Adam Neale (Columnist)
REAL estate is arguably the most important economic activity on the Costa del Sol and employs a good deal of its working population. A prime sector like this should be well protected but in reality there isn’t enough regulation.
In fact, the only region in the country where the property sector is regulated and subject to qualitative control is Catalunya.
In other regions like Andalucía, the sector depends primarily on self-regulation by individual companies, reputation and, if all else fails, the legal system.
There have been calls for greater regulation and control, as well as the establishment of professional qualifications as seen in some other countries, but for now these are largely restricted to private initiatives.
An example of this is the professional indemnity insurance cover provided to members through professional organisations such as API (Agente de Propiedad Inmobiliaria) and GIPE (Gestor Intermediario en Promociones de Edificiones), as well as the gathering of renowned property companies under joint quality brands such as the Leading Property Agents of Spain.
But until the authorities establish strict controls to include registration of companies and professionals, professional educational requirements, insurance and the enforcement of quality standards and ethical business practices, the sector will be largely dependent upon self-management.
The lack of barriers to entry means the number of ‘property agents’ swells when market conditions are good, only to deflate rapidly during down cycles.
According to the national business registry compiled by the Spanish Institute of Statistics (INE), there were 67,812 companies selling property in 2017, compared to 106,375 at the peak in 2008. But their numbers are swelling again, rising from 149,000 in 2015 to 169,000 in 2017.
Many new Costa arrivals think that selling property is an easy way to make money. It is estimated that there could be well over 3,000 agencies on the Costa del Sol, but as no specific statistics exist the exact figure is not known. Practically anyone with a mobile phone can operate as a real estate agent, meaning the actual number is much higher than official figures suggest.
To make matters worse, it is relatively easy for anyone to pose as a credible and established player: all they need is an off-the-shelf, professional-looking website, a paid subscription to a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) giving them access to thousands of shared properties, a mobile phone and an email account. For the consumer who has no knowledge of the property market, it can be difficult to establish whether their estate agent is bluffing or really knows what’s what.
One would have hoped the experience of the last boom had taught the Spanish authorities to keep watch for signs of market abuse and irrational exuberance. Alas, this does not seem to be the case.
Long-term, the growing calls for improved regulation could well lead to the passing of new laws like those in Catalunya. But for now, look out for well-established, professional companies with a reputation that speaks for itself.
