Sale · 6 min

How much does an estate agent charge to sell a flat in Madrid?

Find out how estate agent fees in Madrid work, what services they should include and how to compare agencies before selling your flat.

One of the first questions any owner asks before selling is how much an estate agent charges to sell a flat in Madrid. It’s a logical question: fees affect how much you will ultimately receive. However, looking only at the percentage can lead to a poor decision. In this guide, we explain how commissions work, what they should include and how to compare agencies with judgement.

How fees are calculated

In Spain there is no official fee: each agency sets its own fees freely. The most common arrangement is a **percentage of the final sale price**, although some agencies work with a fixed amount or mixed fees. Fees are usually paid when the deed is signed, once the sale has been completed. It is important to confirm whether the amount includes VAT, as it is sometimes quoted without it.

What the service should include

A commission only makes sense if it comes with a full service. Before signing, ask whether the agency includes:

- **Professional valuation** based on real transactions in the area.

- **High-quality photography** and, where appropriate, video or floor plan.

- **Promotion** on property portals, social media and within their own buyer database.

- **Buyer screening**, checking their financing capacity.

- **Viewings management** and follow-up with each interested party.

- **Negotiation** of the price and conditions.

- **Document management**: land registry extract, energy certificate, deposit contract and coordination with the notary.

Sole agency or non-exclusive

Many agencies offer two options. Under **sole agency**, one agency markets the flat for an agreed period; in return, it usually dedicates more resources and coordinates all the promotion. **Non-exclusive** means you can work with several agencies at once, although the listing may appear duplicated with different prices and give a less polished impression. Read the contract duration carefully, the exit conditions and what happens if you sell it yourself directly.

Is it worth paying an estate agent?

The right question is not how much they charge, but how much you net. A good professional can help you set the right price from the outset, reduce the time on the market and negotiate better. A poorly set price can cause the flat to sit stale on the portals and end up selling below its value. In addition, document management avoids mistakes that can delay or make the signing more expensive.

How to compare agencies

Ask each agency for a justified valuation, a written marketing plan and examples of properties sold in your area. Be wary of valuations well above the market: sometimes they are used simply to win the instruction. Check other clients’ reviews and their real knowledge of the neighbourhood. In our guide on how to choose the right estate agent to sell your flat in Madrid you will find more criteria.

Before deciding, know your flat’s value

A prior reference will help you assess the proposals you receive. Use our free online valuation tool and get an estimate in minutes.

How UBICASA works

At UBICASA, we explain our fees in writing from the very first meeting, with no small print, and we set out the sales plan in detail. Find out how we help you sell your flat in Madrid or, if you prefer to rent, our service to let your flat.