Did you know that in Spain it was expected to sell up to 590,000 properties in 2025? However, putting an apartment up for sale is not as simple as it seems - it takes approximately 3 hours just to create a good real estate listing.
The complete process requires much more than simply posting photos and a price. Additionally, if not done correctly, you could lose potential buyers, as 75% of the images should show the interior of the property and you need exactly 25 photos to optimize the visibility of your listing.
That's why we've created this step-by-step guide to help you effectively put your apartment up for sale, whether for free online or through specialized real estate portals. We'll show you how to create a listing that stands out, establish the right price, and get interested buyers in record time.
Ready to sell your property in 30 days? Let's start with the essential steps.
Before putting an apartment up for sale, it's essential to properly prepare both the documentation and the property. This initial preparation will largely determine the success and speed of the sale.
To sell a property in Spain, we need to have a series of essential documents ready. First, the property deed that proves ownership of the property. Additionally, it is essential to obtain a simple note from the Property Registry, which costs approximately 9.02 euros.
The energy efficiency certificate has been mandatory since 2013 and is valid for ten years. This document, which must be issued by an authorized technician, classifies the efficiency of the property on a scale from A to G.
Additionally, we will need:
To establish a competitive price, a professional appraisal of the property is necessary. An appraiser approved by the Bank of Spain will evaluate various fundamental aspects:
First, they will analyze the state of the building and its location, considering factors such as technical inspections and the level of conservation. The distribution and organization of spaces also significantly influences the final value.
The orientation of the property is especially relevant, mainly the southwest location, as it determines the entry of natural light and energy efficiency. Likewise, proximity to public services, green areas, and noise levels directly impact the valuation.
The presentation of the property is crucial to attract potential buyers. Therefore, we must carry out a deep cleaning and keep the space impeccable. It is essential to properly ventilate all rooms and eliminate any unpleasant odors.
Regarding repairs, it is advisable to fix minor defects such as dripping faucets or squeaky doors. For decoration, we will opt for a minimalist style, removing personal elements such as family photographs so that buyers can visualize the space as their own.
Paint plays a fundamental role: it is advisable to paint the walls in neutral or white tones to create a feeling of spaciousness and brightness. In addition, we must pay special attention to the main rooms such as the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom.
Finally, it is advisable to reorganize the furniture to optimize spaces and create a cozy but not overcrowded environment. A well-organized space allows buyers to better appreciate the real potential of the property and facilitates a faster sale.
Once the documentation and the property are prepared, the next step is to publish the listing online. Currently, online real estate portals offer an effective and economical way to reach millions of potential buyers.
The main real estate portals in Spain allow you to publish listings at no initial cost. Idealista, considered the most popular portal in the country, receives more than 35 million monthly visits and allows you to publish up to two free ads for 180 days.
Fotocasa, another market leader, offers the possibility of publishing up to 6 free ads in different categories. However, if you want to publish a second ad in the same category, the cost will be €19.95. Additionally, to hide the complete address of the property, you will have to pay €9.95.
Habitaclia stands out especially in Catalonia and allows you to publish free and unlimited ads for individuals. On the other hand, Pisos.com offers the option of publishing two ads at no cost.
Other relevant portals include:
The registration process on these portals generally follows these steps:
First, you must complete your basic personal data to create an account. During this process, the portal will request information such as your full name and preferred contact method.
Subsequently, you will need to validate your email. The portals will send a verification link to confirm your identity. Likewise, most platforms require validation of the phone number, which you can later use to access your account.
To maximize the effectiveness of your ad, consider these recommendations:
The exact address of the property is essential for buyers interested in the area to find your property. However, some portals offer the option to hide the address for an additional cost.
Regarding ad management, the portals provide a private area where you can:
To increase visibility, many portals offer premium services. For example, your ad can appear in prominent positions for 30 days, which significantly increases visits and contacts.
It is advisable to publish simultaneously on several portals to maximize exposure. However, you must keep the information updated and consistent across all platforms.
Publication times vary according to the portal and the type of ad. In general, sales ads are published immediately, while rental ads may require prior validation that takes between 1 and 48 hours.
