Hi,
Is it usual for the estate agent to charge commission of 2.5% -3% plus vat to the purchaser? I’ve had 2 agents now who have said they charge both the buyer and seller?

In my experience, EAs only charge the seller.

May be different elsewhere, where are you?

Perhaps you were being quoted a conveyancing fee?

Hi,
It is in the Costa de la Luz area.
Thanks

It's the same here - agents now charge both parties (Valencia province)

Fairly typical when renting but I think its new for sales.

These things are always negotiable, just refuse. We were recently quoted 6% to sell, we eventually agreed 2%. They want your business they will negotiate.

I see the same houses sold by different agents at different prices so presumably they are building their commission into the sale price of the house?

When selling make sure the agent advertises at your agreed price.I had this situation once when I saw that a 2nd.agent had upped the price so I withdrew from them.Just imagine if a probable buyer saw the different prices on a website,he may well think it was YOU pulling a fast one.It's your property & you should be calling the shots,the agent gets a fee for introducing clients & completing the deal for what is satisfactory to you.

The best vote you can make is with your feet, shop around and negotiate as always!

Here in Valencia they charge 3% commission when you buy a property, I think that is wrong, but what can you do if all state agents do the same?????

You don't have to use an EA.

Yes, but how can you know which houses have the specifications you are looking for?

A good estate agent might spend time to understand your requirements, then search the market to find the perfect home for you. That would be worth 3% fee. Unfortunately, I have never found a good EA.

It is a bit like when you run a business, a good accountant will advise you and save you more than his fees. Unfortunately, I have never found a good accountant either.

Jeje, just the plain truth!!!!!

Not all agents in Valencia do this