Thinking of buying a property in Spain and wondering what you should pay a buyer’s agent? You're not alone. The real estate market here — especially in the Costa del Sol — can be tricky to navigate, and knowing what fees to expect is crucial. In this guide, we break down what you need to know about buyer’s agents, how fees work, and what to watch out for in an unregulated market.
Is the Real Estate Market in Spain Regulated?
First things first — Spain's real estate market is largely unregulated. Unlike some other countries, there’s no mandatory licensing for agents, which means almost anyone can call themselves a real estate agent. This makes it even more important to work with a legitimate company that has a proper website, active social media presence, and visible client feedback or testimonials.
Do You Need to Pay a Buyer’s Agent in Spain?
In most cases — especially in the Costa del Sol — a professional buyer’s agent will not charge you a fee. Instead, they receive a commission directly from the seller’s side, paid out of the total sale. So, if you’re buying a property in Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, or Benalmádena, you typically should not be paying anything to your buyer’s agent.
When Might You Pay a Buyer’s Agent?
There are situations where a buyer might be asked to pay a fee, but these should be clear and agreed in advance. Examples include:
- Bank repossessions: When working directly with banks or distressed sales where no commission is offered.
- Off-market properties: Where the agent has sourced a unique deal not publicly available.
- Auctions: When helping navigate auction purchases, where buyer representation requires specific expertise.
In these cases, fees should be reasonable and reflect the value of the deal. A good agent will always disclose fees upfront and explain why they apply.
Why You Should Work with a Legitimate Buyer’s Agent
Since the Spanish real estate market is unregulated, it’s essential to choose a buyer’s agent who operates as a real business:
- Registered Spanish company (S.L.)
- Visible online presence: Website, Google Business listing, active social media
- Transparent client reviews and references
- Clear communication on process and fees
At NuSun Realty, we are a fully registered brokerage based in Marbella, offering independent, buyer-focused representation — with no cost to you for standard property purchases.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Sadly, many "agents" in Spain work without contracts, and some may charge you a fee without offering real value. Here’s what to watch for:
- Agents who can't show a proper website or company registration
- Unclear about their fee structure or reluctant to put it in writing
- Pushing only their "own stock" instead of searching the whole market
Final Thoughts: How to Approach Fees in Spain
To recap:
- In most cases, buyer’s agents in Costa del Sol are paid by the seller.
- If fees are charged to you as a buyer, they must be justified and agreed upfront.
- Always work with a legitimate company to protect your interests.
If you want an agent who has your back and doesn’t push you into unsuitable deals, feel free to reach out to us. Whether you’re buying your dream home, a holiday retreat, or an investment, NuSun Realty is here to help — and our service is free for you as a buyer in standard transactions.
Ready to get started?
📅 Book a discovery call here and let’s talk about how to make your dream of owning in Spain a reality.