Notary Fees in Paris: Calculation and Guide
Often called "notary fees", they actually include taxes, emoluments, and disbursements. Here is a complete breakdown for Paris in 2026.
Notary Fee Simulation Table
| Purchase Price | Resale Fees | New Build Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 300,000 EUR | ~24,000 EUR | ~9,000 EUR |
| 500,000 EUR | ~40,000 EUR | ~15,000 EUR |
| 800,000 EUR | ~64,000 EUR | ~24,000 EUR |
| 1,000,000 EUR | ~80,000 EUR | ~30,000 EUR |
Approximate amounts. Actual fees may vary slightly depending on specific transaction details and notary.
What Makes Up Notary Fees?
Transfer Duties (Droits de Mutation), ~80% of total
The largest component is a tax collected by the notary on behalf of the state and local government. In Paris, the rate is 5.81% of the purchase price for resale properties. This breaks down into: departmental tax (4.50%), municipal tax (1.20%), and a collection fee for the state (0.107%). For new-build properties, transfer duties drop to approximately 0.7%.
Notary Emoluments, ~10% of total
The notary's actual fee is regulated by law and calculated on a sliding scale. For a 500,000 EUR property, the emolument is approximately 3,900 EUR (excluding VAT). These rates are identical for all notaries in France and decrease proportionally as the purchase price increases.
Disbursements and Formalities, ~10% of total
These cover various administrative costs: land registry fees, title searches, document copies, postage, and third-party certificates. They typically amount to 1,000-2,000 EUR regardless of the property price.
Resale vs. New Build: Why the Difference?
Resale Property (~8%)
Full transfer duties of 5.81% apply. This is the standard rate for any property that has been previously owned and occupied. The vast majority of Paris transactions fall into this category.
Example: 500,000 EUR apartment
- Transfer duties: ~29,050 EUR
- Notary emoluments: ~3,900 EUR
- Disbursements: ~1,500 EUR
- VAT on emoluments: ~780 EUR
- Total: ~35,230 EUR
New Build (~3%)
Reduced transfer duties of approximately 0.7% because the developer has already paid 20% VAT on the sale. This significant saving makes new builds attractive despite generally higher purchase prices.
Example: 500,000 EUR apartment
- Transfer duties: ~3,500 EUR
- Notary emoluments: ~3,900 EUR
- Disbursements: ~1,500 EUR
- VAT on emoluments: ~780 EUR
- Total: ~9,680 EUR
Important Things to Know
- Not financeable: Notary fees must be paid from your own funds. Banks will not include them in your mortgage.
- Paid at signing: Funds must be transferred to the notary a few days before the final deed signing (acte authentique).
- Possible refund: The notary estimates fees upfront. If actual costs are lower, the difference is refunded months later.
- Choose your notary: As a buyer, you are free to choose your own notary. This does not increase costs, as fees are split between the two notaries.