Your Monaco Property Search: A Personalised Plan Before the First Viewing
2026-11-09
AI-generated illustration; not an actual listing, client or member of staff.
Your time in Monaco should be spent viewing homes that could work for you. Whether you are relocating, looking for a pied-à-terre or considering a purchase for your family, a conversation with Monaco Properties before the trip helps us turn your ideas into a practical search.
We begin with how you intend to use the property, the budget you can commit, your timing and the details that matter in daily life. That gives each appointment a purpose and helps you compare suitable homes with confidence.
Start with a conversation about you
Tell us who will use the apartment, when you hope to move, and which features are essential. Bedrooms, layout, parking, outdoor space, storage and access all matter, alongside the routes to work, school or the places you enjoy. Rank the essentials and tell us where you are flexible. We can explain the trade-offs and consider alternatives that may not have appeared in your initial search.
Understand the budget you can sign for
The advertised price or monthly rent is the starting point. We help you identify the cost information to request, while your notary, bank and advisers confirm the calculation for your circumstances.
If you are buying
For a typical resale bought in an individual's own name, the published acquisition/notary estimate is about 6.25%: 4.75% registration duty and 1.5% notarial fees. The Monegasque Real Estate Chamber's scale lists a 3% buyer agency commission. With 20% VAT, that is 3.6% including VAT when applicable.
For example, a €12,000,000 resale gives an indicative €750,000 acquisition/notary allowance and €432,000 buyer commission including VAT: €13,182,000 in total, before financing or other transaction-specific costs. This assumes an individual resale purchase and the stated buyer agency fee. New property, company structures and mortgages can change the costs. Ask the notary for a transaction-specific statement before signing.
A purchase deposit credited against the price at completion is a cash-flow requirement, rather than an additional acquisition fee. Its amount, timing and conditions must be understood before the offer is signed. Speak with your bank in advance if financing is needed; an initial bank discussion is not final loan approval.
AI-generated illustration. Costs depend on the transaction and financing.
If you are renting
Ask for a written move-in statement that separates rent, service charges, refundable deposit, advance payments, agency commission and registration duty. A security deposit often represents around three months' rent, but the amount, inclusion of charges and conditions must be checked for the actual property. Rent and charges are commonly paid quarterly in advance.
The Chamber's rental scale lists 10% for both landlord and tenant, based on one year for an unfurnished home and the rental period for a furnished home. VAT is added where applicable. At 20% VAT, a 10% commission becomes 12% of the applicable rental basis. Registration is commonly calculated at 1% of rent and charges over the relevant lease period. Confirm the exact fee basis and payment schedule in writing.
As an illustration, for a one-year unfurnished lease at €10,000 monthly rent plus €1,000 charges, assume a three-month rent-only deposit (€30,000), a quarter's rent and charges in advance (€33,000), 10% of annual rent plus VAT for the tenant agency fee (€14,400) and registration of €1,320. Initial cash due would be €78,720, before stamps or other file-specific costs. This is an example, not a fixed cost for every lease.
Some owners may request longer prepayment, sometimes a year's rent, depending on the application and agreed terms. This is not a universal requirement. We can clarify the proposed terms with the relevant agency or owner before you decide. Also allow for insurance, electricity, internet and any other services.
Prepare your buyer or tenant file with us
Tell your adviser what is confirmed and what remains open. For a purchase, clarify available equity, financing conditions and how quickly funds can be mobilised. Identity and proof-of-funds information may be needed by the relevant professionals.
For a rental, ask us which documents the owner requires. Depending on the property and applicant, these may include identity documents, evidence of employment or income, references and bank evidence. Share necessary documents through an agreed secure channel. A complete file makes an application easier to assess, although selection remains the owner's decision.
Residence or pied-à-terre: define the purpose early
A principal home may prioritise household space, daily routes and long-term comfort. A pied-à-terre may place more weight on ease of arrival, services and simple upkeep. Let us know your intended use so we can filter the options appropriately.
If you plan to apply for residence in Monaco, confirm the requirements for your nationality and household with the competent authority. Proof of accommodation is one part of the procedure; purchasing a property alone does not guarantee a residence permit. For rentals, we also help clarify the applicable lease regime and any eligibility or use conditions before arranging a visit.
A wider selection through one coordinated contact
Monaco Properties can check suitable homes in our portfolio and, where available, listings from cooperating agencies through shared professional databases. Monaco agencies collaborate on properties, allowing us to coordinate relevant options through one adviser. You do not need to contact numerous offices separately simply to begin comparing possibilities.
We can identify the agency responsible for a listing, check availability and essential details, request access and organise confirmed appointments into a practical itinerary. Access, permissions and availability vary by property. Cooperation does not mean that every property on the market is included or immediately accessible.
AI-generated illustration; not actual Monaco Properties staff or clients.
From a shortlist to a useful viewing day
We explain why a home may suit you and where it involves a compromise. Before you travel, share your dates, preferred language and any access requirements. We can group appointments sensibly, allow for transfers and coordinate with owners, occupants and partner agencies. During and after the visits, your feedback helps us refine the selection, request outstanding information and clarify the next steps for an application or offer.
Your preparation checklist
- Set a purchase or move-in budget including costs and charges.
- State your intended use, household needs and timing.
- Rank essential features and acceptable compromises.
- Start the financing discussion or prepare your rental file.
- Share your travel dates and decision timetable with your adviser.
Plan your Monaco search with us
Share your project with Monaco Properties. We can help clarify your brief, compare suitable options and coordinate a viewing programme around the homes that deserve your time.
+377 97 97 33 97
info@mpmonaco.com
29 boulevard d’Italie, 98000 Monaco
Information checked on 6 November 2026. Examples are indicative; transaction, lease, financing and residence requirements must be confirmed for your circumstances. Your notary and relevant advisers provide individual legal, tax and lending advice.
References: Chamber fee scale; registration-duty legislation.
