Our Top Tips for Buying A Paris Apartment

Dreaming of owning your own piece of Paris? Buying an apartment in this enchanting city is an exciting adventure, but it comes with unique challenges. From navigating the French real estate market to understanding legal and financial requirements, expert guidance is essential.

With decades of experience, we've helped buyers find and create their perfect Parisian homes. Our top tips cover everything from choosing the right neighborhood to planning a renovation - ensuring a smooth and informed buying process.

Whether you're searching for a pied-à-terre, an investment property or a shared ownership opportunity, these essential insights will help turn your dream into reality.

Ready to begin? Contact us at [email protected] for personalized assistance in finding your dream apartment.

TIP 1: Learn the Purchase Process in France

While buying property in France is an exciting opportunity, navigating the process can be daunting. With a legal framework dating back to Napoleonic times and contracts written entirely in French, it can feel overwhelming at first. That's where we come in!

At Paris Perfect, we've helped buyers navigate every step of the journey for over 20 years. To help you prepare, we've outlined the full purchase process for buying a Paris apartment here - a helpful overview to get you started.

Want to take a deeper dive? We've created a free, two-part Paris Property Purchase Guide filled with valuable advice. It covers everything from the step-by-step buying process to structuring your purchase, understanding costs and navigating the finer details with confidence. These guides are packed with insider insights from decades of experience helping clients buy in Paris.

To receive your free guide, email us at [email protected]. We'd love to help you turn your dream of owning property in Paris into reality!

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Tip 2: Explore Paris to Find Your Ideal Neighborhood

Paris is a city of charming "villages," each with its own personality and rhythms to discover within its many arrondissements. When you buy an apartment here, you're not just choosing a home, you're becoming part of a community. You'll get to know your neighborhood baker, your favorite pâtisserie, the cheese specialist who selects the perfect fromage just for you, and the caviste who remembers your favorite wine. This is the essence of Parisian living—embracing the French art de vivre through the simple pleasures of daily life.

Do you picture yourself in a lively arrondissement filled with bustling cafés? Or a quiet, residential neighborhood with leafy parks and open-air markets? Paris has something for everyone. We encourage you to explore your favorite areas both during the day and at night, as the atmosphere can shift dramatically. With decades of experience living in Paris, we'll help you navigate the city's many neighborhoods to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Begin your journey by clicking here to discover some of our favorite Parisian neighborhoods. Follow us on Instagram @ParisPerfectBuyers, where we explore the best neighborhoods, sharing insights on the top areas to buy, pricing trends and more!

Tip 3: Secure Financing and Currency Exchange Before Starting Your Search

Securing financing in advance can make all the difference when buying in Paris. If you're considering a French mortgage, applying before you begin your search not only clarifies your budget but also strengthens your offer - sellers are far more likely to accept bids from pre-approved buyers. Our mortgage brokerage partner specializes in guiding international buyers through the French lending process, ensuring a smooth experience from pre-approval to closing. To learn more, email [email protected] for details.

Likewise, setting up a currency exchange account before you need it can save both time and money. Traditional banks often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates, while a specialist currency broker provides lower fees and better rates for large transfers. We've worked with a trusted broker for years who has helped many of our owners secure excellent rates and seamless transactions. Email [email protected] to request our referral.

Tip 4: Define the Must-Haves for Your Perfect Paris Apartment

Before you start searching, make a clear list of your priorities. Consider the type of building (ancien or moderne), preferred floor, outward-facing or courtyard views and elevator access. Make a note of your favorite areas and even specific streets. It may take time, but this way when the right apartment comes along, you'll know instantly.

Keep in mind that your perfect apartment might not look quite so perfect when you first see it. If the apartment you love needs renovation, our team of experienced builders and designers can transform it into your dream home. With over 60 successful Paris remodels, we offer expert guidance on design, furnishings and more.

Tip: Which floor is your minimum? We strongly recommend the second floor (third American) or higher. Why? Paris winters mean early sunsets and the rez-de-chaussée (ground floor) and first floor (second American) both tend to be darker.

Elevator or not? We recommend insisting on an elevator. Even if you're comfortable with stairs now, an elevator significantly enhances long-term value and ease of resale.

Tip 5: Why Finding the Right Property Isn't So Simple

The Paris real estate market operates very differently from many other countries. With over 3,600 real estate agencies and no centralized listing database—such as Zillow or Realtor.com—each agency only shows its own properties for sale. Unlike in some markets where multiple agencies share listings, in Paris, you won't see the full range of available apartments by walking into a single agency.

This also means that agents have little incentive to direct you elsewhere. If their available listings don't quite match your dream, they'll still try to sell you something – perhaps an unsold apartment on the ground floor, without an elevator, facing a gloomy courtyard or built in 1955. Without expert guidance, you could end up settling for something less than ideal simply because you weren't shown all the options.

It gets worse: Even online listings are misleading. Platforms like SeLoger and Résidence Immobilier are paid-ad based and rarely show full inventory. Worst of all, there's no price history or comparables to guide buyers.

Tip 6: The Only Way to Find the Best Apartments is With a Skilled Search Agent

After learning how fragmented and competitive the Paris real estate market is, you may be wondering—how do you actually find the best apartments? The reality is that without an expert guiding you, you simply won't see the full range of available properties.

