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Buying new-build: benefits, steps and guarantees

Buying a new-build home in Île-de-France: tax benefits, buying steps and builder guarantees explained clearly.

Hand holding the keys of a new home at the front door

Article summary

  1. Notary fees on new-build are reduced to 2-3%, versus 7-8% for older homes.
  2. Three guarantees protect the buyer: completion (1 year), two-year and ten-year.
  3. An off-plan purchase spans 12 to 24 months, from reservation contract to delivery.
  4. New homes meet the RE2020 standard, cutting energy bills by 30% on average.

Why buy new-build in Île-de-France

Buying new-build appeals to a growing number of households looking for an efficient, maintenance-free home. Beyond comfort, buying a new home unlocks financial and legal benefits that older properties do not offer. The Île-de-France region concentrates a large share of new developments, driven by steady demand.

A favourable tax framework

The first advantage is reduced notary fees, lowered to 2-3% of the price versus 7-8% for older homes, a gap our notary fees calculator helps you quantify. In some zones, VAT drops to 5.5% instead of 20%. A two-year property tax exemption is also common.

The steps of an off-plan purchase

New-build is most often bought off-plan, through a VEFA (sale in a future state of completion). This process is secured by a strict legal framework: reservation contract, staged fund calls by progress and completion guarantees.

StepDescriptionIndicative timing
ReservationContract signing and depositDay 0
Notarised deedSigning at the notary2 to 4 months
Fund callsStaged payments by progress12 to 24 months
DeliveryHandover and snaggingEnd of works

Guarantees and financing

New-build buyers benefit from solid guarantees and can use several schemes. To build a budget, compare the options for financing a new home and estimate your borrowing capacity. Investors will also assess the tax schemes dedicated to new-build rentals.

A real estate developer in Île-de-France, Interconstruction designs new developments suited to these buying journeys.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of buying new-build?

Buying new-build offers reduced notary fees (2 to 3% versus 7 to 8% for older homes), extended builder guarantees, energy performance compliant with the RE2020 standard and, in eligible zones, reduced VAT of 5.5%. A new home requires no renovation work for several years.

Which guarantees protect a new-build buyer?

Three legal guarantees apply: the completion guarantee (1 year), the two-year guarantee on equipment, and the ten-year structural guarantee. The financial completion guarantee also secures delivery of the home.

How long does it take to buy a new-build home?

Between reservation and delivery, expect around 12 to 24 months for an off-plan (VEFA) purchase, as the property is built during this period. The notarised deed is signed a few months after reservation.