Do you dream of buying a property, but fear unpleasant financial surprises? You’re right: the gap between the advertised purchase price and the actual total cost can be considerable. In 2026, with regulatory changes and the increase in transfer duties in certain d\u00e9partements, it’s more crucial than ever to anticipate all the expenses associated with your purchase to avoid disillusionment. <\/p>\n\n
Whether you opt for an old or new home, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an investor, your expenses are not limited to the price of the property. Notary fees, bank documents, agency fees, building work, loan insurance… Each item has an impact on your budget. Without an accurate estimate, you run the risk of running out of cash when it’s time to sign the deed of sale. <\/p>\n\n
At La Cr\u00e8merie Immobilier, we understand that buying a property is a major decision, both financially and emotionally. That’s why we’re with you every step of the way, clearly explaining all the costs involved, so you can budget your project with complete peace of mind. <\/p>\n\n
In this article, we take a look at all the hidden and compulsory costs associated with buying real estate, with :
Whether you’re buying a house, an apartment or a plot of land, you’ll know exactly where your money is going – and how to avoid financial pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n
To cut to the chase, here are 6 key points to remember about the costs involved in buying a property:<\/p>\n\n
\u2705 1. Notary fees<\/strong> account for 7.5 to 8.5% of the price of an old property (compared with 2.5 to 3.5% for a new property). In 2025, some d\u00e9partements are increasing transfer duties by 0.5%, which will add to the bill. <\/p>\n\n \u2705 2. Credit-related expenses<\/strong> (file, guarantee, insurance) can represent 1 to 3% of the amount borrowed.<\/p>\n\n \u2705 3. Agency fees<\/strong> (3 to 8% of the price) are sometimes deductible from transfer duties, thus lightening the final bill.<\/p>\n\n \u2705 4. Costs that are often overlooked<\/strong> (moving, building work, property tax, subscriptions) can amount to several thousand euros.<\/p>\n\n \u2705 5. First-time buyers<\/strong> sometimes benefit from advantageous rates on transfer duties (e.g. 5.80% instead of 6.31%).<\/p>\n\n \u2705 6. To avoid unpleasant surprises<\/strong>, use an official simulator and draw up a complete budget before signing.<\/p>\n\n (Now let’s get down to the details of each expense item!)<\/p>\n\n When it comes to assessing the real cost of buying a property, transfer duties (formerly known as “frais de notaire”) are at the top of the list of compulsory expenses. At La Cr\u00e8merie Immobilier, we find that many buyers underestimate this item, which can represent up to 8.5% of the price in older properties. <\/p>\n\n In 2025, onerous transfer duties (DMTO) – the main tax included in notary fees – can reach up to 5% in some d\u00e9partements (compared to 4.5% previously). Result: <\/p>\n\n For older homes, notaire’s fees include: \ud83d\udca1 Our expert advice :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Notary fees for new-build properties are much lower because :<\/p>\n\n Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n To avoid unpleasant surprises, use an official simulator:<\/p>\n\n Our support at La Cr\u00e8merie Immobilier :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n If you finance your purchase via a mortgage, a number of bank charges add to the bill. At La Cr\u00e8merie Immobilier, we can help you identify and optimize them, so that your financing remains controlled and competitive. <\/p>\n\n Most banks charge a processing fee to review your loan application. The amount varies from one bank to another: <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udca1 O ur<\/strong>advice<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n To secure the loan, the bank requires a guarantee:<\/p>\n\n Example: For a \u20ac250,000 loan, guarantee fees could cost between \u20ac2,500 and \u20ac5,000.<\/p>\n\n Our recommendation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Insurance is compulsory for a mortgage. The cost depends on your age, health and loan term. <\/p>\n\n Possible savings: Since the Lemoine law (2022), you can cancel your insurance every year to choose a cheaper one.<\/p>\n\n If you buy or sell a property through a real estate agent, their fees are added to the overall cost of the transaction. In 2026, fees generally vary between 3% and 8% of the sale price, depending on the type of mandate and services offered: <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Good to know<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n Example<\/strong>: For a property at \u20ac300,000 with 5% agency fees:<\/p>\n\n Unlike some agencies with variable rates, La Cr\u00e8merie Immobilier applies a maximum rate of 6.5%, regardless of the type of mandate. This choice reflects our commitment to : <\/p>\n\n – A top-of-the-range service: precise estimates, professional marketing (HD photos, virtual tours, targeted distribution), and personalized support right up to closing. \ud83d\udca1 Good to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n At La Cr\u00e8merie Immobilier, fees are payable by the seller in 99% of cases (with some exceptions, such as property brokerage, where fees may be payable by the buyer – we indicate this in the listing).<\/p>\n\n In addition to notary, credit and agency fees, there are other expenses to consider. Here’s a checklist of ancillary costs not to forget: <\/p>\n\n1. Notary fees: the biggest (and often underestimated) cost item<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
For existing properties: 7.5 to 8.5% of price (increase confirmed in 2026)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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Why is there such a difference between old and new?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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In new-build: only 2.5 to 3.5% of the price<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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How to calculate notary costs accurately?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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2. Mortgage-related expenses: don’t neglect them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
1. Bank handling fee (\u20ac200 to \u20ac1,000)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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2. Guarantee fee (1-2% of amount borrowed)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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3. Loan insurance (0.2% to 0.6% of capital borrowed per year)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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3. Real estate agency fees: 3 to 8% of the price<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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At La Cr\u00e8merie Immobilier: 6.5% maximum, for premium accompaniment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
4. Ancillary costs: the ones we forget (but that hurt!)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n