Real Estate Agents in Spain – What Do They Do and How Does It Differ from Sweden?

Many Swedes planning to buy property in Spain assume that the process works roughly as it does at home. But the agent's role looks different, and that affects both how you search for a property and how you protect yourself as a buyer.

Here we go through what a real estate agent does in Spain, how it differs from Sweden and how to find an agent you can trust.

Do I Need an Agent to Buy Property in Spain?

No, there is no legal requirement to use a real estate agent when buying property in Spain. However, many properties are sold through agents, and for those who do not speak Spanish or know the local market, an agent can make the property search easier and provide valuable guidance through the purchase process.

What Does an Agent Do When You Buy Property in Spain?

A real estate agent in Spain helps you, among other things, to:

• find properties that match your wishes and your budget
• arrange viewings and explain the differences between areas
• give guidance on the price level and help with negotiating with the seller
• coordinate contact with the lawyer, bank and notary
• guide you through the process up to closing

Differences Between Agents in Sweden and Spain

Registration and Supervision

In Sweden, real estate agents are covered by national rules on registration and supervision. In Spain, the regulations look different and the requirements can vary between regions. It is therefore important to check which rules apply where you plan to buy property.

Who the Agent Represents

In Sweden, the agent has an impartial intermediary role with obligations towards both buyer and seller. In Spain, the agent's assignment and role can look different depending on how the transaction is organised. It also happens that several agents cooperate on the same property.

The Same Property with Several Agents

In Sweden, an agent usually has the exclusive right to sell a property. In Spain, the same property can be listed with several agents at the same time, sometimes at different prices.

Negotiation Instead of Bidding

Open bidding as in Sweden is unusual. Instead, the price is usually negotiated directly between buyer and seller via the agent.

Legal Review

In Sweden, the agent has certain statutory duties to check and inform. In Spain, the legal review is usually handled by the buyer's legal representative, who among other things goes through documents and terms before the purchase.

Who Pays the Agent's Fee in Spain?

How the agent's fee is handled in Spain can vary depending on the agent and the arrangement. In many cases it is the seller who pays the agent's fee, but the terms can differ between agencies.

The level of the fee can also vary. It is therefore important to find out in advance what applies to the transaction in question and whether any separate costs apply to you as a buyer.

→ Read more: Costs When Buying Property in Spain

How Do I Find a Reliable Swedish Agent in Spain?

A few things to check:

• that the agent has good local knowledge and experience of the Spanish property market
• that the agent meets the requirements that apply in the region in question
• that you receive clear information in Swedish about the process, costs and contracts
• that the agent recommends an independent lawyer rather than advising against it
• that the terms for the reservation fee and deposit are clearly stated in the contracts

Choosing an established Swedish real estate chain with a local presence in Spain can be an advantage if you want support in Swedish and access to local market knowledge.

Notar has offices on the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol. Contact us if you are thinking about buying property in Spain.