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