Peak workload at notary offices decreases, growth stable in April

The peak workload in the notarial profession appears to have passed its peak. Compared to March, notaries executed 20 percent fewer deeds in April. However, compared to April of last year, there was still a 2.6 percent increase. This is evident from the monthly report from the Central Digital Repertory.

In total, notaries executed over 157,000 deeds in April; in March, that figure was over 193,000. The decrease is not unexpected, given the dynamics caused by the changes in transfer tax rates effective January 1, 2021, and April 1, 2021. Relative calm returned to the real estate market after April 1. The number of transfers rose by 3.2 percent in April compared to the same month last year, and the number of mortgage deeds by 6.6 percent. Compared to the previous month, the number of transfers fell by almost 20 percent, and the number of mortgage deeds by over 15 percent.

Collection of wills
In family law, the number of prenuptial agreements increased significantly compared to April 2020: 30 percent. The number of cohabitation agreements also rose, with a 7.2 percent increase. Certificates of inheritance were issued 4.3 percent more than the previous April. Wills and living wills saw a decline in April. The number of wills decreased by 9.3 percent, and the number of living wills by 12 percent.

Explosive growth of private limited companies and foundations
The number of newly established private limited companies (BVs) and foundations increased dramatically in April by 57 and 22 percent, respectively, compared to April 2020. Share transfers and certifications also rose sharply (31 percent). Amendments to articles of association for BVs rose by 8.6 percent, and for foundations by 7.7 percent.

Future expectation
The decline in the total number of deeds in April was expected. In the monthly survey the Royal Dutch Bar Association (KNB) conducts among its members, respondents last month already indicated that the number of new cases in real estate had decreased. The increase in business practice is also not surprising. However, the decline in the number of (living) wills is greater than expected.

Stable growth
The most recent survey shows stable growth in the coming month. For real estate, half of respondents indicated the number of new cases will be the same as in April. Over a quarter noted an increase, while just under a quarter noted a decrease. In family practice, almost a quarter received more new cases, while for almost 70 percent of respondents, that number remained the same. Business practice will continue to be busy in the coming month. Nearly 28 percent of respondents noted an increase, while 15 percent even noted an increase of between 10 and 25 percent.