Fees

Question 1

FEES & COMMISSION — COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY

Accepted Answer

At BM Sotogrande, there are no hidden fees, no surprises, and no small print. Here is exactly how it works.

The Agent's Commission — Paid by the Seller

Our commission is always paid by the seller — never by the buyer. It is settled at the notary on the day of completion, either by bank transfer or by cheque, at the same moment the sale is finalised.

Commission rates in Spain typically sit at 5%, and all fees are inclusive of IVA — Spain's sales tax. In practice, rates can vary between 1% and 5% depending on the property and the circumstances of the sale. We will always be upfront with you about our fee from the very first conversation — no ambiguity, no hidden agendas.

One important benefit worth knowing: our commission is tax deductible against Capital Gains Tax. For sellers liable for CGT on the profit from their sale, this means our fee directly reduces the gain on which you are taxed — making it a meaningful saving, not just a cost.

What the Seller Should Budget For

Beyond the agent’s commission, sellers should be aware of the following costs:

ECC Certificate (Energy Performance Certificate) As an EU requirement, all properties being sold must hold a valid Energy Performance Certificate — known in Spain as the ECC. The cost of obtaining this certificate is the seller's responsibility and should be arranged before the property goes to market.

Independent Legal Fees We strongly recommend every seller appoints an independent lawyer. Your lawyer will ensure all documentation is in order, handle the legal aspects of the transaction, and represent your interests through to completion. Legal fees typically run between 0.8% and 1% of the sale price.

Notary Fees Notary fees are a standard part of every Spanish property transaction and are typically shared between buyer and seller, though this can vary depending on the agreement reached.

What the Buyer Should Budget For

For completeness, buyers should budget separately for their own independent lawyer, notary fees, and — where appropriate — a property survey. These are entirely separate from the seller’s costs and do not affect the commission structure in any way.

To be absolutely clear: only the seller pays our commission. The buyer pays nothing to BM Sotogrande.

Question 2

When exactly is the commission paid?

Accepted Answer

At completion — at the notary table, on the day the deeds are signed and the keys change hands. Not before, not in stages. On completion.

Question 3

Is the commission negotiable?

Accepted Answer

We will always have an honest conversation about our fee. Our priority is to achieve the best possible outcome for you — and we will structure our agreement in a way that reflects the property, the market, and what it takes to sell successfully.

We Know Everyone You Need — And We'll Introduce You

Navigating a property sale means dealing with lawyers, notaries, energy certificate providers, surveyors and more. If you are new to Sotogrande — or simply new to selling in Spain — knowing who to trust can feel overwhelming.

It doesn't have to be.

Over twenty years, we have built close working relationships with the best professionals in every field you will need. We can recommend trusted providers for your ECC energy certificate, introduce you to experienced independent lawyers who know the Sotogrande market inside out, and guide you towards the right notary for your transaction. Every person we recommend has been tried, tested, and trusted — by us, and by the many clients who have come before you.

This is what we mean when we say that once you are in the BM family, you are looked after. We do not hand you a contract and leave you to figure out the rest. We walk with you through every step of the process — from that first conversation about value, all the way to the moment the keys change hands.

You are not just getting an agent. You are getting a team that genuinely cares about getting it right for you.