Notary in the Netherlands

When buying a property in the Netherlands, a civil-law notary plays a key role in the legal transfer of ownership. They prepare the official documents, oversee the completion process and arrange registration with the Land Registry.

Understand your next steps

Legal requirement when buying a home

Why do you need a notary?

In the Netherlands, you cannot become the legal owner of a property without a notary. Signing the purchase agreement does not transfer ownership.

The notary prepares the deed of transfer (leveringsakte), which is signed by both buyer and seller. This deed is then registered with the Dutch Land Registry (Kadaster). Only after registration are you legally recognised as the owner.

The notary is an independent legal professional who ensures the transaction meets all legal requirements. They do not act as your personal advisor.

Tasks during the completion process

What does the notary do?

The notary handles the legal and administrative aspects of the transaction, mainly in the final stage. This includes:

Preparing the deed of transfer and, if applicable, the mortgage deed.
Verifying ownership, existing mortgages and legal restrictions.
Confirming the identity of all parties involved.
Overseeing the signing on completion day.
Registering the transfer with the Land Registry.
Handling the financial settlement via a secure third-party account.
Arranging the declaration and payment of transfer tax.

This stage is often referred to as the “completion” or “transfer” (passing).

Your role as a buyer

Who chooses the notary?

In the Netherlands, the buyer usually chooses the notary when purchasing a property. This means you are free to select a notary that suits your preferences, for example based on location, price or language. Because the buyer selects the notary, they are typically also responsible for paying the costs related to the transfer of ownership.

In some cases, different arrangements can be agreed between the buyer and seller. However, this is less common, especially for existing properties.

Fees and what to expect

What does a notary cost in the Netherlands?

Notary costs can vary depending on the services and the notary you choose. There are no fixed national rates, so prices differ between providers. Costs usually include:

Deed of transfer: preparation and registration of ownership
Mortgage deed: additional costs if you finance the purchase
Administrative services: legal checks, processing and registration

In many cases, the total cost for both deeds combined is around €1,000 to €2,000, although this depends on the notary and complexity of the transaction.

Because prices vary, it is advisable to compare quotes before making a decision.

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