If you’re an American and watched The Agency (“L’Agence”) on Netflix, it’s easy to daydream about owning a beautiful piece of property in Paris, France.
The easiest—and most enjoyable—part of your apartment search in Paris is figuring out where you want to live and what your apartment will look like.
- Rive droite or rive gauche? Left or right bank?
- Which arrondissement?
- How many bedrooms do you want? How many bedrooms do you need?
- What sort of views are you looking for? Eiffel Tower? Seine? Haussmanian buildings?
- Are you looking for historic interior details throughout the apartment? Or would you prefer a more modern, contemporary style?
- Does it have a balcony—a sweet terrace—to enjoy coffee and cocktails for two?
You can spend all of your time drawing up your wishlist—location, aesthetic, vibe, *insert your must-have details here*—because it all comes down to one simple question:
“As an American, how do I make my dream of owning an apartment in Paris a reality?”
Fact: It’s absolutely possible to buy property in Paris, France as an American.
Here’s another fact: The journey to buy property in Paris takes time and patience to find the right place and trust to work with professionals who will guide you through the process.
This blog post will be sharing insight and tips from Christine Bacoup-Tidas, J.D.—founder and owner of Tomette Paris, a French-American buyer’s agent —on how you can make your Paris dream come true!
- Q: As an American, what are some things that I should consider while searching for my dream Parisian apartment?
- Q: How long does it take to buy an apartment in Paris?
- Q: The idea of buying property in Paris is exciting, but the process looks complicated and intimidating—I don’t speak French and I live in the United States! As an American, what’s the best way for me to go about finding and buying an apartment in Paris?
Q: Is it worth buying real estate in Paris, France?
A: Buying real estate in Paris, France continues to be a solid investment in 2023 (and beyond).
Despite the trend of Parisians moving towards the outskirts of the city, there is still a tremendous opportunity for those looking to buy investment properties in Paris.
An article published in Robb Report—aptly titled Americans Are Buying up Properties in Paris, Causing Luxury Home Prices to Skyrocket—describes how wealthy Americans are buying luxury property “thanks to the current strength of the US dollar.”
[Note: At the time of writing, 1 USD = 0.91 Euro; check the updated conversion rate on Google Finance]
In July 2023, Bloomberg reported Paris home prices have “slumped to the lowest level in four years as rising interest rates extended a downturn that gained steam during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
For the right buyer, it may be worthwhile to jump on the opportunity to invest in real estate in Paris while competition remains lower than average.
Combined with Paris’s “unparalleled charm and steady global appeal,” Bacoup-Tidas explains that buying property in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games presents a unique investment opportunity.
The upcoming mega-event [of the 2024 Paris Olympics] is expected to boost the City of Light’s real estate market, driving property prices higher—this potential appreciation makes it an attractive prospect for both investors and individuals looking for a long-term investment.
CHristine bacoup-tidas
Key Takeaway: The sooner you buy property in Paris, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Q: As an American, what are some things that I should consider while searching for my dream Parisian apartment?
A: Make sure that you’ve considered what you’ll need in your Parisian property.
This seems like common sense, but be sure to do your homework on what matters to you for your apartment in Paris. Asking yourself questions like “Do you want to be within walking distance of any historical monuments or major shopping streets?” or “Are you willing to compromise on location for more space?” will greatly help your search.
In addition to considering the proximity and accessibility of your apartment to transportation, retail, and entertainment, it’s important to understand that Parisian apartment buildings and American apartment buildings can differ in services and amenities.
For example, historic Parisian apartment buildings may not have a reception desk to check in visitors or receive packages and food delivery, a convenience that’s taken for granted in most apartment buildings in the United States.
More importantly, it’s also common for Parisian buildings to not have elevators or air conditioning, which can be a culture shock for certain buyers.
“American clients are often keen on finding an apartment with air conditioning,” says Bacoup-Tidas.
For clients who want air-conditioning in their Paris apartment, Bacoup-Tidas recommends renovated apartments that have integrated air conditioning systems but suggests looking for properties with other cooling options, such as well-ventilated apartments.
“Apartments on higher floors tend to be naturally cooler during the summer months. Sometimes those apartments even have a pretty view on lovely Paris rooftops!”
Key Takeaway: Being realistic with your expectations and your budget will keep you grounded throughout your apartment search.
Q: How long does it take to buy an apartment in Paris?
A: Once you’ve found your Parisian apartment, the actual buying process itself can take a few months.
From the seller accepting your offer to the day you collect the keys, the average length of time for buying real estate in France is 3-4 months.
Bacoup-Tidas breaks down the home-buying process into a few milestones:
Seller accepts buyer’s offer (<1 month)
It is important to know that acceptance of the offer only binds the seller to sell the property to the buyer and it does not (yet) irrevocably bind the buyer.
