Anyone looking to buy a property on the Spanish coast will quickly notice the large number of real estate agents operating in the area. This is not surprising, as regions such as Alicante and Valencia are among the most popular destinations in Spain for international buyers. What many people do not realise, however, is that the real estate profession here was largely unregulated for many years. In practice, this meant that almost anyone could call themselves an agent.

To provide more clarity and protection for buyers and sellers, the regional government of the Comunidad Valenciana introduced new regulations. Since October 2023, real estate agents must be officially registered in a government register. This marks an important step toward professionalising the sector and increasing consumer protection.

The RAICV register: the legal registration for agents

The official register for real estate agents is called RAICV: the Registro de Agentes de Intermediación Inmobiliaria de la Comunitat Valenciana. This register applies to the three provinces of the region:

• Alicante
• Valencia
• Castellón

Since the introduction of this regulation, only agents who meet the legal requirements may register and operate officially. For buyers, this means greater protection and the ability to verify whether an agent complies with the law.

The main objectives of this regulation are:

• improved consumer protection
• greater transparency in the property sector
• higher professional standards
• prevention of unqualified or unreliable agents

Education, experience and professional requirements

An agent cannot simply register in the RAICV. The authorities require several conditions to ensure the quality of services.

Agents must have:

• a recognised real estate qualification
  or
• proven professional experience in the sector

In practice, many agents complete a training programme of over 200 study hours, covering topics such as:

• real estate law
• purchase contracts and reservation agreements
• tax aspects of property purchases
• property valuation
• professional ethics and codes of conduct

Mandatory insurance and financial guarantees

In addition to education and experience, the law also requires financial and legal protection for clients.

A registered agent must have:

1. Professional liability insurance
This insurance:

• covers possible errors or negligence
• protects clients against financial loss
• provides additional confidence during the purchase process

2. Financial guarantee (bank guarantee or surety insurance)
This arrangement:

• protects client funds
• provides extra security during transactions
• is a legal requirement for registration

In addition, the agent must:

• have an official business or correspondence address
• maintain proper administration
• operate transparently in accordance with the regulations

The difference between RAICV and API membership

Besides the legal RAICV registration, Spain also has a recognised professional association: the API College (Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria).

An agent who is a member of the API:

• holds an official qualification or recognised training
• follows a professional code of conduct
• operates under the supervision of the API college
• adheres to ethical and professional standards

API membership is not legally required, but it is widely regarded as an additional quality mark.

What does this mean for you as a buyer?

When working with an officially registered agent, you benefit from several important safeguards:

• verifiable legal registration
• mandatory insurance and financial guarantees
• proven education or experience
• professional and transparent working methods
• guidance according to official standards

This reduces risks and provides peace of mind during the purchase process.

Other regions are following this development

The Comunidad Valenciana is leading the way with this regulation. Other regions of Spain, such as Murcia, are now working on similar legislation to make agent registration mandatory as well.

This shows a broader trend: the Spanish real estate sector is becoming increasingly professional and transparent, with stronger consumer protection.

Six Oaks Properties: officially registered and professionally affiliated

Six Oaks Properties is:

• Officially registered in the RAICV register under number 6170
• Member of the Colegio API Alicante under number A628

This means we comply with all legal requirements and hold the mandatory insurance and guarantees. For our clients, this translates into professional, transparent and reliable guidance throughout the property purchase process.

A safe start to your property search

Buying a property abroad is an important step. That is why it is wise to work with an officially registered agent who operates according to clear rules and professional standards.

Would you like to explore the possibilities on the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida or elsewhere along the Spanish coast? We will be happy to guide you personally through every step of the process.

Six Oaks Properties
RAICV 6170 · API A628
Your reliable real estate agent on the Spanish costas