Transfer fees in 15 countries for buying property abroad
Before buying a property, understanding transfer fees is essential, especially for an international project. These fees, often called notary fees, include transfer taxes, the fees of the professional handling the transaction, and various other costs—and vary considerably from one country to another. Here is a comparative overview of these fees in fifteen countries, to help you approach each purchase project with full knowledge of the facts.
Western Europe: Considerable Differences
In France, transfer taxes—known as notary fees—generally range from 7% to 8% of the sale price, among the highest in Europe, justified by the level of legal protection offered to buyers. Spain applies more variable fees, between 6% and 10% depending on the region, with notary fees often lower and advantageous tax regimes for foreign investors. Belgium stands out with particularly high registration fees, between 10% and 12.5%, although some municipalities offer discounts for first-time buyers.
Germany, on the other hand, has reduced notary fees—around 1% to 1.5%—combined with transfer taxes ranging from 3.5% to 6.5% depending on the federal government, a system recognized for its efficiency. Portugal remains in an intermediate range, around 6% to 7%, with possible reductions for primary residences. Italy applies a purchase tax of 2% to 9% depending on the property's use, supplemented by notary fees of 1% to 2%.
The United Kingdom: A Different System
The UK does not have notary fees comparable to the continental system: instead, buyers pay stamp duty, which starts at 2% for properties exceeding a certain threshold and can reach 12% for the most prestigious properties. Despite this high rate on high-end properties, the total cost often remains lower than notary fees charged in France.
North America and Oceania
In the United States, closing costs vary considerably by state and locality, with no national standardization: attorney fees often replace notary fees, and closing costs are generally between 2% and 5% of the sale price. In Australia, the applicable stamp duty depends on each state and can reach 5% to 7%, with discounts sometimes available for first-time buyers. New Zealand, on the other hand, applies particularly low fees, between 0.5% and 1.5%, although attorney and registration fees are added to these.
Northern Europe and Switzerland
Switzerland applies transfer taxes that vary by canton, generally between 3% and 5%, in addition to registration fees and local property taxes. Denmark remains one of the least expensive countries, with an acquisition tax of only about 0.6%. Ireland applies a stamp duty of 1% up to one million euros, then 2% above that, while the Netherlands sets its transfer tax at 2% for residential properties. Finally, Norway applies a registration tax of approximately 2.5%, a level that remains competitive on a European scale.
Summary Table by Country
| Country | Type of fee | Amount | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Notary fees | 7% to 8% | Transfer taxes, fees, and other related expenses |
| Spain | Transfer taxes | 6% to 10% | Varies by region |
| Belgium | Registration fees | 10% to 12.5% | Discounts available for early buyers |
| United Kingdom | Stamp duties | 2% to 12% | No notary fees |
| Italy | Purchase tax + notary fees | 2% to 9% + 1% to 2% | Depending on whether it's a primary or secondary residence |
| Germany | Notary + transfer | 1.5% + 3.5% to 6.5% | Efficient notary system |
| Portugal | Transfer fees | 6% to 7% | Discounts on primary residences |
| Australia | Stamp duty | 5% to 7% | Varies by state |
| UNITED STATES | Closing costs | 2% to 5% | Non-standardized, variable by state |
| Swiss | Transfer fees | 3% to 5% | Varies depending on the canton |
| New Zealand | Transfer fees | 0.5% to 1.5% | Lawyer fees not included |
| Denmark | Acquisition tax | 0,6 % | Among the lightest |
| Ireland | Stamp duties | 1% to 2% | According to the threshold of one million euros |
| The Netherlands | Transfer taxes | 2 % | Residential |
| Norway | Registration tax | 2,5 % | Competitive level |
Anticipate these costs before buying internationally
Transfer taxes can represent a significant portion of the overall budget for a property purchase, with considerable variations depending on the destination. France is among the countries where these taxes remain the highest in Europe, while Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands offer significantly lower rates. Before embarking on an international purchase, accurately comparing these taxes is essential for creating a realistic budget and avoiding any unpleasant surprises at the time of the transaction.