Buying a house in Spain: Why a good estate agent makes all the difference
- Stefano
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
More than just showing properties
Dreaming of life under the Spanish sun is one thing — but how do you actually make that dream a reality? Buying a home on the Costa del Sol involves more than falling for a nice view or a charming neighbourhood. Especially in Spain, a good real estate agent isn’t a luxury — it’s an essential part of the process. Not only to help you find the right property, but to protect you from making costly mistakes.
So what exactly does a good estate agent do when you’re buying a house in Spain? Let’s break it down.
1. Orientation: from dreams to reality
A good agent doesn’t start by showing properties — they start by listening. What are you truly looking for? How do you want to live? And what’s realistic within your budget?
An experienced agent knows the region, the market prices, and the lifestyle differences between areas like La Cala de Mijas, Benalmádena, and Estepona.
They help you:
Translate your wishes into suitable locations
Understand what is and isn’t possible
Get access to off-market properties (‘silent listings’)
2. Selection & viewings: seeing with a critical eye
During a short viewing trip, it’s easy to get excited by everything you see. A good agent helps you stay focused by:
Making a sharp pre-selection of properties that truly fit your needs
Guiding you during viewings — not just to feel the vibe, but to assess location, layout, orientation and potential red flags
Offering honest advice — even if that means advising not to buy
3. Legal & technical checks: certainty above all
In Spain, you buy a property "as is". That means you’re responsible for checking permits, legal ownership and any outstanding debts.
You’ll also need to apply for an NIE (Spanish tax number) in time — without it, you can’t buy a property.
A good agent helps you:
Involve the right legal advisor or gestor
Verify ownership, mortgages, and zoning or planning status
Flag risks like illegal extensions or unclear plot boundaries
Make sure everything is in order before you make an offer
4. Negotiation & substantiation
Negotiation is common in Spain — but only works if you know what’s realistic. A local agent:
Understands the real market value (not just the asking price)
Knows what’s recently sold nearby
Helps you stay rational in what can be an emotional process
Negotiates on your behalf and prevents overpaying
5. After-sale support: you’re not left on your own
Signing at the notary isn’t the end. A good agent stays involved after the purchase:
Helping to switch contracts for water, electricity and internet
Connecting you with trusted contacts for renovations, furnishings or rentals
Offering practical advice — like how to open a Spanish bank account
Your agent is more than a property finder
A good estate agent is your guide, advisor and safeguard in a market that’s new to you. Someone who understands where the risks lie — and how to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
🤝 Planning to buy a home on the Costa del Sol? Get expert guidance every step of the way – download the Buyer’s Guide or contact us directly.
📞 +34 658 188 318 | ✉️ stefano@lchpp.com
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