Buying an Apartment in Paris: 10 Questions International Buyers Often Ask

23 March 2026 by Christine Bacoup-Tidas, J.D. Tomette Paris

1. Can I afford to buy in Paris?

I’ve worked with modest budgets and multi-million-euro purchases. The key isn’t the size of your budget, it’s aligning expectations with market reality.

The average price in Paris is around €10,000 per square meter, but this varies depending on:

arrondissement
condition of the apartment
building features (elevator, concierge, outdoor space)
light, layout, and views

My role is to help you understand what’s realistic, where flexibility matters, and how to make informed trade-offs before emotions take over.

2. Is there a best time of year to buy?

No. Paris doesn’t follow a strict seasonal cycle. People buy and sell year-round due to life events: relocations, family changes, inheritances, career moves.

There’s no “perfect” moment, only opportunities for buyers who are prepared and well advised.

3. How long does the process take?

Once an offer is accepted, completion typically takes about three months.

Cash purchase: often under two months
With mortgage: usually three to four months

Main steps:

Accepted offer
Signature of the promesse de vente (preliminary contract) with deposit
10-day cooling-off period
Final deed signed at the notary (ownership officially transfers)

4. Which arrondissement is best for living like a Parisian?

There’s no single answer. Parisians live throughout the city. Families, schools, cafés, bakeries, and markets exist in every arrondissement.

The best area for you is usually where you naturally spend time when you’re in Paris, the neighborhood where you already feel at home.

5. Do I need to be French to buy?

No. French law places no nationality restrictions on property ownership.

6. Can non-residents get a mortgage?

Yes. French banks regularly lend to non-residents, though conditions differ from residents.

Typically:

20–30% down payment
Extensive documentation
Approval requires time and patience

Under current regulations, total monthly debt (including the new mortgage) cannot exceed 35% of net income. French lending practices are cautious and highly regulated, which makes mortgages among the most stable in Europe.

7. Do I pay when making an offer?

No. An offer in France is free and non-binding.

A deposit of approximately 5–10% is required when signing the promesse de vente.

To learn more: https://www.tometteparis.com/post/faq-unraveling-property-purchase-offers-and-acceptance-in-france

8. What are the ongoing ownership costs?

Beyond the purchase price, owners should budget for:

charges de copropriété (building expenses)
property tax (taxe foncière)
home insurance
utilities

These vary by building and apartment. I review them carefully with clients before any commitment is made.

To learn more: https://www.tometteparis.com/post/understanding-the-monthly-expenses-of-owning-an-apartment-in-paris

9. What about air conditioning?

Air conditioning is rare in older Paris buildings. Apartments already equipped with it are often priced at a premium that doesn’t reflect the true installation cost.

In many cases, it’s more sensible to buy without it and install a system afterward.

10. Is there an upfront fee to work with Tomette Paris®?

No. French law (Loi Hoguet, Article 6) prohibits real estate professionals from receiving payment before the transaction is completed and the final deed (acte authentique) is signed.

A French-American independent buyer’s agent, and a former lawyer, Christine has no properties to sell, ensuring her sole focus is on the buyer’s interests. As a dedicated advocate, she helps clients find the perfect property, from public listings to exclusive off-market gems, without any agency fee-splitting. With Christine’s guidance, the Parisian property dream becomes a seamless and achievable reality.

To know more visit www.tometteparis.com