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.