialist expertise, authentication, provenance work, valuation services, and continued investment in its digital experience.
Across the auction sector, these adjustments reflect a broader effort to balance premium services with changing market expectations. As digital tools and global bidding continue to reshape the industry, fee structures may become an even more strategic part of the auction experience in the years ahead.
