French Notaires | their role and fees explained

English speaking Notaire required? Call us!

The first observation to make about the role of a Notaire in France is to understand their role in the transaction. The Notaire is not there to advise one party or the other, the Notaire is there to ensure that the transaction is carried out in accordance with French law and collect the taxes that are due on the transaction. Therefore the concept of conflict of interest does not arise as they are not there to advise. The taxes that vary from ”Departement” (County) to “Departement” make up the largest part of the Notaires fees. In fact of the approximately 7% of the purchase price paid to the Notaire about 1% to 1.5% corresponds to the Notaire’s remuneration . You will be able to calculate the Notaires fees by clicking on the following link and following our instructions below ;

http://www.paris.notaires.fr/frais_mut_ecran2.php

Please enter the Departement in which you are purchasing in the 1st box, The Price in the 2nd then enter any furnishings that may be included in the 3rd. Then answer if the Notaire is also acting as the Estate Agent or not?( Difficult to understand how there can be no conflict of interest when the Notaire is also effectively the Estate Agent ?)

Lastly under the ” Financement “ heading enter if you are purchasing with the aid of a French Mortgage as there is a further charge associated with this that is known as the “Frais d’Hypotheque” (Equivalent of Land Registry charge) which is approximately 1.5% of the amount of the mortgage. It is surprising how often the Notaire forgets to include this amount in his charges and that can result in a nasty surprise on the day of signing the “acte authentique” Click on the option “Emprunt avec garantie hypothecaire” Click on “Suivant” and then enter the amount of loan that is being provided by the French bank in the 1st box. Ignore the 2 boxes below as these would only apply to French residents. Click on “Suivant” and you have your total costs associated with your purchase.

We at French Mortgage advice are happy to advise our clients without charge as part of our comprehensive no fees package throughout the whole of their French property purchase. We will vet all documents signed and negotiate with Vendors ,Estate Agents and Notaires on behalf of our clients should any changes be necessary. We answer all clients queries regarding their purchase at all stages as we understand the importance of feeling comfortable at all times in the process of purchasing your French home.

That said sometimes client like to have the benefit of a UK firm of Solicitors advising them on the transaction. We at French Mortgage advice have put in place a package with UK Solicitors for a flat fee covering the whole transaction. To benefit from this service please ask us for further details.

Over many years we have developed many contacts with Notaires in France and whilst it is a condition of French Law that to be a Notaire in France you have to be French. Many of our contacts are not only English speaking but have specialized in property transactions for international clients.

If your preference would be to deal with an English speaking Notaire we will be happy to refer you.

French Mortgage Advice Ltd, Ashdown House, High St Cross-in-Hand, Heathfield East Sussex, TN21 0SR
Tel 01435 866699 Fax 01435 866689 email us at info@french-mortgage-advice.com
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