Buyer's Agent in Barcelona & Costa Brava
Buyer-side representation for international buyers. On your purchase, I represent you — not the seller of that property: finding it, checking it properly, negotiating the price, and staying with you through to the notary.
In Spain, the agent usually works for the seller
Almost every property you find on a portal was published by an agency the owner is paying. Their job is to get the best price for their client — which is, by definition, the worst price for you. A buyer's agent sits on the other side of the table: engaged to represent your interests, to tell you when something is overpriced, and to talk you out of the purchases that do not survive a closer look.
Two different jobs
A selling agent
- Paid by the owner of the property
- Shows you the listings their agency holds
- Shares what the seller is happy for you to know
- Negotiates upwards, for the seller
Your buyer's agent
- Engaged by you, working to your brief
- Searches every agency, private sales and off-market
- Checks the paperwork before you commit to anything
- Negotiates the price and the terms, for you
How the search works
- 1
The brief
A call, around thirty minutes: where you want to be and why, home or holiday or rental, the all-in budget including taxes, and what would rule a property out completely.
- 2
The shortlist
I search across agencies, private sellers and properties that never reach a portal, then send a shortlist with honest notes — including the reasons not to buy each one.
- 3
Viewings
Grouped into a single trip, or on video if you cannot fly out. You see the street, the neighbours, the traffic and the afternoon light — the things photographs are chosen to hide.
- 4
Checks and offer
Nota simple, licences, community debts, planning and any charges on the title. Then the offer, negotiated on your behalf, with an independent lawyer reviewing the contract before you sign.
- 5
To the notary
NIE, bank account, currency transfer, insurance, keys. The paperwork and the bank are handled by the gestoría and the lawyer I work with; the dates and the chasing are mine. If you cannot be in Spain for the signing, it can be done by power of attorney.
What you actually get
Written for buyers from abroad
NIE, the 90/180-day rule, non-resident tax, opening a Spanish account from the UK — explained before they turn into delays.
Properties you cannot find online
In these towns a good part of the market moves quietly, between agents. Some of what I show clients is never advertised anywhere.
The real all-in figure
Budget roughly 10–14% on top of the price in Catalonia for taxes and fees — the exact rate depends on the price band and on whether the property is a resale or a new build. You get the number for your specific purchase before you offer, not at the notary.
Negotiation on evidence
What comparable properties actually sold for, how long this one has been on the market, and why the price has moved — not an opinion about what it is worth.
One person, your language
English, Spanish or Russian, from the first call to the keys. No handover to a colleague you have never spoken to.
The coast I actually know
Barcelona and north along the water: Badalona, Montgat, Tiana, Alella, Teià, El Masnou, Súper Maresme, Costa Maresme, Costa Brava. Outside that, I will introduce you to the colleague who specialises there rather than improvise.
How the fee works
It is agreed in writing before the search begins: what I do for you, and exactly what it costs. Nothing appears at the notary that you did not agree to at the start.
Questions buyers ask first
How is this different from just calling the agent on the listing?
That agent is paid by the seller and can only show you their own stock. I am not tied to one agency's listings, and the checks I run are the ones a seller's agent has no reason to run.
Do I need to be in Spain?
Not for the search. Viewings can be done on video and grouped into one trip when you do come, and the purchase itself can be signed by power of attorney if you cannot be here on the day.
How much should I budget on top of the price?
In Catalonia, roughly 10–14% covers transfer tax or VAT, notary, land registry and legal fees. The rate depends on the price band and on resale versus new build, so you get the figure for your specific purchase before making an offer.
Which areas do you cover?
Barcelona and the coast to the north — Badalona, Montgat, Tiana, Alella, Teià, El Masnou, Súper Maresme, Costa Maresme and Costa Brava. For anywhere else in Spain I will put you in touch with a colleague who works that area.
Do you also work with sellers?
Yes — I also handle sales for owners along this coast. What I do not do is sit on both sides of the same transaction: on your purchase I represent you, and if a property I am selling would suit your brief, I will say so before you view it, so you can decide how you want to proceed.
Start with a conversation
Tell me what you are looking for. No obligation, and no catalogue to browse — if I am not the right person for your search, I will say so.