Your Independent Buyer's Agent in Catalonia
Barcelona · Sitges · Girona · Costa Brava
A buyer's agent represents you, the buyer, and no one else. Barleigh Ellis is an independent, licensed buyer's agent for Barcelona, Sitges, Girona and the Costa Brava, giving you off-market access, candid advice and skilled negotiation, with our fee and interests aligned solely with yours.
What is a buyer's agent?
A buyer's agent (or buying agent) is a licensed professional retained by the purchaser to find, evaluate and negotiate the right property on their behalf. It is the opposite of the traditional model, where the agent is paid by, and works for, the seller. With a buyer's agent, the representation, the loyalty and the duty of care all sit with you.
In Spain, most listings are marketed by agents working for the vendor, and the same property is often advertised by several agencies at different prices. A buyer's agent cuts through that: one trusted adviser, working across the whole market on your side, with no incentive to push any particular listing.
Why independence matters
When we are retained as your buyer's agent we act in your interests and search across the whole market, not only what we happen to be marketing. We do not recommend a property because Barleigh Ellis holds the listing, and where we do hold it we say so before you view. We collaborate with every agent, agency, developer and private seller in the market, and we tell you when a property is wrong, overpriced or compromised.
As a licensed REALTOR and a member of API and AICAT, we operate under a strict code of ethics and act with full transparency at every stage.
Off-market access
A significant share of the finest homes never reach the open market. Owners of trophy villas and prime apartments frequently prefer discretion, selling quietly through trusted networks. Through our relationships with agents, developers and private vendors across Sitges, Barcelona and the Costa Brava, we reach opportunities that are never publicly listed, and we approach owners directly where the right home is not yet for sale.
How we work
Discovery
A detailed consultation to understand your lifestyle, priorities, budget and timeline.
Market access
We search every channel: listings, agency networks, developer pre-sales and our off-market portfolio.
Curated shortlist
A selection reviewed personally before it reaches you, each with neighbourhood context, pricing comparison and a candid view.
Accompanied viewings
Viewing tours around your schedule, with expert commentary on each property’s strengths and considerations.
Negotiation
Strategic negotiation on your behalf, leveraging market data to secure the best terms and price.
Through to completion
Coordination of lawyers, banks, surveyors and notaries, and our project-management expertise for any renovation.
Our fee
When we act as your buyer’s agent we charge a fee based on the scope of services, agreed transparently at the outset. In return we work exclusively for you, with no conflict of interest.
Where we work
Sitges, Castelldefels, Gavà, Barcelona, Girona and the Costa Brava in Spain. In the United Kingdom and internationally, through our association with Hamptons International.
Frequently asked questions
What is a buyer's agent?
A buyer's agent is a licensed professional retained by the purchaser to find, evaluate and negotiate a property on their behalf, working only for the buyer. It is the opposite of the traditional model, in which the agent represents and is paid by the seller.
Do I need a buyer's agent in Spain?
It is not compulsory, but in Spain most agents work for the seller and the same property is often listed by several agencies at different prices. An independent buyer's agent gives you one trusted adviser across the whole market, off-market access and skilled negotiation on your side.
What does a buyer's agent cost in Spain?
When we act as your buyer's agent we charge a fee based on the scope of services included, discussed transparently at the outset. In return we work exclusively for you, collaborating with all agents and agencies, with no conflict of interest.
What is the difference between a buyer's agent and an estate agent?
A traditional estate agent represents the seller and is paid to achieve the highest price for the vendor. A buyer's agent represents you, the purchaser, and is paid to find the right home and negotiate the best terms on your behalf.
Can you find off-market properties?
Yes. A significant proportion of the finest homes never reach the open market. Through our network of private sellers, developers and fellow agents we access exclusive opportunities that are not publicly listed, and we approach owners directly where appropriate.
Which areas do you cover as a buyer's agent?
We cover Sitges, Castelldefels, Gavà, Barcelona, Girona and the Costa Brava in Spain. For the United Kingdom and internationally we act through our association with Hamptons International, and remain your single point of contact throughout.
Are you licensed?
Yes. Barleigh Ellis is led by a licensed REALTOR (No. 061327620) and is a member of API (No. 1190) and AICAT (No. 12717), operating under a strict code of ethics.
Have us search on your side
Tell us what you are looking for and we will begin a confidential, off-market search as your independent buyer’s agent.