Notary fees in 2026: how much to budget and how to reduce them
Notary fees in 2026: transfer taxes raised to 5%, first-time buyer exemption, how they are calculated and how to pay less.
Louis falce
Négociateur immobilier
It is often the line that surprises buyers most in a financing plan. For an existing property, "notary fees" now represent 7 to 8% of the price. For a new-build, they fall to around 2 to 3%. Since 2025, most French départements have raised their rates: here is what you need to know to plan ahead.
What are you actually paying?
The name is misleading: the notary keeps only a small part of the amount. The fees break down into three blocks.
Transfer taxes (DMTO): paid to the département, the town and the State. They make up most of the bill, around 80%.
The notary's fees: their remuneration, set by a national sliding scale based on the price.
Disbursements: planning documents, land registry, publication costs, advanced by the notary on your behalf.
What has changed: transfer taxes raised to 5%
The 2025 Finance Act allowed départements to raise their rate from 4.50% to 5% for deeds signed between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2028. Almost all of them did: by mid-2026, 88 départements applied the maximum rate.
In practice, for an existing apartment bought for €300,000, the increase adds about €1,500. Total fees then reach almost €23,000, or 7.7% of the price.
Good news for first-time buyers
Buyers who have not owned their main residence in the past two years are exempt from this increase. The property must become their main residence. When two people buy together, the benefit applies pro rata to each eligible buyer. It must be declared in the deed, so tell your notary early.
Four ways to pay less
Deduct the furniture. Fitted kitchen, wardrobes, appliances: furniture sold with the property is not subject to transfer taxes. List it and value it realistically, usually within 5 to 10% of the price.
Separate the agency fees. When paid by the buyer, they are excluded from the transfer tax base.
Ask for a discount on the notary's fees. Above €100,000, the notary may grant a discount on the proportional part of their fees, within regulated limits.
Consider new-builds. Transfer taxes are reduced to 0.715%, and the départemental increase does not apply.
Financing them, or not
Most banks require notary fees to be covered by your personal contribution. A deposit of 10% of the price therefore remains the benchmark for a strong application. Some banks lend 110% for very secure profiles, but this is the exception.
At LGH Patrimoine, we estimate these fees from the first visit, so your overall budget is accurate. Planning a purchase? Contact us for a personalised simulation.
