Acquisition costs, often called notary fees, only partly pay the notaire. They mostly comprise taxes (the transfer duties collected by the State and local authorities), the notaire’s regulated fees, disbursements and a real-estate security contribution. Your notaire produces the exact calculation.
Transfer duties, the main part
The largest component of acquisition costs on existing property is the transfer duties collected by the State and local authorities. It is a tax tied to the transaction, distinct from the notaire’s remuneration.
The notaire’s fees
The notaire receives fees set by a regulated tariff, calculated in bands on the price. Added to this are disbursements (sums advanced by the notaire on the client’s behalf, such as document costs) and a real-estate security contribution.
Existing versus new, a notable difference
Acquisition costs are generally higher on existing property than on new-build, where the transaction’s taxation differs. For a given deal, the amount depends on the price, the type of property and the department.
How to get an exact figure
To know the amount for your purchase:
- Ask your notaire for an estimate, the only party able to produce the exact calculation
- Specify the price, the type of property (existing or new) and the department
- Keep acquisition costs distinct from the agency’s fees
This guide describes the general French framework for information. Rates and terms change and depend on your situation, and only your notaire produces the exact amount.