When buying a property in Spain or Portugal

When buying a property in Spain or Portugal, many international buyers assume all real estate agents work the same way.

In reality, there’s a crucial difference between a traditional agent (seller’s agent) and a buyer’s agent—and understanding this can save you money, protect your interests, and give you access to better properties.

1. Who They Represent

• Traditional Agent (Seller’s Agent) Works for the seller or property owner. Their primary goal is to sell the property at the highest possible price. Even if they seem helpful, their legal obligation is to the seller.
• Buyer’s Agent (Your Advocate) Works exclusively for you, the buyer. They are committed to finding the best property for your needs, conducting due diligence, and negotiating in your favor—not the seller’s.

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2. Access to Properties

• Traditional Agent Shows only properties they or their agency represent, which can limit your options.
• Buyer’s Agent Has access to all properties on the market (including off-market opportunities). Your search is property-first, not agency-first.

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3. Negotiation Power

• Traditional Agent Negotiates on behalf of the seller. Even if they share “advice,” their incentive is to close the deal quickly and at the best price for the seller.
• Buyer’s Agent Uses expert market knowledge to negotiate the lowest possible purchase price and most favorable terms for you. At Beyond, we combine market insights and negotiation expertise to ensure you never overpay.

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4. Cost for the Buyer

Here’s the part most buyers get wrong: using a buyer’s agent does not make your purchase more expensive.

• In Spain and Portugal, the seller typically pays the commission, whether or not a buyer’s agent is involved.
• A professional buyer’s agent can often save you more money than you could on your own, thanks to negotiation expertise and access to better opportunities.

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5. Why International Buyers Choose Beyond as Their Buyer’s Agent

• Exclusive Representation: We work only for buyers, never sellers.
• Full Due Diligence: Legal checks, market validation, and structural assessments.
• Negotiation Expertise: Securing the best price and conditions.
• Time and Stress Savings: We filter properties, organize visits, and provide detailed photos and videos from the best angles.
• Complete Discretion: For high-profile clients, we operate fully confidentially.

With Beyond, you gain a strategic partner that transforms a complex real estate market into a transparent and secure experience.

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✨ Final Thoughts: Why This Difference Matters

Choosing the right professional to guide your property purchase is the single most important decision you will make as an international buyer.

Feature	Seller’s Agent	Buyer’s Agent
Represents	The property owner	The property buyer (you)
Objective	Sell the property at the best price for the owner	Secure the best property and price for the buyer
Property Access	Limited to their own listings	Access to all properties, including off-market opportunities
Negotiation	Works for the seller’s interest	Negotiates exclusively for the buyer
Commission Payment	Paid by the seller	Paid by the seller (shared commission)
Confidentiality	Protects the seller	Protects the buyer

A traditional agent will always prioritize the seller’s interests, while a buyer’s agent protects yours—helping you find the right property, avoid risks, and save money.

📩 Explore Our Private Home Search Service

At Beyond, we combine buyer’s agent expertise with a private home search approach across Spain and Portugal.

If you’re considering buying a property, fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible to guide you through your options.

Private. Precise. Beyond expectations.