Top 7 best tips on finding a notary

Tip 1. Look for a Specialist Notary

Look for notaries who specialize in the type of service you need. Notaries often have a specific area such as family law, business law, or in this case, real estate. Choose a notary who is experienced in the type of service you need.

Tip 2. Compare Notary Fees

This is the tip that saves you the most money. Because fees are free-market, the same transfer deed can cost €600 at one office and €1,600 at another. Most notaries publish their rates online, but you can also request a quote directly. When you compare, check what's included: ask about additional costs such as Land Registry (Kadaster) registration, VAT, and any administration fees, so you're comparing like for like. Check our comprehensive notary costs guide for typical 2026 fee ranges per service.

Tip 3. Research Notaries' Ratings and Reviews

Look for ratings and reviews from other people who have used the notary to see what their experiences were. For this, you can, for example, look at Google Reviews or social media. Note that some reviews may be fake or dishonest, so look at a large number of reviews to get a good idea.

Tip 4. Ask for References from a Notary

Ask for references from the notary and contact these people to hear what their experiences were. A good notary will be happy to give you some references of people he or she has helped before. Contact these people and ask about their experiences with the notary.

Tip 5. Make a Telephone Appointment First and See if the Notary Suits You

Make an appointment with the notary to discuss what you need and to see if the notary is the right person for you. A good notary will be happy to take the time to answer your questions and help you make the right choice. Make an appointment and bring all relevant information and documents with you so that the notary can help you properly.

Tip 6. How Will the Notary Handle Your Privacy?

Ask about the security measures the notary takes to protect the confidentiality of your information. This is important because you are giving confidential information to the notary, such as personal details and financial information.

Tip 7. Find a Notary via HuisAssist

The simplest way to do all of the above at once is through HuisAssist. Tell us about your purchase and we'll match you with up to three suitable notaries in your area, completely free and without obligation. You compare their quotes side by side, so you can pick the right notary at the right price without calling around yourself.

You Have Chosen a Notary, What Now?

If you have chosen a notary to help you buy a house, the notary can perform several tasks to ensure that the buying process goes smoothly and that your interests are protected. Here are some of the things a notary can do for you in a house:

• Preparing a purchase agreement: the notary can prepare a deed of sale that contains all the important details of the transaction, such as the price of the house, payment terms, and any stipulations or restrictions.
• The notary can also ensure that the purchase agreement is legally correct and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Verifying the ownership of the house: the notary can verify the title of the house to ensure that the seller is the owner and that there are no unauthorized restrictions or stipulations on the property.
• Checking the transfer of title: the notary can help to verify that the transfer of title is done correctly and that all legal requirements are met.
• Managing the transfer of funds: the notary can manage the financial aspects of the house purchase, such as transferring the purchase price and ensuring that all financial obligations are met.
• Handling the transfer of ownership: once the payments are finalized and the legal documents are prepared, including the mortgage deed if applicable, the notary will handle the transfer of ownership by signing the transfer documents. This is when you officially become the owner of the house.