Calculating Notary Fees: How Do You Do It?

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Calculer les frais de notaire : comment faire ?

The notary fees are among the expenses to consider when purchasing real estate. They consist of several components, the majority of which are taxes.

How do you calculate notary fees for a real estate purchase?

With our real estate agency in Paris 16, CENTURY 21 Auteuil Immobilier: Find out how to calculate “notary fees” and discover the tools that can help you estimate the amount.

How do you calculate notary fees based on the type of property?

Notary fees—more accurately referred to as closing costs—represent a significant amount of money, and it is important to understand them in detail. Contrary to what their name suggests, these fees do not go entirely to the notary. They are actually made up of several distinct components.

The largest share corresponds to the transfer taxes. These fees are paid to the tax authorities in the form of a “land registration tax” or a “registration fee.” 

Next are the notary’s fees, which constitute his actual compensation for the work performed, as well as the administrative fees, which cover the various necessary administrative procedures. 

Finally, a real estate security fee is paid to the government for land registration and public record-keeping.

The total amount of notary fees varies significantly depending on the type of property purchased:

  • For an older property, expect to pay between 7% and 8% of the sale price;
  • For a new property, these fees amount to only 2 to 3% of the purchase price.

What tools are available for estimating notary fees?

To better plan for these costs, there are several online tools that can provide accurate estimates. For example, the National Agency for Housing Information (ANIL) offers a simulator that allows you to estimate notary fees based on the type of purchase (land, new or existing housing) and the property's location, specifically the department.

When are notary fees due?

Notary fees must be paid when the deed of sale is signed at the notary’s office. This payment is made on the same day the deed is signed. At that time, the buyer must pay three amounts simultaneously:

  • The purchase price of the real estate;
  • Real estate agent fees, if any;
  • The notary fees themselves.

These payments are essential because they facilitate the transfer of ownership. Once the transaction is settled, the buyer officially becomes the owner of the property. It is therefore important to prepare thoroughly for this step by ensuring you have all the necessary funds.

Who pays the notary fees?

According to Article 1593 of the Civil Code, it is specified that “the costs of legal documents and other expenses incidental to the sale are to be borne by the buyer.” Thus, it is the buyer who must pay the full amount of the notary fees, and not the seller, regardless of the type of real estate involved.

Please note that this rule applies across the board. As a result, even though it may sometimes be in the seller’s best interest to cover part of the costs as part of a negotiation, legally, these costs are always the buyer’s responsibility.

How can our CENTURY 21 Auteuil and Auteuil Seine offices help you?

Our CENTURY 21 offices located in Paris’s 16th arrondissement are here to put our expertise at your service and guide you through your real estate project. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, our experienced teams provide personalized and professional advice. Thanks to our expertise, we’ll help you better understand the costs associated with buying a home and ensure you’re well-prepared for the steps involved in working with a notary.

Please feel free to contact our two real estate agencies, CENTURY 21 Auteuil Immobilier and CENTURY 21 Auteuil Seine, by phone at 0142151621 or 0156071621, or by email: auteuil@century21.fr  or auteuilseine@century21.fr.

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