What it costs to buy in France
On France’s median asking price of €351,000, that is €9k – €32k on top.
Budget 7–8% on a resale and 2–3% on a new-build. What the French call frais de notaire is mostly transfer duty, not the notary's fee — the notary's own regulated cut is roughly a tenth of the total.
Last checked 11 September 2026 against the sources listed at the foot of this page.
When buying property in France, it’s essential to understand the various costs involved beyond the purchase price. This guide breaks down the one-off expenses, recurring costs, and mortgage considerations for foreign buyers.
With the median asking price currently around €333,480, knowing the additional costs can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions regarding your investment. Let's explore what to expect.
The lines that dominate the bill
- Transfer duties (DMTO), resale
- 5.81–6.32%
- 6.32% in the 89 départements that took the 2025 increase, 5.81% in the 11 that did not, 5.09% in Indre.
- Total “frais de notaire”, resale
- 7–8%
- The all-in figure French buyers quote. Mostly transfer duty — the notary's own fee is about a tenth of it.
Every cost, in full
| Cost | Amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer duties (DMTO), resale | 5.81–6.32% | 6.32% in the 89 départements that took the 2025 increase, 5.81% in the 11 that did not, 5.09% in Indre. |
| Total “frais de notaire”, resale | 7–8% | The all-in figure French buyers quote. Mostly transfer duty — the notary's own fee is about a tenth of it. |
| Total “frais de notaire”, new-build | 2–3% | New-build carries 20% VAT inside the advertised price and much reduced transfer duty. |
| VAT, new-build | 20% | Included in the developer's advertised price rather than charged on top. |
| Notary emoluments | 0.799–3.870% by bracket + 20% VAT | A regulated scale: 3.870% on the first €6,500, falling to 0.799% above €60,000. |
| Land registration contribution | 0.10% | Paid to the land-registration service and collected by the notary with the duties. |
| Estate agent fee | 4–7% including VAT | Owed by the seller and shown inside the asking price when marked FAI. |
| Mortgage costs | €500–2,000 arrangement, ≈1.5% registration | Registering the charge is a separate notarial act. Non-resident lending terms are stricter. |
| Annual property tax | Taxe foncière, plus taxe d'habitation on second homes | Taxe d'habitation survives only on secondary residences, so a holiday-home owner pays both. |
Who pays the estate agent
No. The seller pays, and prices marked FAI (frais d'agence inclus) already contain the commission.
The number you need before you can complete
None. France imposes no nationality restriction and no consent requirement on residential purchases by foreign buyers.
Recently changed, or about to
Départements were allowed to add 0.50 points to transfer duty from April 2025; 89 did and 11 did not, so the rate is 6.32% in most of France and 5.81% elsewhere. The increase is temporary, to 31 March 2028.
Sources
Tax authorities, registries and notarial bodies first. Check the figure you care about before you rely on it.
- Chambre des Notaires de Paris — increase in registration dutiesprimaryThe 4.5%→5% départemental rise, communal share, land registration contribution and emoluments.
- DMTO 2026: understanding the 5.81%, 6.32% and 5.09% ratesThe three current rate tiers, 89 vs 11 départements, and the 31 March 2028 sunset.
- Scale of notary emolumentsThe four-bracket emolument scale and its governing arrêté.
- Frais de notaire 2026: what changed for buyers7–8% resale versus 2–3% new-build totals.
- Buying property in France: 2026 guide for foreign buyersAgent commission paid by the seller, 20% VAT in new-build prices, taxe d'habitation on second homes.
This is general information for a non-resident buyer of a residential property, not tax or legal advice. Rates change, reliefs depend on your circumstances, and regional variation is the rule rather than the exception — take local professional advice before you commit to anything.
Cite this page
Habio, “Cost of buying property in France”. https://habio.ai/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-france
https://habio.ai/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-france
Free to quote with attribution to Habio. Every figure links to its source.
What you would actually be paying for
See what property in France is actually asking, by region.
The process in more detail
One-off Purchase Costs
When purchasing property in France, buyers should expect one-off costs typically ranging from 2.5% to 9% of the property's price. These costs include transfer duties, notary fees, and registration fees. Notably, the main component of the notary fees is the transfer duty, which varies depending on the department.
- Transfer duties: 5.81–6.32% depending on the department
- Notary fees for resale properties: 7–8% of the purchase price
- Land registration contribution: 0.10%
Typical Buying Process
The property buying process in France generally starts with securing a preliminary sales agreement (compromis de vente), which outlines the sale terms. After this, the notary will manage the legal aspects, including payment of taxes and registration of the property.
It’s advisable to engage a qualified notary, as they can help navigate local laws and ensure everything runs smoothly. Be aware that all costs must be settled before taking possession of the property.
Worked Example of Buying Costs
Consider a property valued at the median asking price of €333,480. Based on the typical one-off costs, you might expect to pay approximately €22,000 to €30,000 in additional fees, including transfer duties and notarial costs.
For instance, using an estimated total fee rate of 7%, the total costs could be around €23,342, which would include transfer duties, notary's fees, and registration costs.
Recurring Costs of Ownership
Once ownership is established, there are various ongoing costs to consider. Annual property taxes, for example, include the taxe foncière, which applies to all properties, and the taxe d'habitation for secondary residences.
Additionally, community or condo fees may apply if you own a property within such developments. Don’t forget to budget for utilities and property insurance.
- Annual property tax: taxe foncière and taxe d'habitation (for second homes)
- Community fees for condos or shared properties
- Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet
Mortgage Costs for Non-Residents
For non-residents looking to finance their property, applying for a mortgage in France typically involves additional considerations. Arrangement fees can range from €500 to €2,000, along with mortgage registration costs of approximately 1.5%.
Since non-resident lending criteria can be stricter, it’s advisable to consult with financial experts familiar with the French property market to explore suitable mortgage options.
Frequently asked questions
What are the total buying costs in France?
Total buying costs, including taxes and fees, generally range from 2.5% to 9% of the property's asking price.
What ongoing costs should I anticipate after purchasing a property?
Recurring costs include annual property taxes, community fees if applicable, utilities, and property insurance.
Can foreign buyers obtain a mortgage in France?
Yes, foreign buyers can obtain mortgages, but terms may be stricter than for residents.
What are the property taxes in France?
Buyers should expect to pay taxe foncière and, for secondary residences, taxe d'habitation.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change — verify the current position with official sources and a qualified professional before acting. Last reviewed September 2026.