Notary fees in Paris: what sellers and buyers need to know
Planning a property project in Paris? Whether you are selling or buying, one question comes up almost by reflex: "And what about the notary fees?" Let us take the time to unravel it all together.
For the buyer: the notary fees are yours to pay
In Paris, as everywhere in France, it is the buyer who covers the vast majority of the costs relating to the final deed of sale (acte authentique). They generally amount to 7 to 8% of the price for an older property (and around 2 to 3% for a new build).
Registration duties (droits d'enregistrement): By far the largest share, comparable to stamp duty. They go directly to the State and to local authorities.
The notary's fees (émoluments): A remuneration regulated by law, identical whichever notary you choose.
Disbursements (débours): Costs paid in advance on the buyer's behalf (planning documents, surveyor, land registry...).
Fees for registering the sale with the land registry
For the seller: lighter costs, but not non-existent
When selling in Paris, people often expect a mountain of costs. In reality, they are limited:
Any release of mortgage (mainlevée d'hypothèque): If you still had a loan outstanding, the notary will need to discharge the security. The cost ranges from 0.3% to 0.6% of the original loan amount.
Any capital gains tax (plus-value immobilière): If you are selling your main residence, no tax is due. For a second home or an investment property, tax may apply depending on how long you have owned it.
And in practice?
A worked example: For an older apartment bought in Paris for €1,200,000 (including €20,000 of furniture), according to the Chambre des Notaires de Paris (the Paris Chamber of Notaries):
Notary's fee (excl. VAT): €10,785
Registration duties: €74,558
Land registration (publicité foncière): €1,180
Disbursements: €600
VAT: €2,157
Total acquisition costs: €89,300, i.e. 7.44% of the purchase price, of which 6.49% goes to the French Treasury (Trésor Public)
Dante Immobilier helps you see clearly when it comes to costs, timescales and each step of the process. Do you have a question, a doubt, or a project that is starting to take shape? Do not hesitate to contact us!
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