Notary fees when purchasing a property
Purchasing a property involves more than just knowing its sale price. To avoid unexpected costs and plan your budget accurately, it’s essential to understand the notary fees involved in the purchase process — how much they cost, what they include, and who is responsible for paying them.
In this guide, we offer a clear and up-to-date overview of everything you need to know if you’re considering buying a property in Spain.
What are notary fees in a property purchase?
Notary fees refer to the legal fees paid to a notary for formalising the purchase through a public deed of sale (escritura pública). The notary is a public official responsible for ensuring the legality and security of the transaction, confirming that the property transfer is executed in accordance with Spanish law.
A notarial deed is required in order to register the property with the Land Registry in the name of the new owner.
What do notary fees include?
Notary fees in a property purchase typically consist of the following items: Notary’s professional fees
Regulated by the official Notary Fee Schedule and based on the value of the property and the complexity of the deed.
Public deed of sale
The legal document that confirms the transfer of ownership.
Copies of the deed
Authorised copy, required for land registration and tax purposes.
Simple copies, often issued to the buyer, seller, bank or legal adviser.
Administrative and notarial services
Includes checking documentation, preparing the deed, secure archiving of the original, and electronic communications with public registries.
How much do notary fees cost when buying a property?
As a general guide, notary costs typically range from 0.2% to 0.5% of the property’s purchase price.
Example: Notary Fees for a Property Priced at €389,000
Note: These figures are approximate and may vary depending on the notary, length of the deed, and specific circumstances of the transaction.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Notary’s professional fees | €450 – €550 |
| Copies of the deed | €200 – €300 |
| Processing and admin fees | €100 – €150 |
| Subtotal | €750 – €1,000 |
| VAT (21%) | €155 – €210 |
| Total estimated cost | €905 – €1,210 |
Factors that may increase notary fees
Notary costs may rise in the following cases:
Longer deeds
Due to charges, annexes, or special clauses
Additional copies requested
Each authorized or simple copy incurs an additional cost.
Complex operations
Mortgage subrogations, cancellation of charges or multiple owners.
Who pays the notary fees?
According to Article 1455 of the Spanish Civil Code:
The seller pays for the execution of the deed.
The buyer pays for the authorised copy and any additional copies.
What happens in practice?
In practice, the buyer usually assumes most notary costs, as they are most interested in registering the property quickly. However, this can be negotiated and agreed in writing between both parties.
Conclusion: why is it important to know about notary fees?
Knowing your notary costs allows you to plan your overall budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses. For properties starting at €389,000, these fees usually range between €900 and €1,200, depending on the transaction.
Professional guidance from the beginning ensures a secure, transparent and smooth buying process.