Creating an effective listing makes the difference between selling quickly or having the apartment stagnant for months. Professional photographs can significantly increase the interest of potential buyers, while a well-crafted description can be decisive in getting visits.
The title of the ad works as the first impression for potential buyers. Therefore, it must be direct and concise, avoiding expressions like "special offer" or "unique opportunity" that generate mistrust.
To create an effective title, it is essential to:
The description should provide complete information about the property, following an ordered structure from outside to inside. First, it is convenient to mention the surroundings and nearby services, such as schools, parks, or public transportation. Subsequently, the characteristics of the building are detailed and finally the specifications of the property.
It is essential to include:
The ideal length of the description should be kept between 250 and 600 characters so as not to overwhelm the reader with too much information. In addition, it is essential to maintain a professional but close tone, avoiding the excessive use of superlative adjectives.
Images are the most influential element in the decision to visit a property. In fact, 75% of the photographs should show the interior of the property. To get effective photographs:
It is advisable to include several angles of each room to offer a complete view of the space. The photographs should be taken at eye level, avoiding very low or high perspectives that can distort the perception of the space.
For the main image of the listing, select the most attractive room or the kitchen, as the latter usually generates a greater emotional connection with buyers. Likewise, make sure that the featured photo is consistent with the current state of the property to avoid disappointments during visits.
Professional images can significantly increase the perceived value of the property and better justify the requested price. In addition, many real estate portals use algorithms that favor listings with high-quality photographs, improving their positioning in search results.
Setting the right price determines the success in selling a property. A well-planned pricing strategy can make the difference between a quick sale and months of waiting without results.
To develop a competitive strategy, we must first document the presence of other similar properties in the market where we operate. This analysis involves several key steps:
During this process, it is essential to examine properties sold in the last six months with similar characteristics in size, location, and condition. Additionally, we must consider current market trends to determine if prices are rising, falling, or remaining stable.
Factors that influence valuation include:
Human psychology plays a fundamental role in the perception of a property's value. Therefore, the exact price should result from a deep analysis that considers both rational and emotional aspects.
An effective strategy is to use the "power of four and seven." Prices such as €244,000, €247,000, or €247,400 generate the perception of a detailed cost study, suggesting a limited margin for negotiation. These values stand out especially in a market dominated by round figures.
Likewise, the way of communicating the price significantly impacts the buyer's perception. For example, writing "One hundred and twenty-seven thousand euros" is more effective than simply showing "€127,000." This more detailed presentation helps justify the value and facilitates negotiations.
To establish a competitive price, consider these strategies:
Slightly elevated price: If the valuation range oscillates between €300,000 and €350,000, we could start with €325,000 to test the market. This tactic allows us to evaluate the buyers' response and adjust as necessary.
Adjusted price: If we need to sell quickly, we can set a price close to the lower limit of the range. However, we should avoid prices that are too low, as they could generate distrust about the condition of the property.
It is essential to constantly monitor the market. If after a reasonable period we do not receive sufficient interest, we should consider strategic adjustments based on feedback from potential buyers.
The majority of property owners in Spain overvalue their homes by up to 20% of the market value. Therefore, it is crucial to perform an objective and professional valuation, considering both technical aspects and current market conditions.
To maximize the chances of sale, we must take into account that all buyers request discounts of between 5% and 20% on the initial price. Therefore, it is advisable to anticipate this negotiation margin when establishing the starting price.
In today's competitive real estate market, digital marketing has become an indispensable tool for selling an apartment quickly. Digital strategies allow you to reach a broader and more specific audience, increasing the chances of finding the ideal buyer in less time.
Social networks offer an alternative showcase to traditional real estate portals to promote your property. Facebook and Instagram stand out as ideal platforms for real estate promotion, as they allow you to effectively use visual elements such as photos and videos.
To maximize the impact of your promotion on social networks:
It is essential to make sure you don't leave any area of the house without showing. Additionally, place the essential information in a summarized way, describing the apartment and giving the basic and important details of the operation.
