How we work
From first call to keys, in seven structured steps.
A buyer-side Marbella purchase typically takes 90 to 180 days. Here is the entire process — every step, what you do, what we do, what costs you should expect at each stage.
Typical duration: 90–180 days
Step 1 · Day 0
Discovery call
20 minutes, no charge, no commitment. We talk through what you are weighing — area, budget, timeline, what you already know, what is still unclear. Norwegian, English, or Spanish, your choice.
You
Be honest about the brief, including the parts you are unsure about
We
Listen first. Map the brief to our existing market knowledge. Tell you what we see — including areas you may not have considered
Step 2 · Days 1–7
Brief & engagement
We send you a written brief summarising what we heard. Once you confirm, we sign a buyer-representation engagement — clear scope, clear fee structure, no exclusivity period required.
You
Review the brief, refine anything we got wrong, sign the engagement
We
Document the brief properly. Lay out the fee structure with no hidden lines. Begin the active search.
Step 3 · Days 7–30
Search & shortlist
We screen the full market — MLS, off-market network, developer pipelines, distressed sales — and produce a shortlist of typically 5–10 properties that match the brief. Each comes with our honest take, not a sales pitch.
You
Review the shortlist, react to what feels right and wrong, refine the brief if needed
We
Filter aggressively. We say no to properties on your behalf so you do not waste a visit.
Step 4 · Days 30–60
Viewings
We organise a viewing trip — typically 2–3 days in Marbella, 8–15 properties seen. We are with you for every viewing, not handed off to a junior. Honest evaluation in real time, not after the visit.
You
Block 2–3 days, be physically present, let us push on tough questions during viewings
We
Coordinate viewings, drive routes, brief you on each property and area before arrival, debrief after each
Step 5 · Days 60–90
Negotiation & offer
When you find the property, we lead the negotiation. We have data on what the seller paid, how long it has been on market, comparable transactions, and the seller's actual motivation. Targeting 5–12% off list price on average.
You
Decide your top price. Be willing to walk away
We
Negotiate on your behalf — never to maximise commission, only to maximise your outcome. Documented offer, documented response, no informal handshake deals
Step 6 · Days 60–120
Legal & due diligence
We introduce you to a buyer-side property lawyer — someone we have used and trust, not the seller's recommended notary. Full due diligence on title, licences, debts, planned developments, structural surveys. Arras deposit (10%) at offer acceptance.
You
Choose the lawyer (we recommend 2–3, you pick), pay the arras, sign the reservation
We
Coordinate lawyer, surveyor, mortgage broker if needed. Translate findings into clear yes/no/red-flag verdicts
Step 7 · Days 90–180
Escritura & handover
Final purchase deed signed at the notary. Keys handed over. Utility transfers, NIE registration if needed, community fee setup. We are with you through escritura and the first 30 days of ownership.
You
Sign the escritura, pay the final amount, receive the keys
We
Coordinate every party at notary day. Stay involved for 30 days post-completion to ensure clean handover
What we do NOT do
Boundaries set clearly.
- Property management or rental operations after closing — we introduce you to specialists
- Renovation project management — we recommend trusted architects and project managers
- Mortgage brokerage — we introduce you to Mortgage Direct or Enness Global as appropriate
- Tax advice — we recommend a Spanish tax advisor and your Norwegian counsel
- Listings or selling — we are buyer-side only