Understanding Notary Fees

Updated on Thursday 25 June 2026

Inquire

Understanding Notary Fees

Updated on Thursday 19 March 2026

Notary tariffs: emoluments and fees

The amount that one pays to the notary, which we commonly and improperly call "notary fees" actually includes taxes (approx. 8/10th of fees), disbursement (1/10th of fees) and notary’s compensation (1/10th of fees).

Updated on Wednesday 11 February 2026

Property purchase: acquisition costs (known as French notaire's fees)

The acquisition costs, improperly called “French notaire's fees”, are added to the purchase price of the real property. Generally, they are settled by the purchaser but not received by the seller or the Notary for their greater share.

Updated on Tuesday 25 November 2025

Cost of buying a house : Conveyancing fees

During a real estate purchase, the buyer must pay taxes and additional fees at the selling price. In the new market, these fees amount to 2 to 3% of the selling price. We are talking about "reduced fees" or "reduced notaire fees".

A question ? Need help ?

Yes. An acknowledgement of debt may be executed as a private deed if it states the amount of the debt in figures and words and bears the signature of the person undertaking the obligation (French Civil Code, Art. 1376). It may also be drawn up as an authentic instrument. A…

Yes. All property purchases require a notarial deed. The notary updates the land registry to secure and enforce the transaction (Civil Code, Article 1583).

In such a case, the notary’s fees for drafting the deed of exchange will be calculated on the higher value of the two apartments (Article A.444-117 of the French Commercial Code).

No. In the event of loss, it is not possible to obtain a copy of the family record book. According to Article 15 of Decree No. 74-449 of 15 May 1974, only a second family record book may be issued, and only to spouses or parents who do not possess…

No. When the mandate is established in authentic form, the law requires the agent to render his accounts and all "useful supporting documents" to the drafting notary of said mandate (article 491 of the Civil Code).

View our FAQ

Understanding Notary Fees

Understanding Notary Fees

Notary tariffs: emoluments and fees

Property purchase: acquisition costs (known as French notaire's fees)

Cost of buying a house : Conveyancing fees

A question ? Need help ?

I would like to draw up an acknowledgement of debt. I have heard that using a notary is not mandatory. Is this true?

Must I use a notary to buy my neighbor’s land?

I have decided to exchange my apartment with that of my neighbour. On what basis will the notary’s fees be calculated?

My widowed mother has passed away. To establish the certificate of notoriety (acte de notoriété), the notary is asking me to provide her family record book (livret de famille). I cannot find it. Can I obtain a copy?

Under a future protection mandate established by the notary of my father (who has since been diagnosed with Alzheimer's), I have become his agent. Is it possible for me to account for my management to my own notary?