Your property purchase or sale is nearing its conclusion and the notary launches the "call for funds"? This step is decisive: it's the moment when the money for the transaction is gathered to allow the signing to happen.
But specifically, how does the notary's call for funds work? When does he trigger it? How does the buyer's bank release the loan? And when does the seller finally get paid?
In this article, we explain step by step how the call for funds by the notary unfolds in a classic real estate sale: its definition, the timeline, the circuit of funds through the notarial office, the role of the escrow, and what both seller and buyer should anticipate.
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Data up to date as of 2026.
In summary
- A simple definition: the notary's call for funds is the request, sent to the buyer's bank and to the buyer, to make available the sums needed for the sale (loan + down payment + fees).
- The notary, the conductor: he is the one who triggers the call for funds, once the suspensive conditions have been lifted, a few days before the signing of the deed of sale.
- A secure circuit: all sums pass through the notarial office's account, which verifies, settles any outstanding debts, then transfers the net proceeds to the seller.
- A timeline to anticipate: between the preliminary contract and the deed, count generally 2 to 3 months, of which the call for funds is one of the last steps.
Have a sale project? Your local Capifrance real estate advisor supports you, in coordination with the bank and the notary, until the signing.
What is the notary's call for funds?
Before detailing how it unfolds, let's clarify exactly what this term covers.
The definition of the call for funds
The call for funds is the request to make available the sums needed to complete the sale. In a classic sale (an already-built home), the notary asks the buyer's bank to release the mortgage loan, and asks the buyer to pay their personal contribution and notary fees. The goal: to have, before signing, the full price and fees available, in order to finalize the transaction securely.
Not to be confused with the call for funds in VEFA
Watch out for a common confusion. In an off-plan purchase (VEFA, sale in future state of completion), calls for funds are multiple and staggered: they follow the progress of construction (foundations, watertight stage, completion, delivery) and are paid to the developer. In a classic sale — the one we're covering here — the call for funds is, on the contrary, a single one, managed by the notary, and results in a single payment on the day of the deed.
To remember:
The notary's call for funds aims to gather all the sums (loan, down payment, fees) before signing. In an existing property, it's a single payment; in VEFA, it's staggered according to construction progress.
When does the notary trigger the call for funds?
The timing is precise, since the call for funds occurs at a well-defined moment in the sale process.
After the suspensive conditions are lifted
The notary doesn't trigger the call for funds just any time. He waits until several conditions are met: the signing of the preliminary agreement (compromis or promesse), the buyer's 10-day withdrawal period has passed, the suspensive conditions have been lifted — first among them obtaining the loan — and his checks are complete (title deed, zoning, right of pre-emption...). Only once these milestones are reached can the financial operation begin.
A few days before the signing of the deed of sale
Concretely, the call for funds is launched a few days before the scheduled date of the deed of sale. This slight gap is necessary to give the bank time to release the loan and transfer the funds, so they're available in the notarial office's account on the day of signing. Nothing could be signed if the money weren't there.
How does the call for funds work for a property purchase, step by step
Let's now look at the concrete process, from calculating the amount to the final payment to the seller.
1. The notary prepares the statement and calculates the total amount
The notary prepares a precise statement: sale price, notary fees, any additional costs, minus the security deposit already paid. He thus determines the exact amount that the buyer (and their bank) need to mobilize.
2. He requests the buyer's bank
The notary sends the buyer's bank a request to release the mortgage loan. The bank then releases the funds and transfers them to the notarial office's account. This is often the step that determines the signing date: as long as the bank hasn't released the funds, the deed can't be signed.
3. The buyer pays their down payment and fees
At the same time, the buyer transfers their personal contribution as well as the notary fees to the office's account. Added to the loan and the deposit, they make up the total sum expected.
4. The funds are secured in the office's account
All the sums are now gathered in a secure account of the notarial office (a dedicated account, often at the Caisse des Dépôts). The money is held there pending the signing: at no point does it pass directly between buyer and seller.
5. On the day of the deed: payment of net proceeds to the seller
On the day of the deed of sale, once the signatures are collected and the transfer of ownership is recorded, the notary carries out final checks, settles any outstanding debts (the seller's current loan, condominium fees, any mortgages), then pays the net proceeds to the seller. The seller hands over the keys: the sale is complete. The notary then takes care of the land registry filing and the transfer of taxes.
To remember
- The call for funds follows a precise order: statement, loan release, payment of the down payment, securing of funds, then payment to the seller.
- The net proceeds are paid after signing and checks, not before.
The role of the escrow deposit in the call for funds
The escrow deposit (or security deposit) plays a key role upstream of the call for funds. From the signing of the preliminary contract, the buyer generally pays a sum equal to 5 to 10% of the price, held in the notarial office's account (or, more rarely, with a real estate agent holding a financial guarantee). This deposit demonstrates the seriousness of the buyer's commitment. On the day of the sale, it's deducted from the total price: it isn't paid "in addition," but rather offsets the balance due. In the event of unjustified withdrawal by the buyer (outside of the suspensive conditions), the escrow deposit may, under certain conditions, go to the seller as compensation.
