An American couple based in New York purchased a 4-room apartment of 95 sqm at 1,280,000 euros on a quiet street two minutes from the Luxembourg Gardens, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Catherine Ziegler, property hunter at Home Select, managed this remote purchase mission in 7 weeks, with a negotiation of 70,000 euros (5.2%).
Mission summary
- Property hunter: Catherine Ziegler, property hunter at Home Select
- Area: Luxembourg / Odeon, Paris 6th
- Property type: 4-room apartment, 95 sqm, 3rd floor with elevator
- Initial budget: 1,400,000 euros
- Negotiated price: 1,280,000 euros (listed at 1,350,000 euros)
- Search duration: 7 weeks
- Buyer profile: American couple, ages 45 and 47, planning relocation to Paris
The project
James and Sarah, both attorneys in Manhattan, were preparing their move to Paris for the following autumn. James had secured a position at an international law firm on boulevard Saint-Germain. They were looking for a family apartment with at least 4 rooms in the Luxembourg, Saint-Sulpice, Odeon area, within walking distance of the future office and the bilingual school for their two children. Unfamiliar with the Parisian market and only able to travel occasionally, they needed a property hunter specializing in expat support.
The search strategy
Catherine Ziegler structured the mission in two phases. First, a precise brief via video call: non-negotiable criteria (elevator, at least two bathrooms, quiet street or courtyard), maximum budget, and a timeline constrained by the planned arrival date. Then, a targeted search within the defined perimeter. The 6th arrondissement is a scarcity market: large family apartments change hands discreetly. Catherine activated her off-market network and contacted building concierges directly in the neighborhood.
The property found
By the third week, a 4-room apartment of 95 sqm appeared in an 1880s cut-stone building, on the 3rd floor with elevator. The apartment features a 32 sqm living room with a period fireplace, two bedrooms of 14 and 13 sqm, a 9 sqm office, a fitted kitchen and two bathrooms. The southwest orientation onto a tree-lined courtyard guarantees both quiet and natural light. The herringbone parquet and moldings are original. Service charges amount to 350 euros per month, with a recent facade renovation completed.
Catherine filmed a 45-minute walkthrough with English commentary for James and Sarah. The couple flew over the following weekend for an in-person viewing and confirmed their interest.
The negotiation
The asking price was 1,350,000 euros, approximately 14,210 euros per sqm. Catherine prepared a comparative file showing that recent transactions in the area ranged between 13,000 and 13,800 euros per sqm for properties of equivalent standing. The initial offer was positioned at 1,260,000 euros. The seller counter-proposed at 1,300,000 euros. The final agreement at 1,280,000 euros (13,473 euros per sqm) was secured by highlighting the strength of the financing and flexibility on the signing date. The negotiation of 70,000 euros represents 5.2% off the initial price.
What this mission illustrates
Remote purchases require a trusted intermediary. James and Sarah made only one trip to Paris before signing the preliminary contract. All prospecting, pre-selection and technical verification was handled by Catherine. A property hunter in the 6th arrondissement masters the codes of this confidential market.
The off-market network is decisive in the 6th. Nearly 40% of transactions in this area happen without a published listing. Without proactive activation of local contacts, this property would never have been offered to the couple.
Financing preparation reassures sellers when dealing with atypical profiles. An American, non-resident buyer represents a perceived risk for the seller. The complete banking file prepared in advance by Catherine removed this reservation and made the desired negotiation possible.
Are you an expat looking to buy in Paris? Contact Home Select for tailored support from a bilingual property hunter.
Frequently asked questions
Can an American expat buy an apartment in Paris without living in France?
Yes. An American citizen can buy real estate in France with no nationality restriction. The main challenge is financing: few French banks lend to non-residents, but solutions exist through specialist brokers or a substantial down payment.
What budget should you expect for a family apartment near Luxembourg Gardens?
The Luxembourg area in the 6th arrondissement has prices ranging from 12,500 to 16,000 euros per sqm depending on the street and floor. A 4-room apartment of 90 to 100 sqm typically sells between 1,150,000 and 1,550,000 euros.
How does a property hunter manage a remote purchase for expats?
The property hunter conducts all viewings with detailed video reports, coordinates surveys and the notaire, and accompanies the buyer during occasional trips for decisive viewings and signing. At Home Select, we have helped more than 200 expat families.
