To find a real estate agent in Costa Blanca who is legally registered and accountable, start by checking two official systems: the Colegio Oficial de Agentes de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria de Alicante (COAPI) and the Registro de Agentes de Intermediación de la Comunidad Valenciana (RAICV). Both operate under regional law and identify professionals authorized to represent buyers and sellers in Spain. Some agents also align with the Spanish International Realty Alliance (SIRA), which represents the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in Spain.
What “Estate Agent” Means in Spain
An estate agent in Spain, or Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria (API), is a licensed professional qualified to carry out real estate transactions. APIs register with COAPI Alicante and hold an active RAICV listing. This dual registration protects consumers. When you need to find a REALTOR® or find a real estate agent in Spain, confirm both credentials before you proceed. A legitimate agent publishes the COAPI number and RAICV registration on their site and documents.
Why Choose a Licensed or REALTOR® Agent
A licensed estate agent guarantees compliance with Spanish real estate law. COAPI and RAICV membership requires liability insurance, transparent fees, and written agreements. Agents who also belong to the REALTOR® network through the Spanish International Realty Alliance (SIRA) commit to the NAR Code of Ethics, which defines honesty, fairness, and client advocacy across international markets.
To understand how this framework connects Spanish agents with global standards, see our REALTOR® & SIRA Membership page.
To find a REALTOR® in Spain who meets both local and international standards, look for Spanish registration plus SIRA–NAR affiliation.
Verifying Registration Protects Buyers
Spain’s market includes regulated agents and informal intermediaries. Only professionals listed in COAPI and RAICV hold legal authority to represent clients. Verification safeguards deposits, contracts, and titles under Spanish law. Choosing to find a real estate agent through official channels reduces risk and supports a traceable, accountable process.
How to Verify an Estate Agent’s Credentials
Check the RAICV Registry
The RAICV is the public database of registered agents. Search by province, municipality, or registration number to confirm legitimacy. For example: RAICV Nº 0122 – Villas al Sol (Caroline Bjälstam) appears in the Alicante listing.
Confirm API and COAPI Membership
The API title verifies qualification and oversight. COAPI Alicante lists active members authorized to use the API title. Agents without COAPI or RAICV registration cannot act as legal estate agents under Spanish law.
Look for REALTOR® or SIRA Affiliation
When you find a REALTOR® in Spain, you identify an agent who operates under the NAR Code of Ethics via SIRA. This affiliation adds international accountability to Spanish practice and supports foreign buyers during cross-border purchases.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Agent
- Are you registered with RAICV or COAPI Alicante?
- What is your API registration number?
- Are you affiliated with SIRA or the REALTOR® network?
- Do you represent buyers only, or both sides?
- How do you manage potential conflicts of interest?
Understanding the Costa Blanca Market
The Costa Blanca stretches from Dénia to Torrevieja and includes Altea, Jávea, Moraira, Benidorm, and Alicante City. Each municipality applies different taxes, coastal restrictions, and zoning rules. A registered agent explains how local regulations affect title verification, valuation, and timelines. If you want to find a REALTOR® or estate agent in Costa Blanca familiar with these processes, start with RAICV and SIRA checks.
Villas al Sol — A Registered and Ethical Buyer’s Agency
Villas al Sol operates as a buyer-only agency in Alicante province. The agency is led by Caroline Bjälstam, an Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria (API Nº 1197), registered under RAICV 0122, and a REALTOR® member through the Spanish International Realty Alliance (SIRA). Each transaction follows a documented process: property identification, verification, negotiation, and completion. Villas al Sol applies the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and complies with Spanish law under the COAPI Alicante and RAICV frameworks.
See the Professional Memberships & Ethics Policy for full standards.
Choose Verified Representation
To find a real estate agent or REALTOR® in Costa Blanca, look for Spanish legal registration and international ethical alignment. RAICV and COAPI membership confirm compliance. REALTOR® and SIRA membership confirm integrity. Together, they define a transparent framework for property representation in Spain.
To learn more about our credentials, see the About Villas al Sol page, or contact Villas al Sol to discuss your property search.
