During 2014, the number of sales of apartments in period buildings in Paris increased by 2% compared to 2013, but real estate prices decreased by 2.1%. These are the conclusions of the quarterly report for the 4th quarter of 2014 issued by the notaires, officials who handle property transactions in France.

According to recent figures, real estate prices in Paris have continued to hold up and the number of transactions has increased during the 2nd quarter of 2014. The representative body of the officials who handle property transactions, Notaires de Paris-Ile-de-France, issues a quarterly roundup of property prices. These figures show that prices remained stable in […]

Lawyers do not handle real estate transactions in France. This is the job of notaires, public officials with specialized legal training appointed by the Minister of Justice. Now, the notaires’ fee structure is under review and their monopoly may be ended. The role and remuneration of notaires in France The role of the notaire is […]

Real estate transactions in France are subject to stamp duty, which the buyer pays. The rate is currently 5.09% of the price of the property and breaks down into: A departmental (county) tax of 3.80%. Paris is classified as a county. A communal (municipal) tax of 1.20%. Each arrondissement (district) of Paris counts as a […]

“There will be a new record in Paris,” according to Thierry Delesalle, a spokesman for the notaries of Paris, during a recent press conference, adding that the leading indicators point to higher prices in September and October.  The pricing declines seen in the fourth quarter 2011 and first quarter of 2012 seem to have fizzled. […]

The essential purchase process is divided into two stages.  First, the purchase is formalized by a preliminary contract that may be prepared by a notaire – a promesse de vente – or by an estate agent or privately between the parties – a compromis de vente. In either case, the seller is obligated to sell […]

The notaire is a public official with legal training (but different from a lawyer) who prepares and registers official acts such as wills and property ownership transfers. Notaires enjoy a very privileged and highly respected position in French society.