Buyer's Agent or Real Estate Agent: Who Should Represent You as a Buyer in Paris?

Updated in January 2026

Are you searching for an apartment in Paris?

If so, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right professional to represent you.

Many buyers don’t realize that in France, a real estate agent and a buyer’s agent play very different roles, and only one is truly aligned with your interests.

Paris - Ile Saint Louis

Real Estate Agent vs. Buyer’s Agent: What’s the Difference in France?

🥐 Real Estate Agent (“Agent Immobilier”)

In France, a real estate agent is a licensed professional who facilitates transactions, but their primary role is to represent the seller.

They:

• list and market properties (also read my article Algorythms don't visit apartments)

• arrange viewings

• advise the seller

• negotiate offers

• get the highest price possible for the seller

At the same time, they may also guide buyers through the process, but the legal and financial loyalty remains with the seller.

🥐 Buyer’s Agent (“Chasseur Immobilier”)

A buyer’s agent is supposed to represent only the buyer’s interests throughout the search and purchase process.

Their job is to:

• understand your needs

• search the entire market

• pre-visit and shortlist properties

• negotiate on your behalf

• follow the process through to closing

The term chasseur immobilier became widely known in France after the 2006 TV show Recherche Appartement ou Maison, which popularized the concept.

Apartment for sale in Paris

The Reality: A Broken System and Conflicts of Interest

While the idea of a buyer’s agent is ideal in theory, in practice the French market has major limitations:

🥐 Many “buyer’s agents” are tied to real estate agencies

A large number work inside agencies that also sell properties. This creates a structural conflict of interest:

• The agency wants to sell its own listings first.

• The buyer’s “agent” is incentivized to push those properties.

• The buyer does not get impartial advice.

🥐 France has no Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Unlike the U.S. or UK, there is no unified database of all available properties. Real estate agencies can only show their own mandates.

As a result:

• buyers see only a fraction of the market

• agents cannot search the full inventory

• the selection you receive may not match your needs

These limitations mean buyers can unknowingly make decisions with incomplete information.

Bathroom in St Germain des Prés, Paris

Why an Independent Buyer’s Agent, like Tomette Paris Is Your Best Ally

Working with a fully independent buyer’s agent - with no properties to sell and no affiliation with any agency - ensures you receive unbiased, strategic, and comprehensive support.

🥐 Access to the Entire Market

An independent buyer’s agent sources properties from:

• multiple real estate agencies

• off-market listings

• personal networks and trusted partners

• direct sellers

This gives you maximum visibility and a far more accurate picture of what’s truly available.

🥐 100% Unbiased Representation

Because they have nothing to sell, their only objective is to:

• protect your interests

• negotiate the best price

• secure the right property

• guide you transparently through every step

No hidden agendas. No internal mandates. No sales pressure.

🥐 Full-Service Support Beyond the Purchase

A high-quality independent buyer’s agent connects you with reliable experts:

• renovation and construction teams

• interior designers

• property managers

• tax, legal, and immigration specialists

• schools, associations, relocation services

You get end-to-end support, essential for international buyers navigating Paris for the first time.

🥐 Briefly...

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I look forward to reading your comments and answer your questions.

A bientôt!