Why On-the-Ground Expertise Matters
Many listings use vague or misleading descriptions that gloss over flaws. For example, an apartment advertised as "calme" or a “havre de paix" (haven of peace) often means it faces a courtyard – where you might find rubbish bins instead of a charming view. Or perhaps the building is in a noisy area with a Metro underground. Without expert insight, you could overlook hidden issues or miss out on the best properties.

That's where our property search services are invaluable. As an English-speaking buyer's agency in Paris, we tap into the entire market—including the elusive off-market network of concierges, neighbors and local shopkeepers who often know of upcoming sales before they're listed. Over 35% of Paris apartments sell through this hidden network, making our decades of contacts and experience invaluable.

Once we find your ideal home, we safeguard your interests every step of the way – from negotiations to legal assistance, trusted notaires, setting up utilities and even connecting you with top renovation specialists.

Without an experienced search agent, you simply won't see the best apartments. Find out more about our dedicated property search services here.

Tip 7: When You Find The Perfect Apartment – Act Fast!

The best apartments in Paris sell fast – often within hours. When a property checks all the right boxes—historic charm, a higher floor, an elevator, sunny views and a great price—it's critical to move quickly. Many of our clients tell us that before working with us, they would spot a promising listing, call to inquire and, time and time again, it had already been sold.

This is where having an expert team on the ground changes everything. When a great property comes on the market, we can move swiftly to confirm it truly meets your needs, ensuring there are no hidden drawbacks. Once we verify it's the right fit, we can immediately submit your offer and coordinate with our trusted notaire to secure your bid before others have the chance.

In a fast-moving market, hesitation can mean missing out. But with us by your side, you won't have to worry about lost opportunities. We're here to make sure you get the home you want, before someone else does. Find out more about Our Property Search Services.

Tip 8: Budget For Closing Costs And Renovations

When planning your Paris apartment purchase, it's crucial to account for both closing costs and potential renovation expenses.

Closing Costs:
In France, closing costs, commonly referred to as "notaire fees," typically range between 7% and 8% of the property's purchase price. These fees encompass taxes, registration costs and the notaire's services.

Renovation Considerations:
It's most common for Parisian apartments to require some level of renovation. Many properties are sold without fully equipped kitchens and styles can become outdated over time. The good news? With over 20 years of experience, we've built a trusted network of skilled builders, interior designers and craftsmen who understand how to bring out the best in Parisian apartments. Our team can transform any space into your dream Parisian home!

Depending on your choices, a high-quality remodel—including kitchen, bathrooms, plumbing, electricity, flooring, carpentry and painting—can cost between €3,000 to over €4,500 per square meter.

For more insights into real estate prices and remodeling costs, check our @ParisPerfectBuyers Instagram for helpful discussions.

Tip 9: Consider Full Or Shared Ownership In Paris

We all dream of spending more time in Paris, but if your stays are limited or you prefer a hassle-free option, fractional ownership is an excellent way to invest in a Parisian home. As a deeded owner, you'll enjoy the benefits of owning a luxurious, fully managed apartment at a fraction of the cost, with low, predictable annual expenses. Each year, you'll spend a month in your beautifully maintained home – all without the burdens of full-time property management.

A Stepping Stone to Full Ownership
One of the unexpected benefits we've seen is that many of our fractional owners fall so deeply in love with Paris that they eventually decide to buy their own apartment. Co-ownership provides a perfect stepping stone – allowing you to experience life as a homeowner in Paris before committing to a full-time purchase. And when that moment comes, our team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

With over 20 years of expertise in locating, remodeling, and managing properties, we offer a seamless path to Parisian homeownership—whether through fractional ownership or full ownership. Learn more about fractional ownership here.

Tip 10: Know Your Rental Options In Paris

If you're considering renting out your apartment while you're away, it's essential to understand Paris's rental regulations. Short-term rentals are highly regulated, while long-term and monthly rentals have different requirements. Navigating these rules can be complex, but with the right guidance, you can make informed decisions that align with your investment goals.

With our expertise in Paris rentals, we can help you explore the best options for your property. 

Read more about short- and long-term rental options here.

Tip 11: Stay Informed With Our Paris Property Market Updates

The Paris real estate market is always evolving, influenced by local regulations, global trends and shifts in buyer behavior. Staying up to date is essential – especially if you're planning to buy in the near future.

That's why we regularly share expert insights, forecasts and analysis of current market conditions. Whether it's interest rates, pricing trends or key buying opportunities, our market updates offer a clear view of what's really happening on the ground in Paris.

Read our latest Paris Property Market Update here.

Tip 12: Plan Ahead For Property Taxes In France

Understanding French taxes is an essential part of buying real estate in Paris. That's why we provide a step-by-step checklist to guide you through the key taxes you'll encounter as a property owner.

Here are some important taxes to consider:

• Annual Property Taxes: "Taxe foncière" and "taxe d'habitation."
• Annual Income Tax: On rental income from your property.
• Annual Property Wealth Tax: "Impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI)," for property assets over €1.3 million net of debt.
• Capital Gains Tax: On the profit from selling your property.
• Inheritance Tax: Payable by your heirs.

The last three taxes can often be minimized with proper planning and expert guidance. Tax treaties between France and your home country may also impact your tax obligations. Because every situation is unique, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed French tax expert for the most up-to-date and tailored advice.

Don't hesitate to contact us today at [email protected] and let us help you turn your Parisian real estate dreams into reality. Follow us on Instagram at @ParisPerfectBuyers for informative videos from our team, Paris neighborhood tours, behind-the-scenes looks at property searches, renovations and more!