When someone buys or rents a home, they understand that their choice involves: the price paid to the owner, transaction taxes, administrative/notary fees, and the real estate agency’s service. Therefore, a broker’s role is not merely to sell properties, but to simultaneously serve both the buyer/tenant and the seller/owner, enabling a true win-win transaction. The value of the property is highlighted through this service for the benefit of both the owner and their buyer or tenant.

The fact that the agency’s fee is paid by the buyer allows them to clearly see which part of their investment goes toward the property itself and which part is for the service provided, in a transparent manner. Additionally, the buyer pays taxes on the property they acquire—not on the brokerage service—saving hundreds or even thousands of euros.

One of LOBA’s core principles is putting people first—focusing on those who will actually live in the homes. To serve both tenants and property owners effectively, transparency and cost efficiency are essential.

When buying or renting a home, clients understand that their investment covers the property, taxes, administrative fees, and the agency’s service. LOBA’s approach is not just to sell properties but to serve both sides of the transaction, creating a true win-win. The value of the property is enhanced through our service, benefiting both owners and tenants or buyers.

What about rentals?

When the agency’s fee is paid by the tenant, both parties gain greater flexibility in the lease duration, reducing costs and, consequently, the rent. Why?

Today, the rental market is mostly sought after by newly arrived foreigners or families in transitional phases, such as during home construction or renovations. As a result, rents have increased, but stays rarely exceed one or two years. It has become essential to adapt properties and their conditions to demand in order to maximize the return on investment for those who own and place properties in the rental market.

Each time an owner places a property on the market, their main expenses include: the real estate agency’s commission (usually equivalent to one and a half or two months’ rent + VAT), painting, minor repairs, and cleaning. Often, there is also a vacant month between rentals to carry out these preparations. These costs are reflected in the rent charged to the tenant, and to avoid repeating these costs, owners typically require longer lease contracts—something that does not match the needs of higher-income tenants today. The result is ever-higher rents to cover turnover costs and potential disputes when a tenant wishes to terminate the lease early, losing their deposit or being required to pay for months they will not occupy the property.

By charging the agency fee (one month’s rent + VAT) to the tenant, LOBA relieves the owner of their largest cost: the agency commission. This allows tenants to benefit from a home at a lower price for the period they actually need—a true win-win. When a tenant wishes to end their contract, they inform LOBA, which will relist the property at the current market rate and secure a new tenant to begin a lease immediately after. This avoids legal conflicts, prevents losses for the owner, allows the deposit to be returned, and ensures the property remains in good condition, as guaranteed by the tenant’s satisfaction with LOBA’s service. tenants cover the agency fee, it reduces costs, rent, and allows for greater flexibility in lease duration. Rental demand today comes mostly from new arrivals or families in transition, often needing shorter leases. Traditional models push owners toward longer contracts to cover costs like commissions, repairs, and vacancy periods—leading to higher rents.

LOBA’s model shifts the agency fee to the tenant, freeing owners from their largest cost and enabling tenants to rent at fair prices for the duration they need. If a tenant ends a lease, LOBA quickly relists the property at market rate, secures a new tenant, and ensures the property remains in excellent condition. This system benefits everyone: lower costs and flexibility for tenants, and secure, well-maintained properties for owners.

LOBA creates win-win transactions, prioritizing people over process, and transparency over hidden costs.