Within a few weeks of acceptance, the notary will draft a “compromis de vente” (preliminary sales agreement), which outlines the terms and conditions of the sale. At this stage, the buyer and seller sign the “compromis” and typically the buyer pays a deposit, usually around 5-10% of the property’s value.
Mandatory cooling off period (10 days)
From the day after the signing of the “compromis de vente,” there is a mandatory cooling-off period of 10 days during which the buyer can withdraw from the agreement without penalty. After the period ends, the sale becomes legally binding.
Finalizing the transaction (2 months)
Both parties work with a notary, who ensures all legal and financial aspects of the transaction are in order. During that period, the buyer will work (usually with a broker) on securing a loan.
Closing Day
Finally, about 3 months after the offer is accepted, on the closing day, both the seller and buyer sign the “acte de vente” (final deed) and the buyer pays the remaining balance, the property’s ownership is officially transferred, and the deed is registered with the Land Registry.
Break out the champagne to celebrate!
Enjoy your new apartment in Paris, France!
Q: The idea of buying property in Paris is exciting, but the process looks complicated and intimidating—I don’t speak French and I live in the United States! As an American, what’s the best way for me to go about finding and buying an apartment in Paris?
A: Working with an independent buyer’s agent throughout the home-buying process in Paris will make your life easier.
While most people are familiar with real estate agents, working with a buyer’s agent may be a better solution for your home-buying needs in Paris.
Let’s start with the definition of a buyer’s agent.
“A buyer’s agent is a real estate professional who represents the purchaser’s interests in a real estate transaction.”
How a buyer’s agent can help your home search, nerdwallet
A buyer’s agent can also recommend the best partners to assist with other parts of the home buying process —real estate attorney, notary, movers, etc.
An independent buyer’s agent is a great resource for clients looking for help every step of the way during the home-buying journey.
The key emphasis here is independent buyer’s agent. Real estate agencies do have their own buyer’s agents, but affiliation with a specific real estate agency does not guarantee access to as many properties as an independent buyer’s agent.
Unlike the United States, there is no centralized Multiple Listing Service [MLS] in France, so buyer’s agents employed by a real estate agency can only sell properties within their agency’s portfolio.
In other words, an independent buyer’s agent is more motivated to represent their client’s best interests because they are not influenced by the needs of the real estate agency.
Hiring a buyer’s agent when purchasing a property from abroad offers several significant advantages, especially when one is unfamiliar with the French language, cultural nuances, and the local buying process.
christine bacoup-tidas
Top Five Reasons to Work with an Independent Buyer’s Agent in Paris, France
Language Barrier
A buyer’s agent who is fluent in both English and French serves as a crucial communication bridge. They can effectively communicate with local sellers, real estate agents, and notaries, ensuring that all essential details and negotiations are accurately conveyed, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Cultural Expertise
Understanding cultural norms and local customs is vital in any real estate transaction. A buyer’s agent with experience in dealing with foreign clients can navigate the intricacies of the French market and helps buyers adapt to the local practices, making the process more comfortable and seamless.
Knowledge of the Buying Process
The French property buying process can be complex and different from what buyers are accustomed to in their home country. A buyer’s agent familiar with the process can provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring all legal and administrative aspects are correctly handled.
Access to Off-Market Properties
Remember, there is no MLS in France, so many attractive properties might not be publicly listed. Buyer’s agents often have access to a network of connections, giving their clients access to off-market properties, increasing the chances of finding the perfect property.
Negotiation Skills
An experienced buyer’s agent with strong negotiation skills understands the local market value of properties and allows the buyer to secure the best possible price and conditions for the clients, making the most of their investment.
Key Takeaway: “Working with an independent buyer’s agent grants you access to a more extensive selection of properties, personalized guidance, and a non-biased approach to help you find the perfect home that aligns with your preferences and budget.”
Meet Christine Bacoup-Tidas
Christine Bacoup-Tidas, J.D. is the founder and owner of Tomette Paris.
She is French-American and provides independent buyer’s agent services in Paris, France.
Christine lived and worked in New York City for 16 years as a lawyer before returning to France in 2002.
Since relocating to Paris, she has made it her mission to share her love of Paris and help others achieve their property goals seamlessly, especially those who, like herself, were navigating the Parisian real estate market from a distance.
Christine earned her B.A. in Political Science and International Relations at Hunter College and subsequently obtained her J.D. from the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Touro Law Center. Christine is also a member of the Association of American Women in Europe (AAWE) and the Professional Women’s Network in Paris (PWN).
Christine lives in the Latin Quarter with her husband and daughter.
Connect with Christine on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
P.S. This blog post isn’t just for Americans interested in purchasing property in Paris! The general considerations for buying real estate in Paris also apply to all non-residents as well as French residents.
Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by Tomette Paris, and the content has been created in collaboration with them.
New England Parisienne 
This. We have talked often about this. I’m saving for future reference. Great info.
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