Photo: Alejandro Hikari on Unsplash
Property buyer’s agent in Spain — on your side, not the seller’s
In Spain most agents work for the seller. We do the opposite: we represent the buyer only. We search off your brief, run viewings, negotiate the price, coordinate legal due diligence and the notary, and protect you from the classic foreign-buyer pitfalls.
Who it’s for
- →Foreign buyers who can’t view in person often
- →Investors who want an independent second opinion
- →Anyone worried about overpaying or legal risk
- →Buyers who want negotiation handled professionally
Eligibility and key conditions
- Foreigners can buy property in Spain, but the Land Registry will not register a purchase deed unless it states the NIF/NIE of everyone who signs it (Ley Hipotecaria, art. 254).
- A new home bought from a developer is generally subject to VAT; a resale is subject to transfer tax (ITP) instead (RDLeg 1/1993, art. 7).
- Registration needs the notary’s copy of the deed, proof that ITP was paid, and proof that the municipal plusvalía tax was filed. Only the registered owner is fully protected (Colegio de Registradores).
- Non-resident owners may have to file Modelo 210, the return for non-residents’ income without a permanent establishment (Agencia Tributaria).
What’s included
- Independent buyer representation (never the seller)
- Property search matched to your brief and budget
- Viewings, shortlists and honest condition reports
- Price and terms negotiation
- Legal due diligence with a partner lawyer
- Notary, taxes and completion coordination
How the process works
- 1
Brief
We define exactly what you want and what you’ll pay for it.
- 2
Search
We surface on- and off-market options and view on your behalf.
- 3
Negotiate
We negotiate price and terms and order legal due diligence.
- 4
Complete
We coordinate the notary, taxes and handover of keys.
Typical documents
An indicative list — the exact one is confirmed once your case has been assessed.
- NIE of every buyer
- Notarial deed of sale (escritura)
- ITP self-assessment with proof of payment, or VAT on a new build
- Proof of filing the municipal plusvalía tax
- Modelo 210, for non-resident owners where it applies
Timing
Once the deed is filed, the Land Registry must register it within 15 days (Ley Hipotecaria, art. 18). The time to find a property and negotiate depends on the market and on you.
What’s not included
- Purchase taxes (ITP or VAT), notary and Land Registry fees
- Mortgage financing decisions, which belong to the bank
Who carries out the regulated work
A buyer’s agent handles the search and negotiation; a lawyer reviews the legal and registry position of the property; the notary (a public official) authorises the deed.
Questions about this service
How are you different from a normal estate agent?
A listing agent is paid by, and works for, the seller. We are retained by you, the buyer, so our only incentive is the best property at the best price for you.
Can you help before I have residency?
Yes. Buying property and getting residency are separate tracks; we coordinate both with our legal partners where relevant.
Official sources
- Ley Hipotecaria, arts. 18 and 254 — Land Registry requirements (BOE)
- RDLeg 1/1993, art. 7 — transfer tax (ITP) vs VAT (BOE)
- Colegio de Registradores — how a home purchase is registered
- Agencia Tributaria — Modelo 210, non-resident income tax
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