Buying an Apartment in Paris: 10 Questions International Buyers Often Ask
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Buying an apartment in Paris is a dream for many international buyers but it often comes with questions, doubts, and a fair amount of confusion.
Over the years, I’ve helped international buyers navigate the Paris property market with clarity and confidence. As an independent buyer's agent, I work exclusively for my clients - the buyer - ensuring independent guidance and full transparency throughout the process.
Below are the 10 most frequently asked questions I receive from international clients considering purchasing an apartment in Paris, along with my honest, practical answers.
1. Can I afford to buy an apartment in Paris?
I’ve worked with clients with very modest budgets and others purchasing multi-million-euro properties. The key is not the size of the budget—it’s aligning expectations with market reality.
The average price in Paris is close to €10,000 per square meter, but this varies greatly depending on:
the arrondissement
the condition of the apartment
the building and its amenities (elevator, concierge, outdoor space)
light, layout, and views
My role is to help you understand what is realistic, where flexibility helps, and how to make informed trade-offs before emotions take over.
2. Is there a best time of year to buy in Paris?
No. Paris does not follow a strict seasonal real estate cycle. People sell and buy year-round due to life events: marriages, relocations, divorces, inheritances, and career changes.
There is no “perfect” moment to buy but there are opportunities throughout the year - if you are prepared, well-advised, and reactive.
3. How long does the buying process take?
Once an offer is accepted, the purchase process typically takes around three months until final completion.
If you are buying with cash, the timeline can be shorter - often under two months. If you require a mortgage, the process usually takes three to four months, as loan approval must be finalized before completion (see FAQ 6 below).
The main steps are:
Accepted offer
Signature of the promesse de vente (preliminary contract) with 5-10% down payment
Mandatory 10-day cooling-off period
Final deed signed at the notary, at which point ownership is officially transferred.
4. Which arrondissements are best for “living like a Parisian”?
I believe there's an arrondissement for everyone. Parisians reside throughout Paris: families, schools, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants can be found everywhere.
While some arrondissements draw more tourists than others, I feel that even in those areas, there are hidden gems and streets that can make you feel like a true Parisian: rue Clerc near Champ de Mars, rue Caulaincourt in the Montmartre area, rue Valette between the Sorbonne and Notre Dame de Paris...
I think the ideal arrondissement for you is the one where you spend the most time when you're in Paris, as it's the place where you'll likely feel most at home.
5. Do I need to be French to buy property in Paris?
No. French law does not restrict property ownership to national citizens. Therefore, whether you are a citizen of the European area, an American citizen or a national of (almost) any other countries around the world, you can purchase real estate in France.
6. Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident or non-French buyer?
Yes. French banks regularly lend to non-residents, though conditions may differ from those for residents.
Typically:
a down payment of 20-30% is required
documentation requirements are extensive
loan approval takes time and patience
Mortgage applications in France involve meticulous scrutiny. Lenders look not only at your income and liabilities, but also your recurring obligations, even informal ones that never appear on a standard U.S. credit report.r on a standard credit report.
Under current regulations:
Total monthly debt repayments (including the new mortgage) must not exceed 35% of your net income
The maximum mortgage term is 25 years, with limited exceptions
Banks can approve only a small percentage of loans that fall outside these limits - typically around 20%, mainly for primary residences.
These measures make French mortgages some of the most secure and stable in Europe.
To learn more read: https://www.tometteparis.com/post/getting-a-mortgage-in-france
7. Do I need to pay anything when I make an offer?
No. Making an offer in France is free and non-binding. No money changes hands at this stage.
At the time of signing the promesse de vente (preliminary contract), the buyer is required to pay a deposit of approximately 5–10% of the purchase price.
These funds are held securely in a notary’s escrow account and are governed by strict legal protections under French law.
The deposit is transferred by the buyer’s bank to the buyer’s notary’s escrow account, usually no later than 72 hours before the signing of the promesse de vente.
Upon signing the promesse, the funds are then transferred from the buyer’s notary’s escrow account to the seller’s notary’s escrow account, where they remain securely held until final completion.
To learn more: https://www.tometteparis.com/post/faq-unraveling-property-purchase-offers-and-acceptance-in-france
8. Is there a penalty fee if I change my mind after signing the Promesse de Vente?
French law protects buyers in general. After signing the promesse de vente, you benefit from a 10-day cooling-off period. During this time, you may withdraw for any reason, without penalty.
After this period, you would forfeit your entire 5-10% deposit unless specific conditions apply, such as if your purchase was contingent on obtaining a loan (condition suspensive).
9. Do I need to pay an upfront fee to work with Tomette
Paris?
Absolutely Not! In France, it is illegal to charge an upfront fee.
Under French law (the Loi Hoguet, Article 6), a real estate professional cannot receive any payment before a transaction is successfully completed and the final deed (acte authentique) is signed at the notary.
My fees, conditions, and scope of work are explained transparently in a written mandate at the start of our collaboration, in full compliance with French law.
10. What are the monthly costs of owning an apartment in Paris?
Beyond the purchase price, owners should budget for:
charges de copropriété (building maintenance and management)
property tax (taxe foncière)
home insurance
utilities
These costs vary depending on the building and apartment, and I always review them carefully with clients before they commit.
To know more: https://www.tometteparis.com/post/understanding-the-monthly-expenses-of-owning-an-apartment-in-paris
Bonus Question: Is air conditioning common in Paris apartments?
Air conditioning is rare in Paris, especially in older buildings. These properties tend to be significantly more expensive, and the premium rarely reflects the real value of the system itself.
For this reason, I usually recommend that buyers do not focus on apartments that already have air conditioning installed.
In most cases, it is more cost-effective to purchase an apartment without air conditioning and have a system installed afterward.
A professionally installed, discreet air-conditioning system typically costs €15,000 or less, depending on the layout of the apartment and the chosen solution. I work with trusted professionals who specialize in installations adapted to Parisian buildings.
In many situations, interior systems can be installed without prior approval from the co-ownership, provided there is no impact on the building’s exterior or common areas. Each building is different, and this is always verified carefully beforehand.
As an added benefit, a water filtration or purification system can often be installed at the same time, improving comfort and quality of life.
Personalized support is part of the comprehensive buyer's agent services Tomette Paris® offers to foreign buyers navigating the Paris real estate market.
🥐 🇫🇷 You Dream Paris, Let's Make It Happen! 🥐 🇫🇷
Tomette Paris® is a Registered Trademark in France. INPI certificate number 24 5023079.
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