Market

Brokers vs Private Sale: Where the Value Really Lies

Charlotte DuPont·January 22, 2026 5 min read

Commissions are visible; the cost of a botched private transaction rarely is. A candid look at both routes.

A qualified broker earns their commission through market intelligence, buyer qualification, and — critically — protecting both parties through escrow, MOA drafting, and title verification. On vessels above €500k, the calculus almost always favours brokered sale.

Private sales suit knowledgeable owners transacting with knowledgeable buyers on smaller vessels. Even then, use a maritime lawyer for the paperwork and a neutral escrow agent for the funds.

The single most expensive mistake is skipping either professional in the belief that trust replaces process. It doesn't.