Transfer Fees in 15 Countries: International Comparison
When purchasing real estate, it is essential to understand the transfer fees, which can vary significantly from country to country. These fees, often called notary fees, include transfer duties, notary fees, as well as other costs associated with the transaction. This article offers you an overview of transfer fees in 15 countries, highlighting the specificities of each.
1.France
In France, transfer fees, commonly known as notary fees , are generally between 7 and 8% of the sale price of a property. These costs include transfer taxes, notary fees and various additional costs. The French legal system guarantees significant protection to buyers, thus justifying these relatively high costs.
2. Spain
In Spain, transfer fees vary depending on the region, ranging between 6 and 10%. Notary fees are often lower than in France. Additionally, the country offers favorable tax regimes for foreign investors, making it an attractive option for purchasing real estate.
3. Belgium
In Belgium, transfer fees, called “registration fees”, vary depending on the region, ranging from 10% to 12.5%. These fees may be reduced in certain municipalities for first-time buyers. Notary fees also add costs, but are generally lower than those in France.
4. United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, there are no notary fees like in France. Buyers must instead pay stamp duty, which starts at 2% for properties worth more than £250,000, rising to 12% for luxury goods. Although these costs are high, they are often lower than notary fees in France.
5. Italy
In Italy, the transfer costs consist of the purchase tax (Imposta di Registro), which varies between 2% and 9%, depending on whether the property is intended to become a primary or secondary residence. Notary fees add around an additional 1-2%, making total fees often competitive with those in France.
6. Germany
In Germany, notary fees are between 1 and 1.5%, while transfer taxes vary from 3.5 to 6.5% depending on the federal state. The German notary system is known for its efficiency, which helps keep costs lower. However, buyers should also consider registration fees and property taxes.
7. Portugal
In Portugal, transfer fees amount to around 6 to 7% of the purchase price, with reductions possible for main residences. Notary fees are also reasonable, making the country attractive for real estate investors.
8. Australia
In Australia, transfer fees, known as “stamp duty”, vary by state and can be as high as 5% to 7% of the purchase price. State governments sometimes offer discounts for first-time buyers, but fees can be high depending on the value of the property.
9. United States
In the United States, transfer fees vary widely by state and locality. Notary fees are not standardized and may be offset by lawyer or other professional fees. In general, closing costs are between 2% and 5% of the sale price, but transfer taxes can fluctuate widely.
10. Switzerland
In Switzerland, transfer fees vary depending on the canton and are generally between 3 and 5%. Additionally, registration fees and property taxes may apply, making overall costs variable depending on location.
11. New Zealand
In New Zealand, transfer fees are relatively low, hovering around 0.5% to 1.5%. However, attorney and filing fees may increase the total cost of the transaction.
12. Denmark
In Denmark, transfer costs include an acquisition tax of 0.6% of the purchase price, in addition to notary fees. Total fees are generally lower than in many European countries.
13. Ireland
In Ireland, stamp duty is 1% for properties up to €1 million, and 2% above that. Notary fees are additional, but overall costs often remain competitive compared to other European countries.
14. Netherlands
In the Netherlands, transfer taxes are set at 2% for residential properties. Notary fees vary, but in general, total costs remain lower than in France. Buyers should also take into account other costs associated with the acquisition.
15. Norway
In Norway, the transfer costs mainly consist of a registration tax of around 2.5%. Notary fees and other costs can vary, but overall costs often remain competitive compared to other countries.
Summary Table of Transfer Fees
| Country | Type of fees | Amount (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Registration rights | 10% to 12.5% | Discounts possible for first-time buyers. |
| Spain | Transfer rights | 6% to 10% | Varies by region, lower notary fees. |
| France | Notary fees | 7% to 8% | Transfer duties, notary fees, various costs. |
| Portugal | Transfer fees | 6% to 7% | Possible reductions for main residences. |
| United Kingdom | Stamp duties | From 2% up to 12% | Based on the price of the property, no notary fees. |
| Italy | Purchase tax + notary fees | 2% to 9% (tax) + 1 to 2% (notary) | Varies depending on primary or secondary residence. |
| Germany | Notary fees and duties | 1.5% (notary) + 3.5 to 6.5% (transfer) | Efficiency of the notary system, additional registration fees. |
| Australia | Stamp duty | 5% to 7% | Varies by state, discounts for first-time buyers. |
| Swiss | Transfer fees | 3% to 5% | Varies by canton, registration fees extra. |
| Norway | Registration fee | 2,5 % | Overall costs often competitive. |
| The Netherlands | Transfer rights | 2 % | Total costs often lower than those in France. |
| Ireland | Stamp duties | 1% up to €1 million; 2% beyond | Additional, competitive notary fees. |
| Denmark | Acquisition tax | 0,6 % | Total fees generally lower. |
| New Zealand | Transfer fees | 0.5% to 1.5% | Additional attorney and filing fees. |
| UNITED STATES | Closing Costs | 2% to 5% (general) | Varies by state, notary fees not standardized. |
Conveyancing fees can have a significant impact on the total cost of a real estate transaction. In France, these fees are among the highest in Europe, while other countries like Germany or Denmark offer more advantageous fee structures. Before committing to any transaction, it is crucial to understand these fees and compare them to those in other countries to make an informed decision.
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