If you are considering buying an apartment in Paris from America or elsewhere, you should know about Parisian elevators - "Ascenseur". Here is an overview of what you need to know.
Ascenseur ou Escalier
The price of a Paris property varies according to various criteria, one of them being its location. However, it also largely depends on its position within the building.
Significant price differences may be observed between apartments on different floors. In a Parisian building with an elevator, the average price difference between a ground floor and a top floor apartment amounts to 19%. The average difference even reaches 25% when it comes to a maid's room on the top floor.
But without an elevator, the situation changes. It's then the (French) 4th floor that commands the highest price in a Parisian building, rather than the top floor: +12.5% compared to a ground floor. Unless it's a maid's room, which is worth on average 13.6% more than a ground floor. Another price difference mainly occurs between the ground floor and the 1st floor: +9% for a building with an elevator; +7% without an elevator.
An increase in land value of around 15% is also estimated when an elevator is installed.
🥐 Elevators in Haussmannian or Older Buildings: a Matter of Preserving Style
Installing an elevator in a Haussmannian or older building presents a genuine interior design challenge. Opponents frequently express their desire to preserve the heritage character of the building; in the past, even modest common areas were carefully maintained and demonstrated craftsmanship that may be lost: rounded stone steps, intricately wrought iron starting post, wooden handrail, spiral staircase... fine workmanship sadly destined to disappear, as frequently the elevator is installed in the core of the staircase, requiring the cutting of steps, the removal of old handrails, and more!
While their installation became more common during this period to enhance the prestige and quality of life for residents, many of these buildings lack elevators. About 60% of Parisian Haussmannian buildings are equipped with an elevator.
🥐 How Are Elevators Installed in Old Parisian Buildings?
Elevators are typically installed within the void of the staircase. The staircase width must measure a minimum of 80 cm and 76 cm in straight sections to meet all safety requirements. The finishes must integrate with the hallway. The cabin may feature molded wood paneling or glass walls framed by brass moldings. These details conceal the motor and pulley used to operate the elevator between floors.
🇫🇷Parisian elevators can be really tiny and fit only 2 (Parisian size) persons maximum!
🥐 What Steps are Required to Install an Elevator in a French Apartment Building?
This decision-making process involves several stages:
It is important to determine if the staircase void is wide enough. If the steps protrude, it may be necessary to cut them, ensuring a minimum width of 80 centimeters.
General Meeting Vote. To initiate the works, the decision must be voted on by all the owners of the building during a general meeting. The vote must be by a double majority, as in addition to the significant cost associated with the installation of an elevator, these are also considered "improvement" works. Thus, the vote must be approved by the majority of owners (present or not) representing (at least) two-thirds of the total votes.
Financing and Payment of Works. During the vote, the general assembly must carry out a call for funds and set the due dates. At each payment deadline, the syndicate is obligated to send a letter containing the amount due and the total expenditure to all condominium owners.
🥐 Convenience Comes with a Cost
The maintenance cost represents on average 7 to 12% of the total charges (depending on the building).
The maintenance and operating expenses are also distributed by coefficient, and based on the "estimated usefulness" for each apartment owner in the building. For example, a ground-floor apartment owner typically does not have to contribute to maintenance charges.
🇫🇷Elevators in French Cinema
Elevators have played a significant role in several French movies. If you are reading this article, more so if you are considering buying an apartment in Paris from America or elsewhere, you probably love French cinema.
I particularly recommend to you:
Ascenseur pour l'échafaud : a 1958 "Nouvel vague" film by Louis Malle, with Jeanne Moreau and music by Miles Davis. It is considered a monument of French cinema.
Asphalte: a 2015 comedy by Samuel Benchetrit, with Isabelle Huppert. It was presented at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
Happy property hunting, and may your French real estate journey be as smooth as a buttery croissant! 🥐 🇫🇷
As always, I love to read your comments and answer your questions.
Kommentare