Buying property in Paris: A guide for investors
Entering 2026, Paris continues to be a premier “safe haven” for international property investors, combining architectural heritage with a resilient, stable economy. The market has entered a phase of “re-normalisation,” moving away from previous volatility toward sustainable growth.
Paris is the capital of France, but it is also a historic and very charming city with many opportunities. It is one of the most attractive and visited cities in the world. It is a city to consider when investing in real estate. You can rent or buy a property, you will have great opportunities.
Indeed, each district of this city has great tourist attractions, embassies and many others. In addition to its tourist appeal, the city of Paris offers a high return.
Given all these assets, buying property in Paris will be a good deal. You can trust GuestReady, a company whose reputation and fame are known to all inhabitants of the city of Paris.
So, how can you buy a property in Paris with GuestReady?
Paris market outlook 2026
The Parisian property market is showing signs of renewed balance, with prices having climbed approximately 2.3% through 2025. As of January 2026, the average price per square metre in Paris is approximately €9,500. However, costs vary significantly by district; the prestigious 6th Arrondissement averages €14,462 per m², while the more peripheral 19th Arrondissement sits around €7,756 per m².
For U.S. investors, a relatively soft Euro offers a significant currency advantage, providing what effectively acts as a 5–10% discount compared to pre-2020 rates. Additionally, prime areas such as the Haut Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the historic centre continue to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking capital preservation.
The role of property experts
Because the Parisian market is complex and highly competitive, many foreigners now utilize Real Estate Hunters or buyer agents. In 2026, a significant portion of the most desirable properties are sold “off-market” before they reach public portals. A dedicated buyer agent works exclusively for the purchaser to uncover these hidden listings and handle strategic negotiations based on 2026 market data.
Legal process and foreign ownership
France remains one of the most accessible European countries for foreigners, with virtually no restrictions on property types that can be purchased.
• The Notaire System: Every transaction is state-regulated through a Notaire, who verifies titles, handles registration, and collects taxes.
• Cooling-Off Period: After signing the preliminary contract (compromis de vente), buyers have a 10-day cooling-off period to withdraw without penalty.
After this period, it will be difficult for you to cancel the offer to purchase. The promise to sell only concerns the seller.
This is a unilateral promise to sell. However, the buyer must pay 10% of the sale price to secure the property. If he subsequently acquires the property, the amount will be deducted from the remaining amount. But if the buyer gives up, the seller keeps the amount as compensation.
• Residency: It is important to note that buying property in France does not grant residency rights or visa advantages
Financing and closing costs
French banks remain open to lending to non-residents, though they typically require a 30% to 40% down payment. You have between 45 and 60 days to find the financing for the purchase of the property. You must be prepared to defend your property project in front of the bank in order to receive a mortgage.
The documents you need to provide include salary slips, bank statements, tax returns and many others.
• Mortgage rates: For international clients in early 2026, fixed mortgage rates typically range between 3.4% and 4.2%.
• Closing costs: Buyers must budget for significant closing costs on existing properties, which generally run between 7.5% and 9% of the purchase price. For new-build properties, these fees are much lower, ranging from 2.5% to 4%. And you must pay the notary’s fees, the purchase price of the property and the guarantee. After the signature you will receive the keys which mark that you are the owner of the property.
How much tax do I have to pay when I buy a property in Paris?
When you formalise the purchase of a property, you have to pay certain fees that the notary will calculate and deduct during the purchase process:
Agency fees:
when you use the services of a real estate agency, you will be able to pay agency fees of between 3 and 10% of the value of the property: but these are generally payable by the seller.
Transfer duties:
this is a tax collected by the notary when the deed of sale is signed, which is paid to the tax authorities. It is generally included in the notary’s fees.
Taxe foncière sur les propriétés bâties (TFPB):
After buying a property in Paris, you will have to pay the taxe foncière sur les propriétés bâties. The tax applies from 1 January of the tax year. You will have to pay this tax all year round during the year of acquisition of the property.
How do I find a property in Paris?
To find a property in Paris, it is important to search for property in the arrondissements to find the rare pearl via the classified ads on the internet. You can also contact an estate agent who will make it easier for you to find your property.
Where to buy property in Paris?
Property prices are rising and reaching record highs. However, this will not stop the market from increasing in value as buyers continue to seek out properties for both the long and short term.
There’s no escaping the fact that Paris is an expensive city for buying property. The average price of apartments ranges from €9,200 to €15,300 per square metre. If you want to buy a house, you can expect to pay between €9,800 and €21,000 per square metre.
Moreover, you can’t expect super high yields when you invest in property in Paris. While some London neighbourhoods offer yields of 7% or more, Paris properties tend to range from 2% to 4%, making them less attractive to would-be buyers.
Still, Paris is Paris. It is, perhaps, the most iconic city in the world, attracting millions of tourists and boasting a rich and fabulous history that apartment owners can explore. So, if you’re looking to invest in Paris in 2026, here are some hand-picked areas to check out:
Notre-Dame
Located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, the Notre-Dame district is a central and authentic area in the heart of the City of Light. It has a tourist character thanks to the Notre-Dame cathedral and attractive architecture with stone houses.
