Notaires fees have been increased by an average of 7%, although it is the first increase since 2006.

As we have written earlier on these pages, many of the tariffs used by notaires are almost incomprehensible to we ordinary mortals.

That is, of course, in line with the general philosophy of French public administration that if you can make something complicated, why on earth make it simple!

The only consolation for consumers is that notaires are legally obliged to advise their clients of the cost of the service they about to render them, although there is widespread evidence that they do not always comply with this rule.

Depending on the nature of the work being carried out, the fee may be percentage based, a fixed fee or a completely negotiable fee. Frequently, it is a combination of all three, and VAT at the rate of 19.6% is payable on all fees.

Fixed Fees

Work that is carried on a fixed fee basis is more easily understood, and the level of the fees is generally very moderate. Nevertheless, even they have to be calculated as a coefficient of 'unit of value', so the rates are not immediately apparent.

From what we can glean, the fee (including VAT) for the preparation of a will has increased from €131 to €140; a civil partnership agreement has increased from €218 to €233; and a declaration of a capital gain from €65 to €70. Other fixed fees concern tenancy agreements and a marriage contract (excluding transfer of assets).

Percentage Fees

The position for most real estate transactions is more complicated as a percentage fee is involved. They are also often generally a lot higher, although digressive in relation to capital value.

The revised percentage rates and values that apply to each rate for property sales are as follows:

The effect of these new scales remains fairly modest. For the purchase of a house valued at €200,000, the increase is around €140 in notaire fees.

The level of the taxes (stamp duty) payable on house purchase remains unchanged.