Prime Minister Michel Barnier plans to raise notary fees starting in 2025 to ease budget pressures on local departments. This increase, projected to rise from 4.5% to 5%, would add approximately €1,000 to the costs of purchasing a €200,000 property, posing challenges for first-time buyers who often lack savings. Real estate experts warn that the fee hike could hinder the recovering housing market by discouraging new entrants. This policy, lasting for three years, is expected to generate around €1 billion for local governments.