Notre-Dame is one of Paris’ most famous areas, thanks to the iconic landmark cathedral at the heart of the neighbourhood. Naturally, given its tourist appeal, it’s an expensive part of the city to buy. As of 2026, the average price of property in Notre-Dame, Paris, is €15.855 per square metre.
Le Marais
The Marais district of the 4th arrondissement has plenty of arguments to seduce buyers. Tourists flock to this prestigious district. It is a historic district with many monuments and medieval-style buildings, all in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Over the past five years, La Marais properties have experienced a 10% growth, and it’s one of the richest and most prestigious neighbourhoods in France’s capital. The latest figures show that the average price to purchase a property in Le Marais is €14,000, slightly lower than buying in nearby Notre-Dame.
Montmartre
The Montmartre district is an area that is both iconic and unmissable. It is a great place to live, whatever the season. Very charming and pleasant to live in, it is very popular because of the Place des Abbesses or the Sacré Coeur.
This area of Paris is home to world-famous sites like the Moulin Rouge and La Cigale. As such, it’s an area where short-term rentals are in high demand among tourists. Part of the 18th arrondissement of Paris, the average price of real estate in Montmartre is between €7,400 and €11,403 per square metre, though huge, historical properties often go for more than €23,000 per square metre.
Saint Germain L’Auxerrois
The Saint-Germain L’Auxerrois district is a very popular area. Dynamic and urban, this district of the 1st arrondissement has several green spaces. Economically, it is a district which has several shops.
Over the last year, property prices in this area have increased by 16%, almost 50% in five years. The average price of properties here is €13,029.
Les Halles
Les Halles is a district of the 1st arrondissement. It is a district which attracts many visitors since it has several monuments. It is a district which does not know the crisis and consequently an ideal place to invest.
In Les Halles, the average price of property per square metre is €13,282, much the same as other prominent areas within the heart of the city.
Understanding arrondissements – How Paris is arranged
When searching for property in Paris, you must become familiar with the term “arrondissements.” An arrondissement is an administrative district, and there are 20 within Paris.
It’s more common for a realtor to define an area by its arrondissement number rather than its name. For instance, the Eiffel Tower is in the 7th arrondissement, one of Paris’ most affluent neighbourhoods, home to River Gauche and some of the most magnificent architecture within the city limits.
In 2026, one of the most affordable areas of Paris in which to buy is the 20th arrondissement, with property prices around 20% lower than in other parts of the city. If you’re keen to buy in this area, avoid the Place des Fêtes. You should be able to find compact apartments within boho neighbourhoods for under €300,000, a great price in Paris.
For good value in 2026, you can also check out the 13th arrondissement, where the average apartment price is under €300,000. Though it’s not the most beautiful part of the city, it’s home to comparatively affordable housing towers offering panoramic views across the city.
What are the pitfalls of buying a property in Paris?
When you decide to buy a property in Paris, there are several pitfalls to avoid.
Be aware of the location:
The first trap is not to pay attention to the location of the property. However, the location is of paramount importance. It allows you not to regret your choice.
Find out about the assistance available for buying a property in Paris:
The second trap is not applying for the Paris Housing Loan. Thanks to the Prêt Paris Logement 0%, you will be able to claim for the purchase of the property.
Taking into consideration urban planning projects:
The third mistake is not to take into account the urban planning projects. If you do, it is possible to come out ahead with redevelopment projects which would increase the value of the property, or you can make it lose value.
Condominium charges:
The environment is important, especially when the property is in a condominium. It is important to be aware of the financial situation of the co-ownership, the state of the building and the level of charges which have a direct influence on the price of the property you wish to buy in Paris.
Beware of real estate scams:
You should take precautions when you want to buy a property in Paris such as:
- Requests to pay money before meeting the person.
- If the person asks you to send administrative documents.
- Too attractive a price.
- The address of the property is not accurate.
- Lack of a photo.
Why buy property in Paris?
Investing in Paris is an opportunity that should be seized for various reasons. The first reason to buy a property in Paris is to benefit from the opportunities of the capital. Paris has several advantages, including a dynamic local economy, a good geographical location and a crossroads for several European countries.
The second reason is to anticipate development. Paris will continue to attract people and the suburbs of Paris are experiencing significant development, which is supported by the Greater Paris project. The third reason is that by buying a property you are guaranteeing yourself a patrimonial investment.
2026 is a great time to buy property in Paris. Research shows that, as is the case across France, property prices in Paris have fallen significantly in recent times. Specifically, the price per square metre of Paris property was down 7.95% year-on-year at the start of the year, offering significant savings to potential buyers.
This price drop is primarily driven by slowing construction activity in France, but projections show that property prices will increase again in the coming years simply due to the city’s allure.
So, in 2026, Paris remains a buyer’s market, and it’s a great time to lock in lower prices in most parts of the city.
Investing with GuestReady in Paris
Guest Ready is an international company specialising in short and mid-term rental management. It helps investors to acquire a property safely and as quickly as possible. We have qualified and experienced staff who are ready to listen to your needs.
It also offers several short-term services such as:
- 24/7 communication with guests in several languages;
- Reservation management;
- Online listing optimization;
- Cleaning services and maintenance coordination;
- Assistance with decoration and professional photography;
