Guide · Updated November 2026
What does a buyer's agent do, and who pays?
What a buyer's agent does when you buy a home in Spain, how a buyer's agent differs from an estate agent, and how the fee works.
The short answer
A buyer's agent works for the buyer alone. The agent finds homes, works out what they are worth, negotiates with the seller's side and manages the purchase. The buyer normally pays the fee. The fee is agreed in writing before the search starts.
How a buyer's agent differs from an estate agent
In Spain the seller hires an estate agent, which Americans call a real estate agent. By custom the seller pays the commission. The estate agent's job is to get the best price for the seller. Many estate agents also share the homes they have for sale. So the agent who shows you a home may be splitting the seller's commission.
What a buyer's agent does
A buyer's agent starts from what you want. The agent searches the homes every agency has for sale and homes that are not advertised. The agent views homes for you and compares asking prices with what similar homes sold for. The agent negotiates the price and terms. The agent also works with the lawyer, the surveyor and the bank until you have the keys.
Who pays
A buyer's agent who takes instructions from you charges you. The fee is usually a percentage of the price or a fixed sum. Some agents take a share of the seller's commission instead. That means the seller's side is paying them. Ask which it is.
What to ask before you hire a buyer's agent
Ask whether the agent sells homes for owners or takes any payment from sellers or developers. Ask for the fee, and when it is due, in writing. Ask which areas the agent knows first hand. Ask to speak to a past client.
How we work
Selected Properties works for buyers only and does not sell homes for owners. We agree our fee in writing before we start.
Sources, checked November 10, 2026
This is a summary of public reports. It is not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check anything you rely on with your lawyer.
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