Property Transfer Fees in the European Union: Country Ranking
Property transfer fees, often referred to as notary fees, represent a significant cost when purchasing real estate. These fees vary considerably across Europe. This article examines property transfer fees in the 27 countries of the European Union, providing detailed information on their cost structures and ranking them from highest to lowest.
Transfer Fees by Country
1. France
In France, transfer taxes are among the highest in Europe, generally between 7 and 8% of the sale price. These taxes include:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 5.8% of the sale price, paid to the State.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2% of the price, depending on the complexity of the deed.
- Additional costs : Include registration fees and various administrative costs.
2. Spain
In Spain, transfer fees vary from 6% to 10%, depending on the region. The structure includes:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 6 to 8% in general, with variations depending on the autonomous communities.
- Notary fees : Lower than in France, but may vary depending on the value of the property.
- Wealth tax : In some regions, additional fees may apply.
3. Italy
Transfer taxes in Italy range from 9% to 10%, depending on whether the property is a primary or secondary residence. These taxes include:
- Imposta di Registro (purchase tax) : 2% for the main residence, up to 9% for secondary residences.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2% of the purchase price.
- Other fees : Include certification and registration fees.
4. Belgium
In Belgium, transfer taxes are approximately 10% of the purchase price, varying slightly depending on the region. Details:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 6% to 12% depending on the region (Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders).
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2%.
- Additional costs : Registration and publication fees.
5. Hungary
Transfer taxes in Hungary range from 4% to 6% of the sale price. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 4% for residential properties.
- Notary fees : Relatively low, often around 1%.
- Registration fee : A small percentage of the purchase price.
6. Portugal
In Portugal, transfer fees are around 6 to 8%. Cost structure:
- Transfer taxes : Tax on the transfer of real estate for valuable consideration (IMT) varying according to the price.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
- Registration fees : Approximately 0.5%.
7. Sweden
In Sweden, transfer taxes are generally 3% of the purchase price. Details:
- Transfer taxes : 3% of the sale price.
- Notary fees : Uncommon, as the Swedish system is less notary-based.
- Other fees : May include administrative fees.
8. Denmark
In Denmark, transfer taxes amount to approximately 0.6 to 1% of the purchase price. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 0.6% for residential properties.
- Notary fees : Very low, due to the limited role of notaries in transactions.
9. Netherlands
In the Netherlands, transfer taxes are approximately 2 to 6% depending on the property value. Details:
- Transfer taxes : 2% for dwellings, 6% for second homes.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 1.5%.
10. Finland
In Finland, transfer taxes are approximately 2% of the sale price. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : 2% for residential properties.
- Notary fees : Relatively low, around 0.5%.
11. Ireland
In Ireland, transfer fees are approximately 1 to 2% for stamp duty. Details:
- Stamp duties : 1% for purchases below 1 million euros, 2% above.
- Notary fees : Approximately 0.5%.
12. Lithuania
In Lithuania, transfer fees amount to approximately 2% of the purchase price. Details:
- Transfer taxes : 2% on the purchase price.
- Notary fees : Relatively low.
13. Latvia
Transfer fees in Latvia are approximately 2% of the purchase price. Includes:
- Transfer taxes : 2% for real estate transactions.
- Notary fees : Often less than 1%.
14. Slovakia
In Slovakia, transfer taxes are approximately 3 to 4% of the sale price. Details:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 3%.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
15. Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, transfer fees amount to approximately 4% of the purchase price. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : 4% of the sale price.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2%.
16. Estonia
In Estonia, transfer taxes are approximately 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price. Details:
- Transfer taxes : 0.5% for residential properties.
- Notary fees : Very low.
17. Austria
In Austria, transfer taxes can reach 3.5% of the purchase price. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : 3,5 %.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
18. Slovenia
In Slovenia, transfer taxes amount to approximately 2% of the purchase price. Details:
- Transfer taxes : 2% for properties.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
19. Cyprus
In Cyprus, transfer taxes are approximately 4% of the purchase price. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : 4% for real estate transactions.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
20. Malta
In Malta, transfer taxes are approximately 5% of the purchase price. Details:
- Transfer taxes : 5% on the sale price.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2%.
21. Bulgaria
Transfer fees in Bulgaria are approximately 3% of the purchase price. Includes:
- Transfer taxes : 3 %.
- Notary fees : Relatively low.
22. Croatia
In Croatia, transfer fees are approximately 3% of the purchase price. Details:
- Transfer taxes : 3% for residential properties.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
23. Romania
In Romania, transfer fees amount to approximately 1.5% to 3%. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : 1.5% to 3% depending on the value of the property.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
24. Greece
In Greece, transfer fees can reach 3 to 4%. Details:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 3%.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2%.
25. Luxembourg
Transfer taxes in Luxembourg amount to approximately 7%. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 7%.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2%.
26. Malta
In Malta, transfer fees range from 5% to 7%. Details:
- Transfer taxes : Approximately 5%.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1 to 2%.
27. Austria
In Austria, transfer taxes are approximately 3.5% of the purchase price. This includes:
- Transfer taxes : 3,5 %.
- Notary fees : Approximately 1%.
Summary Table of Transfer Fees in the EU
| Country | Transfer Fees (%) | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| France | 7 – 8 % | Transfer taxes, notary fees, and other related costs |
| Spain | 6 – 10 % | Regional variations, lower notary fees |
| Italy | 9 – 10 % | Imposta di Registro, notary fees |
| Belgium | 10 % | Regional variations, registration fees |
| Hungary | 4 – 6 % | Low transfer taxes and notary fees |
| Portugal | 6 – 8 % | IMT varies according to the value |
| Suede | 3 % | Low transfer taxes |
| Denmark | 0,6 – 1 % | Very low transfer taxes |
| The Netherlands | 2 – 6 % | Transfer taxes based on value |
| Finland | 2 % | Simple transfer taxes |
| Ireland | 1 – 2 % | Stamp duties depending on the price |
| Lithuania | 2 % | Standard transfer taxes |
| Latvia | 2 % | Simple transfer taxes |
| Slovakia | 3 – 4 % | Transfer taxes and notary fees |
| Czech Republic | 4 % | Fixed transfer taxes |
| Estonia | 0,5 – 1 % | Very low transfer taxes |
| Austria | 3,5 % | Transfer taxes and notary fees |
| Slovenia | 2 % | Simple transfer taxes |
| Cyprus | 4 % | Standard transfer taxes |
| Malta | 5 % | Transfer taxes and notary fees |
| Bulgaria | 3 % | Standard transfer taxes |
| Croatia | 3 % | Simple transfer taxes |
| Romania | 1,5 – 3 % | Variable transfer taxes |
| Greece | 3 – 4 % | Standard transfer taxes |
| Luxembourg | 7 % | Fixed transfer taxes |
Property transfer fees in Europe vary considerably from country to country, reflecting differences in legal systems and notary practices. Buyers should factor these fees into their calculations when assessing the overall cost of acquiring a property. Before proceeding with a transaction, it is crucial to research the specific fees in each country to avoid financial surprises.
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