What’s a notaire?
Once you’ve found your dream Paris appartment - and had your offer accepted by the vendor - you’ll need to hire a notaire to complete the purchase process on your behalf.
Notaires are independant professionals trained and qualified in the legal and financial aspects of french property sales. They are the only professionals qualified to oversee the sales of property in France, and are ultimately responsible to the French government, for whom they also collect applicable property taxes. They fulfill the role played in many countries by conveyancing solicitors, and are often recommended to the purchaser by the vendors agent.
The notaire works for both purchaser and vendor, liaising on surveys, legal guarantees, transfers of funds and all other obligations - and they will advise both parties on any subject relevant to the sale. Notaire’s fees are paid by the purchaser of a French appartment or house - on brand new property the fees can be as little as 2.5% of the purchase price, but the standard for older houses is between 6% and 10%.
If you’re looking to find out more about notaires in Paris, check out the official website of the Chambre des Notaires de Paris at www.paris.notaires.fr
