It is a fair question, and often the first one people don't dare to ask. The honest answer comes in two parts: a buying agent costs money, and that cost should be measured against what they help you gain or avoid. Here is how to think about it, with no nasty surprises.
Who pays what in Spain?
In Spain, the estate agency's commission is normally paid by the seller, and it is already built into the asking price. A buying agent, on the other hand, is paid by the buyer, since they work exclusively for them. That is precisely what guarantees their independence: they have no interest in selling you one property rather than another.
How is the fee structured?
Depending on the professional, the fee is a fixed amount, a percentage of the purchase price, or a combination of both. It depends mainly on the scope of the work:
- a full search, from defining the project to handing over the keys;
- support with a property you have already found: checks, negotiation, securing the purchase;
- follow-up after the purchase: settling in, contracts, small works.
At Acheter Malin Costa Brava, the amount is never set blindly. After a first conversation about your project, you receive a written, costed proposal detailing what we will do, in what timescale and for what amount. You then decide, with no prior commitment.
What a buying agent saves you
- Negotiation: knowing the prices actually achieved lets you make a fair offer, often below the asking price.
- Costly mistakes: an undeclared extension, unpaid community fees or a reference value higher than the price can cost a lot after signing.
- Time and travel: we view before you do, and you only travel for the properties that are worth it.
The right question is not 'how much does the buying agent cost?' but 'how much would a bad purchase cost me?'. Ask us for a proposal for your specific project and you will get a clear answer.
