Once you have decided to get support, the real question remains: how do you choose the right agency? Because not all of them are equal, and in Spain the profession is lightly regulated: there is no compulsory national licence. In other words, anyone can call themselves an “estate agent”. Hence the importance of knowing what to check.
Here are the 6 concrete criteria for choosing a reliable French-speaking estate agency in Spain, and the traps to avoid. (If you are still unsure about the principle itself, first read why use a French-speaking agency in Spain.)
1. Registration in an official register (RAICV)
This is the first filter, and the most decisive. In the absence of a national licence, some regions have created their own official register. In the Valencian Community, it is the RAICV (Register of Estate Agents of the Valencian Community).
Joining it requires meeting conditions: training, professional liability insurance, a deposit. An agency registered with the RAICV therefore offers you a guarantee of seriousness that many improvised players do not have. Always ask whether the agency is registered.
2. Transparency on fees
A reliable agency tells you clearly who pays what, and how much, in writing. In Spain, agency fees are often borne by the seller on the sale side, but buying support may be charged: in every case, it must be transparent from the outset. To place all the costs in context, see our guide to property costs in Spain.
Warning sign: an agency that stays vague about its fees or refuses to put them in writing.
3. Legal checks on properties
A good agency does not just show you photos: it checks the legal situation of each property (true owner, debts, charges, planning). This is what protects you from the pitfalls of buying in Spain. Ask how the agency carries out these checks: a vague answer is a bad sign.
4. A genuine local presence
Be wary of simple introductions from abroad, with no base in Spain. An agency truly established on the ground has the local network (notaries, banks, lawyers), access to off-market properties and a fine knowledge of the neighbourhoods and prices. It is this on-the-ground presence that secures the deal and saves time.
5. Support in your language, from start to finish
A welcome in your language is good; support from the first exchange to the handover of keys is better. Check that the agency can handle the whole process (search, negotiation, NIE, bank account, notary), including remotely if you do not yet live in Spain. That is the difference between a one-off contact and a true partner.
6. References and reputation
Finally, look at the reviews, client feedback, media presence and track record. An agency with a strong reputation and clients who vouch for it logically inspires more trust than a profile with no history.
The traps to avoid, in short
- An agency that cannot justify any official registration (RAICV or equivalent).
- Vague fees, or fees refused in writing.
- Pressure to sign quickly, without letting you check.
- No legal checks on the properties offered.
- A simple remote introduction, with no local presence.
Conclusion
Choosing a French-speaking agency in Spain is above all about knowing how to check. Official registration, transparency, legal checks, local presence and full support: tick these boxes and you avoid the vast majority of bad experiences. To understand more broadly how the two countries differ, see our article on the differences between estate agencies in Spain and France.
At BuenApart, a French-speaking estate agency in Spain based in Valencia and registered with the RAICV, we tick every one of these boxes. Let’s talk about your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the estate agent profession regulated in Spain?
There is no compulsory national licence as in some other countries. However, some regions have created an official register: in the Valencian Community, it is the RAICV. An agency registered with the RAICV offers a guarantee of seriousness and compliance that many players lack.
What is the RAICV?
The RAICV is the official Register of Estate Agents of the Valencian Community. Registration requires meeting conditions (training, professional liability insurance, a deposit). Checking that an agency is registered is one of the best reliability filters in Valencia.
How do you spot an agency to avoid?
Be wary of an agency that refuses to put its fees in writing, that pressures you to sign quickly, that cannot justify official registration, or that does not check the legal situation of the properties it offers. A lack of transparency is the main warning sign.
Should you choose an agency based in Spain or abroad?
Ideally a French-speaking agency genuinely established in Spain: it has the local network and on-the-ground knowledge, while supporting you in your language. A simple introduction from abroad, with no local presence, offers far less security.