Notary (notaris) in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a notary (notaris) is the neutral public official who makes your property purchase official. When you buy a house, the notary draws up and registers the transfer deed (and the mortgage deed if you take out a loan arranged through a mortgage advisor), checks that the property can legally be transferred, and handles the money through a secure account. Because the notary is impartial, they serve both buyer and seller, not one side.

Notary fees are free-market, so they vary from office to office. That's why it pays to compare quotes. Through HuisAssist, you can compare experienced notaries in your area free of charge and without obligation, so you find the right one at a fair price.

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What a notary does for you

A Dutch notary is a state-appointed legal professional authorised to create official, legally binding documents. When you buy a home, that typically means:

• Drafting and registering the transfer deed (leveringsakte) at the Land Registry (Kadaster)
• Drawing up the mortgage deed if you finance the purchase
• Verifying ownership and checking the property for any charges or restrictions
• Identifying the parties and confirming everyone understands the deeds
• Managing the funds through a secure third-party account

Notaries also handle wills, cohabitation contracts, prenuptial agreements, business formations, and deeds of partition (common in a divorce). Whatever the deed, the notary's job is the same: make it legally correct and make sure all parties understand it.

What does a notary cost?

Because fees are free-market, prices vary by office and by the work involved. As a rough guide for 2026:

*These are averages. A notary's hourly rate is on average around €105. See our full notary costs guide for the complete breakdown, and remember: comparing a few quotes is the easiest way to avoid overpaying.