French Property Forum

[Clarak]

Hello,

The question is in the title.

Regards,

[AliMason]

French notaires are government officials. They are under the authority of the French Minister of Justice and are appointed by decree. In general, the notaire is a government official who is responsible for receiving all the actes and contracts which require a seal of authenticity. They ensure documents are dated accurately, held in trust, and provide authentic copies.

The Notaire in French real estate transactions is responsible for ensuring the conditions of the transaction are met.

[WigfallW]

The institution of notaire dates back hundreds of years and the notaire has always worked for the state as a certifier of legal documents. During a property sale, the notaire ensures that all the proceedings comply with french property law. Whether the property is bought direct through a notaire or through an agence immobilier a notaire still has to oversee the legal aspects of the sale. The notaire will assist all parties to make sure that the process of selling the house runs smoothly. They are also responsible for receiving all contracts and checking there authenticity.

The notaire will be happy to advise on specific items, such as ensuring that the buyer chooses a suitable regime for purchasing in order not to fall foul of French inheritance laws. Although notaires will not normally volunteer such information, if asked a specific question they are expected to provide an answer.

The notaire charges a fee - usually between 2 and 8 per cent of the 'net' property price (the cheaper the property, the higher the percentage). This may be included in the price if buying via an estate agent but it is always important to check for sure. If two notaires are used, they will split the fee between them.