To increase the visibility of your posts:
Email marketing is a powerful strategy to maintain contact with potential buyers and nurture leads throughout the purchase process. To implement an effective real estate email marketing strategy:
It is important to adapt the content according to the stage of the sales cycle the client is in. You can divide your campaigns into:
To improve the effectiveness of your email marketing campaigns:
Targeted advertising on digital platforms allows you to reach your target audience precisely and cost-effectively. Some of the most effective platforms for real estate ads include:
When creating targeted ads, consider the following strategies:
To maximize the performance of your ads:
It is important to highlight that online advertising can offer a significant return on investment. For example, Facebook and Instagram ads can reduce the cost per contact by up to 50% compared to direct traffic to the website.
Additionally, consider the possibility of combining email marketing strategies with SMS marketing. If an email about a new promotion or event is not opened within a certain period, you can send an SMS message with the information directly to the subscriber's phone. This tactic is especially effective, as more than 90% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes of receipt.
In summary, a well-executed digital marketing strategy, combining promotion on social networks, email marketing, and targeted ads, can significantly accelerate the process of selling your apartment. By leveraging these digital tools, you will not only increase the visibility of your property but also reach more qualified potential buyers, increasing the chances of a quick and successful sale.
Property visits represent a decisive moment in the sales process. Meticulous preparation and professional management of these appointments can make the difference between a successful sale and months of waiting.
First impressions are fundamental during real estate visits. To maximize positive impact, it is necessary to keep the house impeccable and free of garbage. Lighting plays a crucial role: visits during the day allow buyers to show better disposition.
To optimize the presentation:
To streamline the sales process, it is essential to establish an organized system of visits. Between each visit, it is advisable to schedule an interval of 20 to 30 minutes. It is also convenient to offer schedule flexibility, including weekends and early morning hours.
During the visit:
For virtual visits, which have gained popularity especially with foreign buyers, the same preparation criteria should be applied as in face-to-face visits.
Systematic follow-up of potential buyers is crucial to close the sale. It is advisable to contact within 24 hours after the visit to know their impressions.
For effective follow-up:
Follow-up management should be adapted according to the stage the potential buyer is in:
To optimize the process, it is advisable to use a management system that allows:
Constant follow-up helps maintain the buyer's interest in the property and allows for quick responses to any doubts or queries that may arise after the visit.
The successful sale of an apartment requires a strategic combination of meticulous preparation and effective actions. Certainly, every step of the process, from initial documentation to visit management, significantly contributes to the final result.
Today's real estate market demands professionalism and attention to detail. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a solid digital presence while managing traditional aspects such as documentation and face-to-face visits. The correct valuation of the property, combined with a well-planned marketing strategy, maximizes the chances of a quick sale.
Real estate portals, social networks, and email marketing function as complementary tools to reach potential buyers. However, success lies in the consistency and quality of our presentation, from professional photographs to the detailed description of the property.
Finally, let's remember that selling a property represents more than a simple commercial transaction. Dedication and care in every aspect of the process, from initial preparation to follow-up with interested parties, will determine not only the speed of the sale but also the satisfaction of all parties involved.
What are the essential documents to sell an apartment? To sell an apartment, you will need the property deed, a simple note from the Property Registry, the energy efficiency certificate, the certificate of habitability, a certificate of debts with the homeowners' association, the latest property tax receipts, and updated utility bills.
How can I make my listing stand out on real estate portals? To make your listing stand out, create an attractive and concise title, write a detailed description of 250-600 characters, include professional photos (75% showing the interior), and consider premium services to improve visibility. Publishing on several portals simultaneously can also increase exposure.
What pricing strategies are effective for selling quickly? Use the "power of four and seven" in prices (e.g., €247,000), perform a detailed analysis of local competition, and consider starting with a slightly elevated price within the valuation range. Anticipate that buyers usually request discounts of between 5% and 20% on the initial price.
How can I leverage digital marketing to sell my apartment? Use social networks to share high-quality photos and videos, implement a segmented email marketing strategy, and consider targeted ads on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram. Combine these tactics to increase visibility and reach more qualified potential buyers.
What is the best way to manage visits to the apartment? Prepare the space by keeping the house impeccable and well-lit. Schedule visits with intervals of 20-30 minutes, offering schedule flexibility. During the visit, allow the buyer to inspect freely and highlight the positive features of the property. Follow up within 24 hours after the visit to know the potential buyer's impressions.
