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Acquisition costs

When buying property in France, acquisition costs (often called notary fees) are added to the price. They cover transfer duties collected by the State and local authorities, the notary's regulated fees, the property security contribution and various disbursements. Estimate them below.

First-time buyers may be exempt from the departmental increase. Disbursements are an average estimate.

Estimated acquisition costs

23 809 €

i.e. 7,94 % of the price

Transfer duties (6,32 %)18 956 €
Notary fees (incl. VAT)3 353 €
Property security contribution300 €
Disbursements and formalities1 200 €
Total acquisition cost323 809 €

The calculation, spelled out

  • Transfer duties are computed on the price: departmental duty, municipal tax and collection fees; the combined rate depends on the department.
  • The notary's fees follow a national sliding scale by bracket, plus 20% VAT.
  • Add the property security contribution (0.10% of the price) and disbursements that vary by file.

Example: a €400,000 existing home

Transfer duties
23 226,6 €
Notary fees, VAT included
4 311,9 €
Property security contribution
400 €
Disbursements and formalities (estimate)
1 200 €
Estimated acquisition costs
29 138,5 € (7,28 %)

Rates in force, verified in septembre 2026 : ≈ 5,81 % (Transfer duties on an existing home (before the departmental increase)) · ≈ 6,32 % (Transfer duties with the 2025-2028 departmental increase) · 3,87 % à 0,799 % (Notary fees by bracket (sliding scale, excluding 20% VAT)) · 0,10 % (Property security contribution) ·

In a department applying the 2025-2028 increased rate, the same purchase would carry transfer duties of 6,32 % and total costs of about 31 185,9 €.

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What the estimate covers

  • Transfer duties: about 5.81% on existing homes (up to 6.32% with the 2025-2028 departmental increase), 0.71% on new builds.
  • Notary fees: national sliding scale by bracket, plus 20% VAT.
  • Property security contribution: 0.10% of the price.
  • Disbursements and formalities: an average estimate, varying by case.

Good to know

Indicative estimate, excluding special cases (first-time buyers, specific assets, fee negotiation above 100,000 €). For an exact figure, we connect you with a partner notary who carries out the deed under their responsibility.

Need an exact figure?

Your dedicated contact prepares your purchase and coordinates the partner notary. Every mission is individually quoted.

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