Real Estate Agents in Spain

Find a real estate agent in Spain by region.

Hi, I'm Robbert the founder of Spanish Estate, I am personally committed to ensuring that we work exclusively with reputable estate agents throughout Spain—agents who offer the expertise and professionalism needed for a seamless experience when buying or selling property. With thousands of agents operating in Spain, including those with and without official credentials, it's crucial to find reliable, professional advice.

I take great pride in personally overseeing the due diligence process for every agent listing properties on our portal. In addition, we gather reviews from a variety of sources to ensure that the agents featured here meet the high standards that we set at Spanish Estate.

To make your search more convenient, I have carefully organized this list of estate agents by province. I continuously update and expand these listings to provide you with the most accurate and reliable information available.

I get a lot of questions about estate agents in Spain. I've summorized these bellow in the FAQ section
If you’ve had a positive or negative experience with any of the agents listed, I welcome your feedback. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me, and I will take them into consideration.

FAQ About estate agents in Spain

How can I find a trustworthy estate agent in Spain?

In Spain, there are some certified real estate organizations that regulate and accredit estate agents, such as API (Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria) and GIPE. API is one of the most well-known and respected organizations.
API-certified agents have undergone formal training and obtained credentials that demonstrate their professionalism and expertise. While certification is not legally required to operate as an estate agent in Spain, choosing an agent affiliated with a recognized organization like API or GIPE can be a good indication of trustworthiness.
Additionally, researching online reviews, asking for references, and ensuring clear communication about fees and services can help you choose a reliable estate agent.

Who pays the estate agent's commission in Spain?

In Spain, the general rule is that the seller pays the estate agent’s commission. The agent's commission can typically be deducted from the proceeds of the sale at the notary’s office when the property deeds are signed.
In certain regions like Valencia and Castellón it’s becoming increasingly common for both the buyer and the seller to share the commission. In these areas, each party may pay 3% of the sale price as commission. This practice is not widespread across the country, so it’s important to confirm the commission arrangement with the agent upfront.

How much is the typical estate agent commission in Spain?

The standard commission for estate agents in Spain is typically around 5% but can range between 3% and 7%, depending on the agreement between the seller and the agent. Luxury properties often command higher commission rates. In some cases, the commission may be lower if the seller agrees to exclusively use one agent to sell the property.
On average, in popular coastal regions such as Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, the commission is typically around 5%. In larger cities like Madrid, the commission tends to be closer to 3%. Always ensure you clarify the commission terms with your agent before proceeding with any transactions to avoid unexpected costs.

Can I sell my property in Spain exclusively through one estate agent?

Yes, you can, and it’s often a good practice to do so. Choosing the right agent with experience, good exposure, and positive reviews is key. As a seller, you might negotiate a reduced commission if you agree to work exclusively with one agent. However, if you haven’t signed an exclusivity agreement, you’re free to list your property with multiple agents.

You mention that the buyer does not pay estate agency fees, but in Valencia, both the buyer and the seller typically pay a 3% commission fee. Could you clarify where else in Spain this practice occurs?

Charging the buyer is not common in Spain, and many foreign buyers are surprised to find otherwise. Typically, the seller pays the commission from the sale proceeds. Most agents receive their commission at the notary when the deeds are signed, though sometimes a portion may be paid when signing the option contract to ensure the deal goes through.
It’s becoming more frequent for both the buyer and seller to pay commissions in provinces of Valencia and Castellón. While this practice is common for lease/rental agreements, it’s now being used in property sales as well. My advice is to confirm the commission distribution and percentage upfront, ideally in writing, to avoid surprises.

Why do I see the same property listed by different estate agents at different prices?

It is quite common in Spain to find the same property advertised by multiple estate agents, sometimes at different prices. This happens because Spain operates as a non-exclusive market, meaning sellers can list their property with several agents to increase their chances of finding a buyer.
However, price discrepancies should not occur, as they can create confusion and distrust among potential buyers. These differences may result from outdated listings, agent commission structures, or miscommunication between the seller and agents. If you encounter varying prices for the same property, it is always best to verify the correct price directly with the seller or the primary listing agent.

I’m stunned by the estate agency fees in Spain, especially compared to the UK, where fees are much lower. How do estate agents justify these high rates? Can I report these fees to an ombudsman?

I understand your frustration. It’s true that some agents charge commission from both the buyer and the seller, which can feel unfair. The problem lies in the fact that the estate agent profession is not regulated in Spain, meaning anyone with minimal qualifications can call themselves an estate agent.
While many agents do a great job, the competition is fierce, and the time it takes to sell property in Spain sometimes forces agents to charge higher commissions to stay in business. This can certainly feel unjust compared to the lower fees in the UK.
On the positive side, legitimate agents will issue an invoice for their services, which you can use to deduct from your capital gains tax (CGT) if applicable. However, in your case, you may be exempt from CGT based on the criteria.

Do I need an estate agent to sell my property in Spain?

No, it is not mandatory to sell your property through an estate agent. Many private sellers choose to handle the sale themselves. Some sellers may opt for this route due to past negative experiences with agents.
However, a knowledgeable and experienced estate agent can provide valuable assistance. They can help determine the right pricing and selling strategy, negotiate with international buyers, and ensure all necessary paperwork is in order for a smooth transaction at the notary.
While selling privately is an option, working with a reputable agent can often streamline the process and maximize your chances of a successful sale.

What happens if an estate agent does not have a suitable property for their client?

In many cases, an estate agent may have a buyer looking for a property but not have a suitable listing in their own portfolio. When this happens, the agent will often collaborate with other agents to find a matching property.
If a deal is made, the commission is typically shared between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. This type of collaboration allows agents to better serve their clients while ensuring a wider selection of properties for buyers.

When is the estate agent's commission paid?

Typically, the commission is paid when the sale is completed at the notary. However, some agents may ask for payment earlier, such as during the signing of the option contract. They might claim to have already done a lot of work to justify this.
It's important to note that I've heard from many sellers who were disappointed to find themselves having to pay or being pressured to pay by the agent without the sale going through. In option contracts, a 10% deposit is usually paid to demonstrate commitment from both parties. A significant portion of this deposit can sometimes be allocated to the estate agent. Sellers should be cautious about what they sign to avoid unexpected costs.

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