In France, the notaire plays a unique and crucial role in the property purchase process, different from that of solicitors or lawyers in many other countries. The notaire is a public officer appointed by the French Ministry of Justice, tasked with performing acts in the public's interest, with their main role being to ensure the property transaction is legitimate and binding. Unlike solicitors or lawyers who represent one party, the notaire acts on behalf of both the buyer and the seller, as well as the state, ensuring all legal requirements are met and taxes and fees are correctly calculated and paid. The notaire also conducts searches to confirm the property's legal status, checks for any outstanding claims or liens, and records the sale in the official French land registry. Their involvement is mandatory in property transactions in France, providing both parties with legal certainty and protection.