Selling a house under mortgage: how to do it?

<h1>Breaking News: Selling Your Mortgaged Home Just Got Easier – But Know the Costs</h1>
<p><b>Updated November 24, 2025</b> – Thinking of selling your home but still paying off the mortgage? You're not alone. A recent clarification of procedures is making the process more straightforward, but hidden costs and crucial steps remain. archyde.com delivers the urgent information you need to navigate a sale successfully.</p>

<img src="[Image Placeholder: Home with 'For Sale' sign]" alt="House for sale with mortgage">
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Navigating the complexities of selling a mortgaged property requires careful planning.</em></p>

<h2>Can You Actually Sell a House *With* a Mortgage?</h2>

<p>The short answer is a resounding yes! Owning a home with an outstanding mortgage doesn’t strip you of your property rights. You absolutely retain the ability to sell. However, it’s not quite as simple as listing it and waiting for offers. The key lies in satisfying your existing mortgage obligations.  Traditionally, this meant navigating a potentially complex process with your lender and a notary.  Now, with updated guidelines, the path is becoming clearer, but awareness is crucial.</p>

<h2>The Notary’s Role: Your Gatekeeper to a Successful Sale</h2>

<p>Your notary is central to the process. They act as the intermediary between you, the buyer, and the mortgage lender.  The notary’s primary responsibility is to ensure the sale price adequately covers all outstanding mortgage debts.  They have the authority to refuse the sale if the price falls short – a critical point to understand before listing your property.  Acceptance doesn’t mean a free pass, though.  You’ll need to formally “discharge” the mortgage, which involves administrative costs.</p>

<h2>Understanding Mortgage Discharge Costs: What to Expect in 2025</h2>

<p>Discharging a mortgage isn’t free. Expect to budget approximately 0.15% to 0.50% of the <i>original</i> loan amount, though this is decreasing with larger initial capital.  These costs break down into several components:</p>
<ul>
    <li><b>Fixed Notary Fee:</b> Around €150</li>
    <li><b>Formality Fees:</b> Approximately €120 (estimate)</li>
    <li><b>Registration Fee:</b> Roughly €25</li>
    <li><b>Real Estate Security Contribution (CSI):</b> Around €192</li>
    <li><b>Disbursements & Costs:</b> Estimate €175 (including bank power of attorney)</li>
    <li><b>VAT:</b> 20% on fees and disbursements</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Example:</b> If you initially borrowed €320,000, total discharge costs could be around €716 – representing roughly 0.22% of the original loan amount.  Use a <a href="[Link to a mortgage discharge cost simulator - e.g., Paris Notary simulator]">mortgage discharge cost simulator</a> for a more personalized estimate.</p>

<h2>Beyond Discharge: Don't Forget Early Repayment Penalties!</h2>

<p>This is a big one!  While discharge costs are predictable, many mortgages include early repayment penalties.  Factor these into your financial calculations <i>before</i> putting your house on the market.  Ignoring them could significantly eat into your profits.</p>

<h2>Can You Transfer the Mortgage Instead? A Smart Alternative</h2>

<p>If you’re purchasing another property, consider transferring the existing mortgage. This requires bank approval and a thorough assessment of the new property’s value. While it involves costs, it can sometimes be a more advantageous route than full discharge and a new loan. The transfer process typically takes around two months.</p>

<h2>What Happens if a Sale is Blocked? Litigation and Legal Hurdles</h2>

<p>Sales can be blocked if there’s ongoing litigation between you and the bank – for example, due to a property seizure procedure or an unpaid debt order. In these cases, a traditional sale isn’t possible without creditor or judicial authorization.  This underscores the importance of maintaining open communication with your lender.</p>

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Your Concerns</h2>

<p><b>Should the buyer know about the mortgage?</b>  The buyer doesn’t need to be directly involved, but the notary is legally obligated to inform them of the mortgage’s existence.  A responsible notary will ensure the buyer understands the process and isn’t exposed to undue risk.</p>

<p><b>Can a notary refuse the sale?</b> Yes, if the sale price is insufficient to cover the mortgage and associated costs, or if the bank alerts them to ongoing legal proceedings.</p>

<p>Selling a mortgaged home in 2025 requires a proactive approach and a clear understanding of the financial implications.  By working closely with a qualified notary and carefully considering all potential costs, you can navigate the process with confidence and achieve a successful sale.  Don't hesitate to seek professional advice to ensure a smooth transaction.</p>

<p><b>Looking for more expert real estate advice?</b> Explore <a href="https://www.archyde.com">archyde.com</a> for in-depth guides, market analysis, and resources to help you make informed decisions.</p>

<p><em>By Frédérique Moles, Digital Marketing Project Manager, CAFPI. Updated November 24, 2025.</em></p>

<p><a href="[Link to Frédérique Moles' LinkedIn Profile]">Connect with Frédérique on LinkedIn</a></p>

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