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2. The “Acte de vente”
When the relevant searches have been completed by the notaire, the notaire will ask the
purchaser to sign the deed of sale (“Acte de vente”). The purchaser should take legal
advice to ensure that they understand its content or ask the notaire for clarification on any
points they are unsure of.
The searches carried out by the notaire will be mentioned in the deed, which will inform
the purchaser if their property is subject to any easements or other charges, or planning
regulations. The notaire will ask the buyer for the balance of the purchase price as well as
his fees, and cleared funds must be remitted to their account prior to completion.
The buyer can choose to sign a power of attorney in front of a public notary, if they
are unable to travel to France to sign the deed. This document then appoints one of the
notaire’s clerks to act as proxy.
THE FRENCH NOTAIRE
The conveyancing process in France is overseen by a notaire (notary). The notaire is a public
legal officer who specialises in property matters and their intervention is compulsory in French
conveyance. The notaire is responsible for drafting the deeds, conducting the searches with the
Land Registry and local authorities, and collecting the stamp duty and Land Registry fees. They
are usually appointed by the seller but keep a neutral position, as they act for both the seller
and the buyer. The buyer can instruct their own notaire, if they wish.
The notaire’s fees (including stamp duties and land registration fees) will amount to around
3-4% of the purchase price for a new build property and 7-8% for a resale property.
France buying guide / The French Notaire
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