French property: What to know about buying a second home in Paris

Local France

19-05-2025

Paris is the dream for many people looking to buy a second property or pied-à-terre in France, despite the high prices.
The bustling, international city has plenty to offer in easy, walking distance. However, it also comes with some downsides.
As part of an ongoing series about second homes in France, The Local asked readers and experts inorder to get the full picture of what it is like to buy property in Paris, from the pros and cons to the advice you should know before making a purchase.
What readers had to say
"[Buying a second home in Paris] was a dream come true for me and my husband," reader Jodi Kasper, who purchased property in the Marais, told The Local.
"There are endless advantages of living in the Marais. The entire city is on my doorstep. I can walk everywhere except the 16th. Most of the museums are in our neighbourhood, cool restos, great shopping and the history is amazing. Our first flat was built in the 17th century," she said.
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Another reader, Bill Hebert, also mentioned the positive aspects to being in walking distance from many activities.
"There is no need for a car. Our French is just OK, and English is widely spoken, so it makes living easier. Excellent food and restaurants. Access to cultural events (museums, opera, ballet), easy transportation within the city and nearby, easy access to the rest of France and Europe by train and planes," Hebert said.
Several readers, like Helen Wilson, who bought in the Latin Quarter, mentioned that one of the 'pros' to buying in Paris is using the city as "home base for travel in France and Europe."
That said, readers had warnings too.
Wilson noted that one downside is "dealing with maintenance issues long-distance," and another reader, Tony Bell, also mentioned "high costs of maintenance".
Others talked about the hefty price tag that comes with owning property in Paris. Kasper said "Living in the Marais, 25 square metres can range from €300,000 to €600,000."
According to the property website
Meilleurs Agents
, as of May 2025, the average price per square metre in Paris, for apartments, was €9,468, while the price for detached homes was €10,098.
In contrast, a more affordable part of the country, like the Hauts-de-France region in the north-west, saw the average price for apartments at €2,388 per metre squared, and €1,903 for detached homes.
An anonymous respondent said the downside to Paris is "the expense...real estate, restaurants, etc. Everything is more expensive here than in the countryside."
And of course, Paris is one of the world's
most popular tourist destinations
, which can be a defect for those looking for peace and quiet.
The anonymous reader also said: "Paris has been getting more and more crowded every year (we have been here for 25 years)".
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Another reader, Terry Caldwell, who bought in the 4th arrondissement, echoed this sentiment. "[Paris] has become very touristy with increased rents causing the local merchants to be replaced by chain stores."
Bill Hebert also warned: "Paris is a busy, crowded city. The sidewalks and stores can be packed with people at certain times of the year. It can be very noisy on our street late into the evening."
What property experts had to say
French real estate expert Adrian Leeds told us that Paris is the first place she recommends to her clients.
Leeds is the head of the real estate agency Adrian Leeds Group, which primarily works with Americans looking to buy property in France.
For her, Paris satisfies the main criteria she asks all would-be home buyers to think about: proximity to travel (ie train stations and airports); access to healthcare; and a significant enough American community.
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Otherwise, she warned that "Paris isn't for everybody. It's expensive, there is a lot of hustle and bustle, plus the weather is bad.
"But Paris is also a cultural mecca. If you're looking for real culture, and you want to be able to get anywhere in the world, then Paris is it. For Americans, there is a huge community, and generally there are a million things to do. There is no shortage of life here," Leeds summarised.
For Paulo Fernandes, the CEO for Paris Ouest Sotheby's Internationale Realty, Paris can offer the best of both worlds.
"Paris is an old city, and the narrow streets are full of charm (...) Foreign buyers are often amazed by the way old buildings from over 100 to 200 years ago have been preserved," he said.
Joanna Leggett, the marketing director for Leggett International real estate, told The Local "Paris is a small city. You can pretty much walk everywhere, which makes it ideal for exploring. It has a 'village' feel in certain areas. Stroll around the Marais and time seems to stand still."
Leggett's warning to would-be buyers is that "demand from buyers around the world keeps prices high, which is a drawback for those looking for a cheap home in France.
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"However, it does make Parisian property popular with investors who see it as an ideal hedge against inflation. Rental demand is through the roof, with some apartments fetching almost €1,000 a month for 15 square metres."
Warnings and tips to consider
Leeds said that her advice for would-be second home owners is to "think about how and if you will rent it out.
"Learn the local rental rules before buying, and think about whether you know someone in the area who can check on your property from time to time when you are not living there."
READ MORE:
France introduces strict new laws on renting out holiday homes
As for Fernandes, his main piece of advice was "to think about resale". He also added that "Parisian apartments don't necessarily have unobstructed views and sometimes they let in very little sunlight, and foreign buyers (especially those from outside Europe) may be used to living in the middle of green spaces.
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"These types of customers might be happier to buy a home in the greater Paris region. With the Grand Paris project, the suburbs are increasingly well served, thanks to improved public transport networks, so distance is less of an inconvenience," he said.
READ MORE:
Grand Paris Express: The French capital's ambitious expansion plan
Meanwhile, Leggett warned: "In Paris, more than anywhere, you need to make sure that your agent lives and works locally and has a real understanding of what properties are selling for.
"Create a good relationship with them and they'll also tell you when a new property is about to come on for sale - many properties in Paris are sold before they hit the market."
Readers also had some tips too.
Terry Caldwell said: "Do not attempt to do this on your own. Utilise a property consultant to assist.
"I am an American and the way property is purchased in France is very different than the US. Despite utilising a very seasoned property consultant I had many, many challenges and cannot imagine having to navigate the process without someone on the ground who knows what to do and speaks the language.
"I call my purchase - my dream, my nightmare and finally my dream come true."
Kasper also warned the importance of expert advice. "Having a competent proactive Notaire is crucial. We almost got into a big mess with an offer we made. Our Notaire was extremely thorough and advised us not to go on with the sale."
READ MORE:
EXPLAINED: The difference between a notaire and a lawyer in France
Finally, Bill Hebert advised that would-be buyers "rent an apartment there first to see if you like it. Spend some time there.
"Find a good real estate agent and look at a lot of places; don't settle for something that you aren't satisfied with," he said.
Each day this week we will publish an article looking at certain areas in France including Brittany, the Riviera and the South West with key tips for buying a French second home.