Buying property in Spain? Make sure your agent is certified.

Purchasing a home in Spain — whether it’s a holiday apartment, an investment property, or your future retirement villa — is an exciting step. The Costa Blanca remains one of the most popular areas for international buyers, especially from the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.

But since 2023, the rules for real estate agents in Spain — particularly in the Valencian Community — have changed significantly. Not every “agent” advertising properties online or on social media is legally allowed to sell real estate.

Here’s what you need to know about the new certification rules, the risks of using an unregistered agent, and how to make sure you’re protected when buying your dream home in Spain.

The New Regulation for Agents in the Valencian Community

Since 2023, all real estate agents working in the Valencian Community — which includes Alicante, Costa Blanca North and South — are required by law to be registered in the Official Register of Real Estate Agents (Registro de Agentes de Intermediación Inmobiliaria de la Comunidad Valenciana).

To be listed, an agent must:

- Hold the necessary professional training or certification in real estate mediation.
- Have valid professional liability insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil).
- Provide a financial guarantee to protect client deposits.
- Maintain a permanent office address within Spain.

These new requirements were introduced to protect property buyers and sellers against fraud, unqualified advice, and financial loss — all of which had become common in the unregulated market.

The Risks of Using an Unregistered Agent

While many professional agents have now registered, there are still individuals — often foreign-based or working informally — who continue to operate without certification.

Working with an unregistered or unqualified agent carries serious risks:

- No legal protection: If something goes wrong, you have no official channel to claim compensation.
- Loss of deposit: Unregistered agents often hold client funds without the legally required insurance or guarantees.
- Incorrect legal advice: Many lack up-to-date knowledge of regional laws on taxes, contracts, or notary procedures.
- Scams and hidden fees: Without regulation, some intermediaries charge illegal commissions or sell properties without proper authorization.

What may look like an “easy” or “cheaper” deal can end up costing you thousands of euros — and a lot of stress.

Legal Consequences for Unregistered Agents

In the Valencian Community, acting as a real estate intermediary without being registered is now a legal offence.

Agents who fail to comply with the new rules can face:

- Administrative fines of up to €30,000,
- Legal action for damages, and
- A ban on continuing their professional activity.

These measures aim to clean up the sector and restore buyer confidence, ensuring that real estate transactions are handled only by qualified professionals.

How to Verify if an Agent Is Certified

Fortunately, it’s very easy to check if your agent is officially registered.

The Generalitat Valenciana provides a public online register where all licensed agents are listed. You can verify by:

- Asking for your agent’s registration number, which should be visible on their website, email signatures, and office signage.
- Checking that number in the Registro de Agentes Inmobiliarios de la Comunidad Valenciana.
- Confirming that the agency has a physical office address in Spain and the required insurance documentation.

If an agent refuses to provide these details, that’s a clear warning sign.

Why Choosing a Certified Agent Makes a Difference

When you choose a certified agent — such as Select Estates Spain — you’re not only working with experienced professionals, but you’re also fully protected by law.

Here’s why it matters:

- Transparency: All contracts and fees are regulated and clear.
- Security: Client deposits are insured and protected.
- Expertise: Certified agents must demonstrate legal and tax knowledge relevant to property transactions.
- Accountability: Registered professionals are bound by ethical and legal standards.

Simply put, certification gives you peace of mind — from your first viewing to the signing at the notary.

What This Means for 2025 Buyers

In 2025, the property market across the Costa Blanca is expected to remain strong, with continued demand from international buyers.

At the same time, Spanish authorities are tightening control over the real estate sector — including stricter enforcement of licensing laws and advertising regulations.

Working with a registered agent is no longer just a “good idea”; it’s the only way to ensure your transaction is safe, compliant, and fully recognized under Spanish law.

Conclusion

Buying a property in Spain should be an enjoyable, secure, and transparent experience.

By working with a certified real estate agent in the Costa Blanca, you protect your investment, your rights, and your peace of mind.

Before signing anything, always check that your agent is officially registered. A few minutes of verification can save you from serious legal and financial risks later.

If you’re looking to buy safely in the Costa Blanca — with professional guidance every step of the way — get in touch with Select Estates Spain, a fully certified and registered agency.