How long does the call for funds take?
The call for funds itself takes place over a few days — the time needed for the bank to release the loan and for the transfers to be carried out. But it's part of a broader timeline: between the signing of the preliminary contract and the deed of sale, it generally takes 2 to 3 months. This period allows time to clear the withdrawal period (10 days), obtain the loan offer (with its legal 10-day reflection period as well), lift the suspensive conditions, and carry out the notarial checks. The call for funds is one of the very last steps before signing.
On the seller's side, on the buyer's side: what needs to be prepared?
Each party has a role to play so that the call for funds goes smoothly.
On the buyer's side: finalize your financing as quickly as possible (complete loan file, offer accepted after the reflection period), make sure your down payment is available, and plan for the notary fees. Send the requested documents to your bank and the notary without delay: any delay pushes back the signing.
On the seller's side: provide the office with a complete file (title deed, diagnostics, condominium documents, information about any current loan to be paid off, bank details to receive the net proceeds). The more ready your file is in advance, the faster the call for funds — and therefore your payment — will happen.
To remember
- The buyer must secure their financing and down payment; the seller must prepare a complete file.
- A well-prepared file on both sides speeds up the call for funds and the signing.
Call for funds: points of caution
A few habits to approach this step calmly. Anticipate banking delays: releasing the loan can take several days, which should be factored into the timeline. Check the statement sent by the notary (price, fees, deduction of the escrow deposit) to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Prepare your cash flow if you're the buyer (down payment and fees available at the right time). And if in doubt, reach out to those involved: the notary, the bank, and your real estate advisor are there to smooth out each step.
Preparing and successfully completing your sale with a Capifrance advisor
The call for funds secures the final stretch of your sale, but the success of a project is decided well before that. Two habits make the difference.
First, an accurate estimate. Setting the right price from the start attracts the right buyers and smooths the whole transaction, right through to the call for funds. Capifrance's online property estimate tool gives you, for free and in just a few minutes, a first reliable benchmark of your property's value.
Then, close support. A local Capifrance real estate advisor prepares your sale file, gathers the documents to send to the notarial office, secures the buyer's financing, and coordinates the relationship with the notary and the bank until signing — to bring your project to a successful conclusion, within the best timeframe and at the right price.
👉 Start with a free online estimate, then get support from a Capifrance real estate advisor near you.
Conclusion
- The notary's call for funds gathers the loan, down payment, and fees before the signing of the deed.
- The notary triggers it after the suspensive conditions are lifted, a few days before the deed.
- The funds pass through the notarial office's account, which pays out the net proceeds after checks.
- Count on 2 to 3 months between the preliminary contract and the deed, with the call for funds being one of the last steps.
- Prepare your sale with a Capifrance estimate and the support of a local advisor.
FAQ
What is the notary's call for funds?
It's the request made by the notary to gather the sums needed for the sale: release of the loan by the buyer's bank, payment of the down payment and notary fees. These funds pass through the notarial office's account before being partly transferred to the seller.
When does the notary trigger the call for funds?
Once the preliminary agreement is signed, the withdrawal period has passed, the suspensive conditions are lifted (particularly obtaining the loan), and his checks are complete, the notary launches the call for funds a few days before the signing of the deed of sale.
How does the bank release the funds for the call for funds?
At the notary's request, the buyer's bank releases the amount of the mortgage loan and transfers it to the notarial office's account. The buyer adds their down payment and fees to it. The notary then has all the sums needed to finalize the sale.
When does the seller receive their money after the call for funds?
The net proceeds are paid on the day of the deed of sale (or shortly after), once the signatures are collected, the checks are done, and any debts are settled. The funds are transferred to the bank account provided by the seller to the office.
How long between the preliminary contract and the call for funds?
Generally 2 to 3 months. This period covers the withdrawal period (10 days), obtaining the loan offer, lifting the suspensive conditions, and the notarial checks. The call for funds occurs right at the end, just before signing.
Is the escrow deposit part of the call for funds?
The escrow deposit (security deposit, often 5 to 10% of the price) is paid at the signing of the preliminary contract and held by the office. On the day of the sale, it's deducted from the total price: it isn't paid in addition, but rather offsets the balance mobilized during the call for funds.
Information up to date as of the publication date (2026). Financing terms and the process of a sale may change; for any specific situation, consult your notary, your bank, or a Capifrance advisor.
Auteur :
Frédéric Rémy – Director of Commercial Performance
"With many years of experience in the real estate industry and within the Capifrance network, I am pleased to share essential insights and practical advice to help you successfully achieve your real estate goals alongside our advisors."
