Spain continues to be a top destination for people looking to invest in property, whether it's for a family home, rental, or holiday retreat, more people than ever are looking to buy in Spain.
Finding a trustworthy Spanish estate agent is one of the most important steps to ensure a smooth process. A reliable estate agent not only simplifies the property search but also helps you get the best deal and avoid any costly pitfalls.
Here's how to find a great estate agent in Spain.
1. Decide What You Need from an Estate Agent
Before you start your search, it's essential to identify what you're looking for in an estate agent.
Consider the following:
- Language Skills: If you're not fluent in Spanish, you may prefer an agent who speaks your language. In tourist areas like the Costa del Sol, many agents are accustomed to working with foreign buyers and speak English, German, Swedish - whatever language you need!
However, if you’re confident with Spanish, a local agent who operates primarily in Spanish may offer more regional insight.
- Local Knowledge: Are you clear on the region or neighborhood where you want to buy? If not, you’ll need an agent who knows the local market well and can guide you through the options.
- Viewing Flexibility: Do you need to view properties on weekends or after work hours? Make sure your chosen agent can accommodate your schedule. Most agents in busy areas like Costa del Sol are used to working all hours, so you can be sure you can get to see as many properties as you need if you have limited time in Spain.
2. Where to Find Estate Agents in Spain
You can find estate agents in Spain through several routes:
- Local Searches: If you already know the area where you want to buy, a simple Google search for estate agents in that region will yield numerous results. However, it's essential to vet each agent before moving forward.
- Reviews: Do your research online before visiting Spanish estate agents, these days, online reputation is everything to a business, so you can trust online reviews of estate agents.
- Walk-In Visits: If you're already in Spain, you can visit local real estate offices in the area you're interested in. This will give you a chance to meet the agents in person and discuss your requirements directly.
- Ask Locals & Your Friends: If you already know someone in the area you want to move to, then ask if they have any trustworthy recommendations of estate agents.
- Official Listings: To find a reputable estate agent in Málaga, a reliable source is the Grupo de Inmobiliarias y Profesionales de España (GIPE) organization. GIPE offers a directory of certified real estate professionals, ensuring you connect with licensed, qualified agents who are part of a trusted network within the property industry.
4. Questions to Ask Your Estate Agent
When you’ve shortlisted a few estate agents, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure you're choosing the most trustworthy option for you.
- What qualifications do you hold, and how long have you been working as an estate agent?
- Do you specialise in working with international buyers or expats?
- What is the typical process for buying a property in Spain, and how long does it usually take?
- How many homes are you currently representing, and what’s your success rate in this area?
- What are your fees, and what services are included?
Perhaps the most important question of all is if they are happy to provide any testimonials from recent clients!
5. Estate Agent Fees and Additional Costs
In Spain, estate agent commissions are usually paid by the seller, and typically range from 3% to 6% of the sale price.
However, if you use an agent to help you find a rental property, you may be required to pay a fee, which could be a fixed amount or a percentage of the first month's rent.
When buying property, there are additional costs to consider. These include:
- Notary Fees: 1%
- Property Registration Fees: €400-650
- Legal Fees: 1%
- Transfer Tax: 7%-10% of the property value
- Valuation Costs for obtaining a mortgage
- VAT (for new properties): 10%
Before committing to an agent, ensure they’re transparent about their fees and any additional costs involved in the property purchase process.[1]
6. Stay Safe: How to Avoid Scams
The Spanish property market has a generally good reputation, but as with any major financial transaction, there can be risks and unfortunately, there can be a lot of shark estate agents in the busier parts of Spain.
Here are a few tips to protect yourself:
- Check Qualifications: Ensure your estate agent is registered with GIPE or AIPP. This guarantees they have the qualifications and meet legal standards for selling property in Spain.
- Get Legal Advice: Hire an independent lawyer to review all contracts, title deeds, and to check for any outstanding mortgages or legal issues tied to the property.
- Professional Survey: Get a full survey done to ensure the property doesn’t have any structural problems or hidden defects.
- Avoid Pressure: Never feel rushed into signing contracts or making payments without fully understanding the terms.
Final Words
Whether you’re looking for a city apartment or a villa by the sea, a good estate agent will help you navigate the complexities of the Spanish property market and make the process as seamless as possible.
If you're planning to buy in Spain, Right Casa Estate Agency is the team you can rely on.
Our multilingual experts have excellent connections and a keen eye for finding the best properties along the coast.
Whether you're after a luxury villa or a bargain property, we pride ourselves on matching you with the right property. We respect your time, so you won't be shown unsuitable options.
Instead, we focus on understanding your vision and guiding you through every step of the process.