Do Sellers Have Notary Fees? Here's What You Need to Know

When selling your home, you might wonder if you, as the seller, are responsible for any notary fees. The short answer is: yes, in some cases. However, it depends entirely on the situation and the type of costs involved. In this blog, we explain which notary fees you, as the seller, might encounter and what to keep in mind.

Notary Fees When Selling Your Property

When selling a property, hiring a notary is mandatory. The notary ensures that everything is handled legally and correctly. But who pays for these costs? This depends on the type of fees.

• Deed of Transfer:
  The costs for the deed of transfer are typically paid by the buyer. This deed is necessary to legally transfer ownership of your property to the buyer. As the seller, you usually don’t need to pay for this.

• Mortgage Cancellation (Discharge) Deed:
  If you have an outstanding mortgage, it must be canceled (discharged) with the Land Registry. The notary will draft a discharge deed and charge you for this service. These costs are your responsibility as the seller.

• Special Agreements:
  Sometimes, the purchase agreement includes specific arrangements about who pays which notary fees. For example, the buyer and seller might agree to share certain costs. Be sure to check what’s stated in the contract.

How Much Do Mortgage Discharge Fees Typically Cost?

Notary fees for canceling your mortgage usually range between €150 and €500. The exact amount depends on the notary and any additional services required. Requesting quotes from multiple notaries can help you find the best price.

Which Costs Are Not Your Responsibility as the Seller?

It’s helpful to know which notary fees you, as the seller, are not responsible for:

• Costs for the Buyer’s Mortgage Deed: These fees are entirely the buyer’s responsibility.

• Costs for the Deed of Transfer: These fees are typically also covered by the buyer.

Tips for Managing Costs

• Request Quotes: You can request quotes from several notaries to compare fees and ensure you’re not overpaying.

• Review the Purchase Agreement: Check if the agreement includes arrangements about sharing notary fees, as this can affect your total costs.

• Prepare for Mortgage Repayment: If your mortgage is being repaid early, check with your lender to see if additional charges, such as prepayment penalties, apply.

Conclusion

As a seller, your notary fees are usually minimal. Most costs, such as the deed of transfer and the buyer’s mortgage deed, are covered by the buyer. However, you are responsible for the costs associated with canceling your mortgage, if applicable. Be sure to review the purchase agreement thoroughly and request quotes from notaries to secure the best price.

This way, you can keep everything organized and avoid unexpected surprises!