What Are the Real Estate Purchase Costs in Monaco?
Purchasing a property in Monaco is more than just an investment: it’s an opportunity to join one of the most prestigious and stable markets in the world. But behind the beauty of the Principality’s residences lie specific acquisition rules very different from those in other countries.
Indeed, Monaco has its own legal, tax, and notarial system, which involves clearly defined but sometimes complex acquisition costs. Registration duties, notary fees, agency commissions… these costs vary according to your buyer profile (resident, local civil company, or foreign company) and the type of property (resale, new).
For over 40 years, Petrini Exclusive Real Estate has supported buyers. Our agency serves an international clientele demanding success in their real estate projects in the Principality. Our role doesn’t stop at the transaction: we’re present every step of the way, from property selection to signing at the notary, and beyond, thanks to our custom rental and asset management service.
That’s why we wanted to offer you precise and up-to-date insight into property acquisition costs in Monaco. A guide designed to help you budget your purchase with confidence and make informed decisions.
Purchase by an Individual or a Monegasque Civil Company
This first section covers the most common scenario in Monaco: buying a “resale” property, meaning an existing property already owned by a previous owner. This type of transaction represents the majority of deals in the Principality. Acquisition costs for individuals or Monaco-registered civil companies amount to 6.25% of the property price, broken down as follows:
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Registration duties: 4.75%
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Notary fees: 1.5%
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Notary file fees: approximately €500 (varies by notary)
These costs are collected by the notary on behalf of the Monegasque administration at the signing of the authentic deed. They apply only to resales; new developments or off-plan purchases (VEFA) benefit from a specific tax regime, which we’ll cover later.
Reservation Deposit: A Binding Commitment
Once an agreement is reached between the parties, the buyer pays a deposit equal to 10% of the sale price, held in the notary’s escrow account. This deposit is not an additional fee but a partial payment of the purchase price, which will be deducted from the final amount due at the signing of the deed. This commitment officially reserves the property during the pre-sale period, offering legal guarantees to both parties.
Real Estate Agency Commissions in Monaco
In addition to state and notary costs, buyers must budget for agency commissions, a significant expense in Monaco real estate transactions. Agency fees are regulated by the Monegasque Real Estate Chamber to ensure uniform practices among accredited professionals and foster trust between sellers, buyers, and intermediaries. For the buyer, these fees are:
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3% of the sale price excluding VAT,
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+ 20% VAT, for a total of 3.6% TTC of the sale price.
These fees are generally borne by the buyer unless otherwise specified in the sales mandate or negotiated between the parties. At Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco, they include:
- Rigorous identification of properties according to your criteria,
- Preliminary administrative, legal, and AMSF compliance checks,
- Price and contract negotiation,
- Coordination with notarial offices,
- Support through the signing of the authentic deed,
- And beyond, management of your property if you wish to delegate rental or asset management.
Purchase of a New Property in Monaco
While buying a resale property remains the most common form of acquisition in Monaco, many new developments are attracting buyers seeking the latest standards of comfort, energy performance, and contemporary architecture. These purchases also benefit from a significantly reduced tax regime.
Reduced Tax Regime for New Properties
For the purchase of a brand-new, never-occupied property, acquisition costs are significantly lower than for resales. They amount to only 2.5% of the property price, broken down as follows:
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Registration duties: 1%
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Notary fees: 1.5%
This advantageous tax regime is designed to encourage investment in new projects while offering the same legal security as a standard acquisition. As with any purchase in Monaco, the buyer must also budget for agency fees of 3.6% TTC (3% + 20% VAT).
Purchase by an Offshore or Foreign Company
Acquiring property in Monaco through an offshore or foreign company is subject to a specific, higher tax regime than acquisitions by individuals or Monaco civil companies. In this arrangement, acquisition costs reach 11.5% of the property price, broken down as follows:
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Registration duties: 10%
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Notary fees: 1.5%
This deterrent tax policy reflects the Principality’s clear intent to limit opaque legal structures and promote transparency of ultimate beneficiaries.
A Strong Commitment to Transparency
Contrary to popular belief, Monaco cannot be likened to a tax haven. On the contrary, the Principality has made significant efforts in fiscal compliance, anti-money laundering, and international cooperation. This surcharge aims to discourage offshore schemes that do not always clearly identify ultimate beneficiaries. The real estate sector, in particular, is subject to strict oversight:
- Accredited real estate agencies, such as Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco,
- Notaries,
- Partner banks, are all bound by enhanced due diligence, reporting, and control obligations.
As responsible and committed professionals, we welcome these measures, which strengthen transaction security and the international reputation of the Monegasque market. As with any acquisition in Monaco, the buyer must also budget for agency fees of 3.6% TTC (3% + 20% VAT).
Key Takeaways on Acquisition Fees in Monaco
Acquiring real estate in Monaco falls within a rigorous legal and fiscal framework designed to offer investors security and transparency. Acquisition costs vary by property type and buyer profile, but always revolve around two main components: registration duties and notary fees.
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For resales by individuals or Monaco civil companies, registration duties are 4.75% of the sale price.
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For new or off-plan properties (VEFA), duties are reduced to 1%.
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For acquisitions by foreign or offshore companies, duties are raised to 10% to discourage opaque structures and enhance transaction transparency.
In addition to these duties, fixed notary fees of 1.5% apply regardless of the transaction type or buyer profile. In Monaco, only three notarial offices are authorized to handle deed signings, ensuring high reliability and control.
It is also customary for the buyer to pay a reservation deposit of 10% of the price at the signing of the preliminary contract. This deposit, held in the notary’s escrow account, is not an additional cost but an advance on the final price, deducted at the signing of the authentic deed. If the buyer withdraws without a valid suspensive clause, the deposit is forfeited as contractual compensation. Conversely, should the seller back out, they must pay the same amount as compensation to the buyer.
Buying property in Monaco is a strategic endeavor, both patrimonial and personal. Behind the attractiveness of the Monegasque market lies an demanding regulatory structure designed to guarantee transparency, legal security, and the longevity of investments. Understanding acquisition-related costs—registration duties, notary fees, contractual deposits, and agency commissions—is essential to establish an accurate budget and avoid surprises.
With over 40 years of experience on the ground, Petrini Exclusive Real Estate is your local partner, trusted advisor, and guarantor of a controlled investment. Whether you wish to purchase a primary or secondary residence or make a rental investment in Monaco, our team is ready to help you craft a tailor-made project with complete peace of mind.
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