Christie’s and Bonhams Quietly Hike Buyers’ Fees
Christie’s and Bonhams have raised buyer’s premiums, the fees paid on top of hammer prices, according to ARTnews. Christie’s changes take effect September 1, setting premiums at 28% up to and including £1.5 million or $2 million, 22% from that level up to and including £6 million or $8 million, and 15% above, affecting all departments except wine; the move follows an internal business review and matches Sotheby’s fee hike from February. Christie’s had last adjusted fees in September 2025, when it charged 27% up to £1 million ($1.5 million), 22% from £1 million to £6 million, and 15% above. Bonhams’ new structure begins October 1 and adds a new band: 30% on the first £25,000 or $35,000, 28% from £25,001 to £500,000, 25% from £500,001 to £1 million, 21% from £1 million to £5 million, and 14% above £5 million, with certain categories (including wine and whisky, coins and medals, and cars and motorcycles) excluded. Bonhams CEO Seth Johnson said the changes support specialist services such as authentication and provenance research and investment in digital experience, noting it is the first buyer’s-premium change in more than three years.
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This story was covered in Funding Fights, Fee Hikes, and Biennale Blowback