If you’re an American buyer considering a pied-à-terre in Paris, you might want to make a move—literally and figuratively—before April 1st, 2025. Why, you ask? Well, Paris real estate has decided to give what is commonly referred to as "Notary fees" (frais de notaires) a little April Fool’s surprise by bumping them up by 0.5%. And no, sadly, this isn’t an early joke.


These "Notary fees" are, in fact, the closing costs, and the Paris City Council, led by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, recently voted in favor of increasing the ceiling on these one-off costs by 0.5%, a decision made possible by the 2025 finance law. Paris wasted no time being the first department to announce the increase, affecting existing properties but not first-time buyers purchasing their primary residence.



What Are These Fees, Anyway?


For the uninitiated, these frais de notaire are the closing costs due by the buyer when finalizing a real estate purchase. For existing properties, they are usually around 7 to 7.5% of the purchase price, depending on whether a mortgage is used for financing.


While these closing costs are commonly believed to be payments to the notary, that’s only part of the story. In reality, around 80% of these fees go to public coffers (the state treasury). The notary’s remuneration is just a slice of the whole pie.


More precisely, these costs are composed of two key taxes—one for the department and one for the city—collected primarily for local governments. If you’re hoping they’ll shrink anytime soon, well... think again.



Why the Increase?


As much as Paris loves its charm and glamour, it’s also got some serious bills to pay. The increase in closing costs is a direct result of the 2025 budget law, which allowed departments across France to increase these fees by up to 0.5%.


Paris, not one to miss an opportunity, was the first department to announce this hike. The city has opted to use this fiscal lever, “under constraint,” as Paul Simondon, the deputy mayor in charge of finances, diplomatically phrased it. In plain terms, the city needs the cash, and property buyers will be footing part of the bill. This new 0.5% hike is estimated to bring in tens of millions of euros for the City of Light.



Breaking Down the Numbers


To put this into context, let's use a typical Parisian apartment priced at €1,000,000. Currently, closing costs for existing properties would set you back at a maximum of roughly €75,000. After April 1st, 2025, you’ll be paying an additional €5,000—so, a total of €80,000 in closing costs. Not small change.


First-time buyers of a primary residence, you’re in luck—this increase won’t apply to you.



Notaires: Essential, but Only Receiving a Slice of the Fees


Notaires play a critical role in ensuring that property transactions are legally sound, but they’re not the ones pocketing the bulk of these fees. In fact, their role is to guide you through the financial and legal intricacies of your real estate purchase, keeping everything transparent and secure.


Their remuneration is set by a transparent fee structure outlined in the French Code de Commerce. Of the total closing costs, less than 10% will go to the notaire, who will not benefit from the 0.5% increase recently introduced. The remainder primarily goes to public coffers.



What Can You Do?


If your property purchase plan is still on the horizon, you might want to think about moving things along to avoid these increased fees. After all, no one likes unnecessary expenses, especially when it could be a few thousand euros better spent on, say, some fabulous Parisian décor for your new home!


At 56Paris, our team specializes in guiding international clients through the complexities of buying in Paris, from navigating changes in fees to finding that perfect pied-à-terre. Whether this is your first time purchasing abroad or you’re a seasoned buyer, we’re here to ensure a seamless process. We’ll help you not only avoid unnecessary costs but also secure a property that embodies the essence of the Parisian lifestyle. Let us take care of the details so that you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying life in the City of Light.


So, why wait? Start your Parisian adventure with peace of mind, and let us help you make this dream come true.