All in a row
News
Opinions Posted on
Renewed confidence and selective growth
After a period of uncertainty, waiting, and recalibration, 2026 is increasingly shaping up as a positive, yet cautious year for real estate investments and market uptake. The real estate market is demonstrating its adaptation to a new economic equilibrium. There is a growing need for structurally higher interest rates, persistent inflation, and geopolitical tensions. These factors have not disappeared, but are increasingly being factored into prices, return requirements, and investment decisions. Expectations for 2026 are therefore predominantly positive, with a clear emphasis on quality, realism, and feasibility.
Opinions Posted on
AI as a unblocker for the notary
The Dutch notarial profession is under significant pressure. The number of notarial deeds executed is reaching record highs, while the total number of notaries has been declining for years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of notaries fell from 1,283 to around 1,181, while more than two million deeds were executed last year – a historic record. Some notaries even told the NOS news that they won't be able to schedule an appointment with a client for another five months. This combination of increased workload and fewer staff is resulting in longer waiting times, overburdening existing staff, and jeopardizing the quality of service.
The embrace of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) seems to be a godsend, especially for the notary profession. At the same time, the notary profession is one of the most values-driven legal professions, with statutory tasks that cannot be automated. Executing authentic deeds requires the intervention of a public official. The notary must personally determine whether the parties are forming their intentions freely and consciously, carefully weigh the interests involved, and assess whether a legal act is not contrary to law, public order, or morality. Furthermore, the gatekeeper role under the Wwft remains a personal responsibility, as do professional ethics and disciplinary liability. Automation can support preparation and administration, but cannot legally replace these core responsibilities. Nevertheless, AI will significantly change the notary profession in the coming years in the following five areas.
The embrace of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) seems to be a godsend, especially for the notary profession. At the same time, the notary profession is one of the most values-driven legal professions, with statutory tasks that cannot be automated. Executing authentic deeds requires the intervention of a public official. The notary must personally determine whether the parties are forming their intentions freely and consciously, carefully weigh the interests involved, and assess whether a legal act is not contrary to law, public order, or morality. Furthermore, the gatekeeper role under the Wwft remains a personal responsibility, as do professional ethics and disciplinary liability. Automation can support preparation and administration, but cannot legally replace these core responsibilities. Nevertheless, AI will significantly change the notary profession in the coming years in the following five areas.
Opinions Posted on
Solutions to get the notary's profession moving again
The notary profession is in danger of becoming stuck. Our notary, Geert Janssen, writes in this opinion piece published on Advocatie about some possible strategic solutions.
Notary offices in the Netherlands are under increasing pressure. The number of notarial deeds executed is reaching record highs, while the total number of notaries has been declining for years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of notaries fell from 1,283 to around 1,181, while more than two million deeds were executed last year—a historic record. Some notaries told the NOS news that they won't be able to schedule an appointment with a client for another five months. This combination of more work and fewer people is resulting in longer waiting times, staff overload, and risks to the quality of service. At the same time, the complexity of deeds and the requirements of legislation and regulations, such as the reporting of unusual transactions based on anti-money laundering regulations, are increasing. To prevent the notarial profession from becoming gridlocked and access to legal certainty from being compromised, fundamental policy changes are necessary and possible.
Notary offices in the Netherlands are under increasing pressure. The number of notarial deeds executed is reaching record highs, while the total number of notaries has been declining for years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of notaries fell from 1,283 to around 1,181, while more than two million deeds were executed last year—a historic record. Some notaries told the NOS news that they won't be able to schedule an appointment with a client for another five months. This combination of more work and fewer people is resulting in longer waiting times, staff overload, and risks to the quality of service. At the same time, the complexity of deeds and the requirements of legislation and regulations, such as the reporting of unusual transactions based on anti-money laundering regulations, are increasing. To prevent the notarial profession from becoming gridlocked and access to legal certainty from being compromised, fundamental policy changes are necessary and possible.
Articles Posted on
You can come to us right away!
The NOS 8 o'clock news on January 11th featured a segment about the busyness of the notary profession. It stated that notaries have had a busy year and that with many, your appointment won't be for another five months. With us, however, you'll be seen immediately.
Articles Posted on
Weak meal or haute cuisine?
Not all notaries are created equal. A good notary will assist you impeccably, dedicatedly, and with integrity. With your home and mortgage. Your family and relationships. Or with your business. But quality, speed, service, and price vary considerably among notaries. Our staff already knew that. Our clients know that too. They give us an average of 9 out of 10.
Articles Posted on
Adjustment of rates as of January 1, 2026
We'd like to inform you of an important change to our services. Effective January 1, 2026, we will be adjusting the rates for several services. For some services, the rates will be increased, for others, they will be decreased, and for others, the rates will remain unchanged.
