Buying a property in Spain? Make the right choice
2021-10-18 - Back to overview

Buying a property in Spain? Make the right choice

Do you dream of a second home in Spain? Then it is important that you let yourself be guided by a good, reliable estate agent. Because estate agents are a liberal profession in Spain, you must be extra vigilant in choosing the right estate agency.

Anyone can become an estate agent

Unlike in the Netherlands and Belgium, anyone can become a real estate agent in Spain overnight, without a diploma. In addition, the estate agency in Spain is not exclusive, which means that several estate agents can offer the same house for sale. Because of the fact that the estate agent profession is free, it is difficult to distinguish good estate agents from less good ones.

Many of these so-called estate agents also do other jobs, for example handyman or caretaker. Some even have a regular job in the Netherlands or Belgium. Because they do not reside in the region all year round, they have insufficient or no experience and knowledge of the local property market. The result is that they offer substandard service and not the quality that you, as a buyer of a second home, are looking for.

Be alert and get proper guidance

Some estate agents have less than good or even bad intentions and sell Spanish homes that are not even for sale. It is important that you are alert when choosing a real estate agent to avoid falling prey to people with less than good intentions. Some tips:

- Look up the estate agent online. Often, 'bad' estate agents only have a car and a mobile phone. If they have a website, check it for an office address and visit. If there is no address on the website, this is a sign that it is an unreliable estate agent.

- References are another point of attention. A lack of references on the website is usually not a good sign. Be alert if references are given. After all, anyone can ask friends to write something positive as a so-called 'satisfied customer' - or do it themselves. So ask the estate agent if you can contact some of these customers. If he/she does not readily agree, an alarm bell should ring.

- Buying a second home in Spain involves a lot of documents, contracts and procedures. It is wise to let yourself be guided by a lawyer who is specialised in real estate transactions. Unlike estate agents, lawyers in Spain are not a liberal profession. A lawyer is well aware of all laws and regulations and can screen the documents of the real estate agent. He/she can explain well what exactly you are signing. Do not be misled if the real estate office employs its own lawyer. Hiring a lawyer for the purchase of your second home may cost a little money, but it will save you a lot of trouble and misery afterwards. Do not save on this.

- Don't act too quickly when during a holiday in Spain you start itching to buy your own house. Once you are back in Belgium, take the time to think about what exactly you want. Visit fairs, look at websites of different estate agents and contact them. If you feel you click well with an estate agent, plan a well-organised introductory visit. This will give you a clear picture of what you can buy with what budget in a particular region in Spain.