French real estate: buyers can save money by paying an agency commission.

In French real estate transactions, there is a counterintuitive point: buyers can save money by paying a real estate agent's commission to avoid paying notary fees. Typically, notary costs are about 9% of the property's value, and the buyer benefits if the real estate agent's percentage is less than the notary's percentage.

Paying the buyer's agent's commission is rare in France, where it is usually paid by the seller, but it is becoming increasingly relevant as house prices rise.

When houses are put up for sale, the estate agent asks who will pay his commission - the seller or the buyer. This is usually between 3% and 10% of the price, and the fee column''high volume.

Another reason is that when a buyer pays a commission, it should be separately stated in the real estate agent's listing.

In many parts of France, the tradition of keeping financial affairs secret is still strong and some agents find it difficult to disclose their potential income.

Related Stories

Buying and selling real estate in France: what is the vienger system?

Real estate prices in France have doubled in 10 years, a study has found.