For once, the Spanish PM is asking for something we want: actual historical sales prices for a property in Spain. Pedro Sánchez is urging for greater access to real estate data already held by various public institutions. In a letter to the regional governments, Sanchez proposes to establish a comprehensive public database encompassing rental and sale prices, as well as other housing market indicators.
Yes please.
This information exists, both Notaries and the land registry have it, it’s just not made public. “The Government could set an example of transparency by allowing any Spanish citizen to access those databases that do contain the actual sale prices of properties,” says , Idealista spokesperson Francisco Iñareta in his article . “At Idealista, we are committed to giving maximum visibility to that information and including it in our listings and reports as soon as the Government makes it public.”
So what’s the problem? We want it, the portals want it, even Sanchez wants it… Some regional administrations, particularly those governed by the Partido Popular (PP), have expressed concerns over the centralization of data and potential overreach by the national government. They argue that housing policies should remain under regional jurisdiction.
Martin Dell, Co-founder of leading international property portal Kyero.com said.”International buyers using Kyero.com cite the current lack of price transparency as one of the most frustrating things about buying property in Spain.”
“So, this move by Sánchez is a big win. In most countries, you can see what a property actually sold for – it’s crazy that’s not the case in Spain yet,” he says.
“Having real and transparent ‘sold’ prices out in the open would make it so much easier (and less risky) for international buyers to make smart, informed decisions. It builds trust and levels the playing field.”
Martin hopes “all of the Autonomous regions in Spain get behind this idea and welcome it with enthusiasm – it’s a no-brainer for making the market more transparent and welcoming. It will temper price speculation and normalise the crazy boom-to-bust swings that undermine confidence in the property market in Spain.”
Much to the surprise of foreign buyers from countries such as Sweden or the US, Spain does not make actual historical prices for specific properties publicly available. One can access aggregated or estimated data.
“Finally!” says Sergio Gonzalez, CEO of leading Costa del Sol based MLS and CRM Inmobalia “This kind of transparency isn’t just welcome – it should be a priority. In countries where this already exists, access to real transaction data has helped create more informed, balanced markets. Spain should absolutely follow suit.”
Álvaro Botella Fernández, President of the Leading Property Agents of Spain (LPA) says that “At LPA, we strongly support any initiative that enhances transparency in the real estate market. Publishing actual sales prices —as long as data accuracy and GDPR compliance are ensured— would not only build trust among international buyers but also elevate the professionalism of our sector. It’s a long-overdue and necessary step forward.”
Meanwhile, Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director for leading property developer Taylor Wimpey España, expresses strong support for increased transparency in Spain’s property market data. “Totally agree! Without clear and transparent data, we’re often flying blind,” Pritchard says.
He highlights the particular challenges faced by property developers in the current system. “As property developers, having access to actual historical sales prices would be fantastic—especially when evaluating land acquisitions in less familiar areas,” Pritchard explains. He also points out that Spain lags behind other European Union members in terms of data accessibility. “This kind of data is publicly available in most EU countries,” he notes. “It’s time Spain catches up.”
Peter Franke, co-founder of leading law firm Franke & de la Fuente, specialists in conveyancing and tax services for foreign buyers on the Costa del Sol and Palma de Mallorca, thinks it’s a “lovely idea and something that should have been arranged decades ago. Correct information is key for any market.”
My view: Do it! It´s a no-brainer, this would solve a ton of problems for agents, buyers and sellers, especially for adding confidence to foreign buyers and would put a stop to poor or ridiculous property valuations by some agents here in Spain.
Industry veteran, Campbell Ferguson, Managing Director at Survey Spain SL says this is “a dream come true, if accurate and public. Sometimes prices shown at the notary are not the full price paid and other times there are conditions of sale that affect the value. However, all public records suffer the same but for valuers to have a public record to refer to would make life so much easier. ”
Property owners would finally have a clear idea of what their homes are actually worth—no more guessing or relying on vague estimates,” said Sergio Gonzalez. “Pricing would be much more grounded and realistic.”
Gonzalez emphasizes the benefits for buyers as well, explaining that they “could make decisions with confidence, knowing what similar properties actually sold for, not just what someone’s hoping to get. That kind of visibility is huge for trust.”
He believes that the transparency would also benefit real estate professionals. “For agencies and professionals, it means giving proper advice based on real numbers instead of stitching together info from scattered sources,” Gonzalez adds.
The improved data access would also enhance technology platforms, according to Gonzalez. “For platforms like Inmobalia CRM, it opens the door to building much better tools, smarter analytics, and truly data-driven services.”
Why Aren’t Prices Public?
Spanish law prioritizes data privacy and ownership confidentiality.
Unlike in some countries, sale prices are not published by default alongside land or property registry entries.
Where You Can Find Historical Price Data in Spain
1. Registradores (Land Registry)
They hold actual sale prices as declared in the deed.
Only accessible to the public in aggregate form or via paid reports.
Detailed info on a specific property usually requires:
Proof of legitimate interest (e.g. potential buyer, legal case).
A formal request or use of a third-party intermediary (like a notary or lawyer).
2. Notaries / Consejo General del Notariado
They have actual transaction prices via their internal databases (such as the Base de Datos del Consejo General del Notariado).
Used for statistical reports, not for individual property access unless you’re a party involved in the transaction.
3. Catastro (Cadastral Register)
Does not provide sale prices.
Shows physical and administrative data: surface area, location, usage, property reference, etc.
4. Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA)
Publishes general price indices and average prices by region, type, and size.
No individual property data.
5. Online Portals (Idealista, Kyero, etc.)
Show asking prices, not actual closing prices.
Sometimes show historical listing price trends, but not official transaction data.
In my research I have read that in some cases you can get detailed property data if you demonstrate legitimate interest through legal or professional channels. That’s a new one to me.
This is a developing story, watch this space.
Its a lovely idea and something that should have been arranged decades ago. Correct information is key for any market.