Commission when buying property in Spain: the buyer does not pay

In Spain the buyer does not pay a brokerage commission when buying property. The agency's fee is paid by the seller or the developer. This way you get the agency's support at no extra charge.

Who pays an estate agent's commission in Spain?

Unlike in many other countries, in Spain the estate agency's fee is usually paid by the seller or the developer, not the buyer. As an agency client you bear no additional brokerage charges.

This is one of the questions clients ask us most often: "Do I have to pay a commission when buying property?" The answer is: no. Your role comes down to choosing a property that meets your expectations and completing the transaction. Experienced specialists oversee its progress.

How do developers pay the agency's fee?

Developers selling new-build property build agency costs into their sales strategy. So you do not pay extra for help in finding a home or an apartment.

This is standard practice, which makes the buying process more transparent and less costly for the buyer.

How does the agency help the buyer?

Buying without an intermediary may seem tempting, but it carries serious risks. They include unfamiliarity with local regulations, a language barrier and lack of negotiating experience. Because of them the transaction can become much harder and important matters can be overlooked. An agency helps:

1. Negotiating the price. An intermediary has access to current listings and market prices, and so can negotiate better purchase terms.
2. Securing all the formalities. The agency guides you through every stage of the transaction, from signing the preliminary contract to the final transfer of ownership, and watches over every detail.
3. Ensuring the security of the transaction. Every property is checked for legal compliance. We work with a reputable law firm that makes sure all the formalities are completed in accordance with Spanish law.
4. Running the entire procedure in your language. Many developers and agents in Spain speak English, but a lack of fluency can make communication harder at key moments of the transaction. We serve clients in many languages, including English.

What do you risk by buying property without an agency?

Buying without an intermediary means many challenges, which can translate into extra costs and stress:

• A weaker negotiating position. Developers and resale sellers may not be interested in looking after your interests.
• Less choice. Many properties in Spain are available only through agencies, so you may miss the best offers on the market.
• No support when problems arise. With complications over documentation, repairs or the contract, you are on your own. Solving such problems yourself can cost you valuable days, and sometimes money too.

What does our agency's free support include?

As an agency with 15 years of experience we provide full support when buying property in Spain. We help not only with choosing a property but also with negotiations, checking the documentation and monitoring progress on the building site. This makes the whole process simpler, faster and more convenient.

All our services are free for the buyer. Our fee is paid by the developer or the seller.

Contact us to find your property in Spain

Featured properties on the Costa Blanca

• 

  Apartment 100 m from the beach, Calpe: from 126.91 m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sea view, communal pool, balcony/terrace, close to the sea. Price from €524,000 (price excludes VAT).

• 

  Apartment 250 metres from the sea, Torrevieja: from 82.07 m², 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sea view, air conditioning, communal pool, balcony/terrace. Price from €620,000 (price excludes VAT).

• 

  Apartment 300 metres from the sea, Orihuela Costa: from 75.26 m², 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sea view, frontline beach, air conditioning, communal pool. Price from €369,000 (price excludes VAT).

• 

  Apartment 500 metres from the sea: from 92.81 m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, balcony/terrace, close to the sea, parking, lift. Price from €290,500 (price excludes VAT).

• 

  Apartment 600 metres from the beach, Calpe: from 59.11 m², 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sea view, air conditioning, communal pool, balcony/terrace. Price from €394,000 (price excludes VAT).

Frequently asked questions

Does the buyer pay an estate agent's commission in Spain?

No. In Spain the agency's fee is usually paid by the seller or the developer, so the buyer bears no additional brokerage charges.

Where does the developer get the money to pay the agency's fee?

Developers selling new-build property build agency costs into their sales strategy. In Spain this is standard practice.

Is it worth buying property in Spain without an intermediary?

Buying without an agency carries risks stemming from unfamiliarity with local regulations, a language barrier and lack of negotiating experience. In addition, many properties are available only through agencies.

How does an agency help when buying property in Spain?

The agency negotiates the price, handles the formalities from the preliminary contract to the transfer of ownership and checks the property from a legal standpoint. It also monitors progress on the building site and communicates in the client's language.

Aria Spain is a licensed agency (RAICV no. 4123) selling new-build property from developers on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa del Sol. The buyer pays 0% commission, and service is provided in English, from the NIE number and mortgage to the visit to the notary and handover. Book a free consultation.