Spanish Government Licensed Estate Agents 

 

For many years every Spanish town has had one or two A.P.I.s (Agentes de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria) who are estate agents and valuers belonging to a professional college like architects and lawyers and similarly being university graduates who have passed post graduate examinations. They receive a government license to be allowed to practice. Larger towns or cities such as Alicante or Valencia each have an A.P.I. college

A.P.I.s are still the principal agents in Spain and have traditionally been used by Spanish buyers.

A.P.I. Estate Agents and Lawyers

 

Buyers are welcome to use the services of a lawyer in their property purchase.  In this case the package of necessary documents, and the property search result, are provided to the lawyer who will check the sales contract or sometimes draw up a sales contract themselves. The lawyer will attend the notary appointment, and obtain NIE numbers, and charge a separate fee to the purchaser. The Inmocostablanca.com website provides a list of Calpe lawyers, most of whom speak foreign languages and who are happy to help foreign buyers.

An area which is mostly exclusive to lawyers are inheritances, which are occasionally a necessary prior step to a purchase/sale.

Who does the A.P.I. Estate Agent represent?

 

The agent provides a service for both parties. The seller benefits from a well organized marketing plan to presents the property in the best way through the internet, through an agency network, and in different languages. The buyer benefits from an extensive listing of properties that is updated daily and which can be checked and short listed prior to visiting Spain. The buyer also benefits from the arranged visits and detailed assistance throughout the purchase process.