Licence rules range from compulsory registers to none. A short common checklist and links to our guides for Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Dubai.
Whether an estate agent must be licensed depends on the country. In some markets there is a public register you can search in a minute. In others the profession is only partly regulated, or regulated by region. This page gives a checklist that works anywhere and links to our guide for each country. It is general information, not legal advice, and rules change: confirm in the official register.
A checklist that works in any country
- Ask for the agent's registration or licence number and the company's registered name and number, in writing.
- Search for that number yourself in the official register. Do not use a link the agent sends you.
- Check that the company name on the contract, the website and the payment account all match.
- Call the registered office using a number from the register, not from the message you received.
- Confirm who pays the commission, how much, and when. See who pays the estate agent abroad.
- Never pay a deposit to an individual's account. See why a deposit before title checks is the costliest mistake.
- Before signing anything, read agent contracts and forms that bind you.
- If the listing or website looks too good, see cloned agency websites and fake agent profiles.
Country guides
- Spain: how to check an estate agent in Spain
- Portugal: how to check an estate agent in Portugal
- Italy: how to check an estate agent in Italy
- France: how to check an estate agent in France
- Cyprus: how to check an estate agent in Cyprus
- Greece: how to check an estate agent in Greece
- Turkey: how to check an estate agent in Turkey and the declared tapu price
- Dubai: how to check a broker in Dubai
Why a licence is necessary but not enough
A licence shows that a person or company is allowed to operate. It does not show that they act in your interest, that the property has a clean title, or that the price is fair. For that you need your own lawyer and, if you want someone to compare options on your side, an independent adviser. See independent adviser or local agency.