Opinions Posted on
Inheritances are not a law of nature - the government can intervene and thus make the housing market fairer
All the wealth that baby boomers saved over the years will end up in the hands of a generation that already has a foot in the door in the housing market.
Videos Posted on
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year
Wishing you joy, success, and wonderful new adventures in the year ahead, filled with love, laughter, grace and fulfilled dreams.
May your year be bright with fresh opportunities, good health, and cherished memories, as you embrace new beginnings and positive changes.
May your year be bright with fresh opportunities, good health, and cherished memories, as you embrace new beginnings and positive changes.
Articles Posted on
Opening hours during the holidays
We will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, December 25th and 26th, 2025. We will be open again on Monday, December 29th, 2025.
On Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., we will pass the last act of this year, and then we will quickly go home and bake some oliebollen for family, friends, and neighbors.
We will be closed on New Year's Day and Friday, January 2, 2026. We will be happy to serve you again in the new year starting January 5, 2026.
On Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., we will pass the last act of this year, and then we will quickly go home and bake some oliebollen for family, friends, and neighbors.
We will be closed on New Year's Day and Friday, January 2, 2026. We will be happy to serve you again in the new year starting January 5, 2026.
Events Posted on
Free inheritance law information meeting on January 20, 2026
Come to the inheritance law information meeting hosted by MAES civil-law notaries on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. You'll receive free tips & tricks to help keep your assets (such as home equity) within the family and prevent them from disappearing unnecessarily into the national treasury.
Register now! Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. It's full.
Beware. There are "fake notaries" operating in the region. They are commercially driven salespeople, like door-to-door salespeople, who cleverly try to foist useless wills and other products on often vulnerable consumers in rented rooms and at people's homes. Stay away from them. Such individuals, often not always honest, are unskilled, not subject to disciplinary law, and not subject to the strict professional and behavioral rules that apply to (real) notaries.
Archive
Opinions - Posted on
Four Pitfalls in Market Analysis, Recording & Investments and How to Avoid Them
A letter from MAES Notarissen appeared on Vastgoedjournaal about four common pitfalls in market analysis, listing, and investments. The article explains which risks are often underestimated and how to cleverly avoid them. A must-read for anyone who wants to make well-informed real estate decisions.
Articles - Posted on
Who will run your business if you suddenly become incapacitated? Appoint a trustee in your living will.
As an entrepreneur, you make important decisions for your business every day. But what happens to your company if you are temporarily or permanently unable to manage your affairs due to illness or an accident? It's wise to formally appoint someone to ensure business continuity in that case.
Opinions - Posted on
Student housing requires legal courage
The Dutch student housing market is creaking: while the student housing shortage is increasing, existing student houses are disappearing due to regulations and administrative reluctance. News site Advocatie published an opinion piece by our notary Geert Janssen exploring how current law does offer opportunities to alleviate the pressure.
Articles - Posted on
Lower transfer tax on holiday homes from 2026
When purchasing real estate, such as a house, office building, or pastureland, transfer tax is due. The transfer tax due is calculated based on the property's value multiplied by the tax rate applicable to the transaction. As of 2026, the two transfer tax rates (2% and 10.4%) will be supplemented with a new 8% rate specifically for investment properties.
Opinions - Posted on
New mixes in retail real estate
The Dutch retail real estate market is rapidly evolving. While shopping streets have struggled with vacancies and declining investments in recent years, new opportunities are now emerging. From mixed-use developments to sustainability improvements, retail properties are increasingly transforming into vibrant spaces where living, working, and shopping converge.
In a recent article on Vastgoedjournaal, Geert Janssen, a civil-law notary at MAES Notarissen, discusses these developments and the legal opportunities they present. Because anyone who wants to create value in this changing market must operate not only strategically but also with legal acumen.
In a recent article on Vastgoedjournaal, Geert Janssen, a civil-law notary at MAES Notarissen, discusses these developments and the legal opportunities they present. Because anyone who wants to create value in this changing market must operate not only strategically but also with legal acumen.
Articles - Posted on
Beware of excessive attendance requirements for association statute amendments; what now?
An association's articles of association contain the rules that members must adhere to. The notary records the articles of association upon the association's incorporation and can later amend them by notarial deed. Amending the articles of association after incorporation may be desirable to steer an association in a different direction. In some cases, for example, when the association is part of an umbrella organization, the association may be required to amend the articles of association. This amendment must also take place before a specific date. A common problem in this situation is that membership attendance is too low, making it impossible to amend the articles of association.
Services
See also
Why MAES notaries
We guide our clients through the moments that truly matter in life. Whether for business or pleasure. We offer peace of mind, reliability, and security. Impeccable, dedicated, and honest.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We recognize the responsibility we bear for our stakeholders: our customers, our employees, suppliers, the government, and the society we are part of. This applies to both our professional and social spheres. Our social responsibility focuses on three themes: governance , a sustainable living environment, and social engagement. We hope to make an impact through these initiatives.