{"id":12964,"date":"2025-10-06T09:50:27","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T09:50:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/?page_id=12964"},"modified":"2025-10-06T09:50:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T09:50:27","slug":"what-is-the-cost-of-a-preliminary-sales-agreement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/sellers-guides\/the-stages-of-the-sale\/sales-agreement\/what-is-the-cost-of-a-preliminary-sales-agreement\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the cost of a preliminary sales agreement?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;top&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1670852810251{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;back_div&#8221;][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1657728499249{padding-right: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_raw_html css=&#8221;&#8221;]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJteV9iYWNrX2J1dHRvbiUyMiUzRSUwQSUwOSUwOSUwOSUwOSUwOSUwOSUzQ2ElMjBocmVmJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuY29uc3VsdGFudHMtaW1tb2JpbGllci5jb20lMkZlbiUyRnByb3BlcnR5LWd1aWRlcyUyRiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyMEJhY2slMjB0byUyMHByb3BlcnR5JTIwZ3VpZGVzJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUwQSUwOSUwOSUwOSUwOSUwOSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1759743898434{background-image: url(https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/prix_compromis.jpg?id=12965) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;override_left&#8221;][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1657728499249{padding-right: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;override_pos&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1662026446228{background-color: #e4e4e4 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;How much does a preliminary sales agreement cost?&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|font_size:37|text_align:center|color:%23040e31&#8243; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1759744084371{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;relative_pos&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;firstblock guide-wrapper-row vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-flex&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1765897502487{background-color: #ffffff !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;4\/5&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;resume_block&#8221;][\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;content_block&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/sellers-guides\/the-stages-of-the-sale\/sales-agreement\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preliminary sales agreement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be signed <\/span><b>under private seal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (between private individuals), <\/span><b>through a real estate agent<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>before a notary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Depending on the chosen method, fees range from \u20ac0 to several hundred euros. Beyond the price difference, there are also variations in legal security and evidentiary value. Here are some very practical insights drawn from our on-the-ground experience (17 agencies) regarding the financial and legal implications of each option.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How much does a preliminary sales agreement cost with a notary?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A notary-signed sales agreement generally costs <\/span><b>between \u20ac150 and \u20ac300<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on average. These fees correspond to the <\/span><b>notary\u2019s emoluments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for drafting the deed and performing the necessary legal checks. If two notaries are involved (one for each party), the total amount remains roughly the same: they share both the work and the fees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The notary may charge <\/span><b>additional fees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you wish, for instance, to register the agreement with the tax authorities. This formality is not mandatory for a preliminary agreement but costs \u20ac125 in registration duties. Registration grants the document an official date, which can prove useful in case of a later dispute over its existence or content.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer to the question &#8220;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/sellers-guides\/the-stages-of-the-sale\/sales-agreement\/who-pays-for-the-notarys-preliminary-sales-agreement-explanation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">who pays the notary\u2019s fees for the preliminary sales agreement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8221; is simple: in almost all cases, the buyer covers these costs. This practice applies even if the buyer withdraws within the 10-day legal cooling-off period\u2014they must still pay the drafting fees already incurred.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Is a private sales agreement really free?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not exactly. A privately drafted agreement between individuals involves no direct cost: the seller or buyer prepares the document, and both parties sign it without professional assistance. However, this apparent \u201cfree\u201d option hides <\/span><b>potential indirect costs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> time spent drafting, risk of errors or omissions, and weak legal standing in case of dispute.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>tax registration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is still possible for a private agreement. If either party requests it, they must pay the \u20ac125 registration fee. Unlike the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/sellers-guides\/the-stages-of-the-sale\/promise-to-sell\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">promise to sell<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which must legally be registered within 10 days), the preliminary sales agreement is not subject to this requirement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be careful: from experience, amateur drafting exposes you to certain legal risks that we encounter daily:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing essential clauses (such as the mandatory mortgage contingency clause),<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Errors in the property description,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omission of annexed documents, which may invalidate the agreement or indefinitely delay the buyer\u2019s withdrawal period.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How much does a preliminary sales agreement signed in a real estate agency cost?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real estate agencies <\/span><b>do not charge for drafting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the preliminary sales agreement. This service is part of their intermediation work, compensated through the agency commission collected at the final sale. The agent generally uses a standard template that is customized for each transaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since a real estate agent is not a public officer, <\/span><b>an agreement signed at the agency remains a private document.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It does not have the same legal authority as a notarized deed but offers more guarantees than a document drafted by individuals. The agent ensures that all mandatory clauses are included and that the document complies with the law.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some agencies offer to handle the tax registration of the agreement for the \u20ac125 fee. This remains rare\u2014most agency agreements are not registered. The lack of registration does not affect the validity of the contract between the parties.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What additional fees should you expect when signing?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>security deposit (or earnest money)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the main payment due at the signing of the preliminary agreement. Usually between 5% and 10% of the sale price, it is paid by the buyer to the seller or held in escrow by the notary. This amount will be deducted from the final sale price or refunded if a contingency clause is fulfilled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>mandatory property diagnostics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> must be attached to the preliminary sales agreement. If the seller has not yet completed them, their cost (between \u20ac300 and \u20ac800 depending on property size and required reports) adds to the transaction expenses. Missing these documents delays the start of the withdrawal period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/sellers-guides\/the-stages-of-the-sale\/time-frame-between-the-sales-agreement-and-the-deed-of-sale\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">time frame between the preliminary agreement and the final deed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can sometimes generate extra costs. If this period exceeds 18 months, the law requires the agreement to be notarized, with the associated costs. This remains exceptional, as most sales close within 2 to 3 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Why choose a notarized agreement despite the cost?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A notarized preliminary agreement provides <\/span><b>maximum legal security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In short, the additional cost is justified by the peace of mind it provides throughout the transaction:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The authentic deed is legally binding unless proven false\u2014a complex procedure rarely undertaken.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The parties\u2019 statements collected by the notary carry enhanced evidentiary weight. In case of dispute, the burden of proof lies with the contesting party.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The notary systematically verifies each party\u2019s legal capacity, representative powers, and property title history.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All these prior checks prevent late-discovered nullities. The notary also ensures the completeness of the file: valid diagnostics, urban planning documents, and mortgage status.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/sellers-guides\/the-stages-of-the-sale\/deed-of-sale\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">final deed of sale<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will reproduce the terms of the notarized preliminary agreement. This continuity simplifies the <\/span><b>execution of the final sale<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and minimizes the <\/span><b>risk of disputes between the two stages.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2>Consultants Immobilier support for your sales agreement<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reviewing and drafting preliminary sales agreements is part of the daily work carried out within the 17 agencies of the Consultants Immobilier network. Our field expertise, combined with pragmatic judgment and in-depth legal knowledge, allows us to recommend the most suitable signing method for each case\u2014depending on file complexity, the parties\u2019 profiles, and the property\u2019s stakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For complex cases or high-end properties, we systematically recommend the <\/span><b>notarial route<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact your nearest Consultants Immobilier agency to benefit from our expertise and secure your real estate project\u2014from the initial <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/value\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property valuation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the final signing.<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_id=&#8221;summary_column&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out the cost of a preliminary sales agreement with a notary, through a real estate agency, or between private individuals, as well as the additional fees to plan for to secure your transaction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12966,"parent":8427,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"single-guide.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12964","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12964"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12969,"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12964\/revisions\/12969"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8427"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.consultants-immobilier.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}