UpEstate launches its estate agency franchise in Spain

UpEstate, Grupo Upscore’s new estate agency brand, is beginning its franchise expansion in Spain with an offering that combines property sales services, proprietary technology and access to mortgage services. Under its model, the buyer pays the estate agency fee of 2% plus VAT, while the seller is exempt from that commission.

A new brand with fees paid by the buyer

UpEstate’s entry into the Spanish franchise market follows its launch through sales stands in Madrid shopping centres. The company now aims to expand through a nationwide franchise network, supported by a centralised technology infrastructure and without the usual costs of running a large office.

The most prominent feature of its offering is how fees are allocated. Owners pay no estate agency commission when selling their home, while buyers pay 2% plus VAT. The absence of commission for sellers therefore applies to that specific service and should not be confused with a property transaction that is cost-free for all parties.

The advertised service includes property valuation, listings on leading property portals, handling enquiries and viewings, negotiation, documentation and support through to signing before a notary. The model therefore covers the sales process from preparing a property for marketing to completing the transaction.

A monthly fee, with franchisees retaining all their commission

According to UpEstate’s advertised terms, professionals can join with plans starting at €390 plus VAT per month, with no minimum contract term. The brand says that signing up gives franchisees a branded website and allows them to start operating the same day.

Alongside this fee structure, the company highlights that it does not retain a percentage of the estate agency commissions generated by property sales. Under the model presented by the network, franchisees keep 100% of the commission from their transactions.

These are two separate elements of the financial arrangement: the recurring payment for the chosen plan and the income generated from agency services. The advertised monthly figure is the starting price for the plans, not an indication of the profitability an individual professional might achieve. Likewise, retaining the full commission does not mean that the whole amount becomes business profit.

The offering is aimed both at entrepreneurs and at professionals looking to develop or expand their estate agency business. Alongside its technology tools, the brand provides training, operational support and resources for attracting clients and property listings.

A platform to centralise sales activity

Digital infrastructure is another pillar of the launch. Franchisees use a platform developed for estate agency work, bringing information on owners, buyers, properties, communications and transactions together in a single customer relationship management system.

Within this platform, they can carry out valuations, generate documents and prepare listings for distribution on portals such as Idealista, Fotocasa and Habitaclia. According to the company’s presentation, the offering also incorporates automation and artificial intelligence.

The approach is designed to bring sales and administrative tasks together in one tool. This centralisation forms part of the format UpEstate is using to expand its network, alongside each franchisee’s website and the brand’s support.

Mortgage broking adds another income stream

UpEstate belongs to Grupo Upscore, which is based in London and operates in the UK, Spain, Portugal, France and the United Arab Emirates. The group specialises in estate agency services and mortgage finance.

This connection allows franchisees to refer buyers who need finance to the mortgage team. According to the launch information, Upscore is regulated by the Bank of Spain for this broking activity and connects clients with Spanish financial institutions.

When a referred mortgage completes, the franchisee receives 50% of the commission the bank pays Upscore for that transaction. This payment is separate from the property sales fee and depends on the mortgage completing.

Practical takeaway: before joining, prospective franchisees should check what the monthly plan covers, the operating costs involved and the terms governing both commissions. Distinguishing between these elements makes it easier to assess the offering beyond the headline claim of no commission for sellers.