Closing costs in the canton of Schaffhausen
Overview
Schaffhausen levies no transfer tax in the strict sense: according to the federal tax documentation, the levy on a purchase has fee character. You pay the cantonal land register office, which also notarizes deeds itself as the state notariat — the whole burden splits into a notarization fee and a considerably weightier registration fee, and both grow with the contract sum without any cap. The tariff provides reduced rates for transfers within the close family.
The table shows the concrete rates of both fees plus the mortgage note costs, each with source and check date; the calculator tells you what your own purchase costs. How Schaffhausen compares with cantons that levy a real tax is shown in the canton overview — the differences are explained in the guide to the transfer tax.
The four cost blocks
| Cost block | Tariff | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | not levied Source: www.estv2.admin.ch · Last checked: | Buyer |
| Notary fees | flat rate Source: rechtsbuch.sh.ch · Last checked: | Buyer |
| Land register fees | flat rate Source: rechtsbuch.sh.ch · Last checked: | Buyer |
| Mortgage note | several fees Source: rechtsbuch.sh.ch · Last checked: | Buyer |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a transfer tax in Schaffhausen?
No — according to the federal tax documentation, the levy on a purchase has fee character. What you pay are the notarization and registration fees of the land register office.
Which of the two fee blocks weighs more?
The registration fee — it carries the main burden and has no cap; the notarization fee is considerably smaller. The table shows the rates.
Who notarizes the purchase in Schaffhausen?
The cantonal land register office acting as state notariat — there is no freely chosen notary for property transactions.