A student couple finishing their studies made their first property purchase: a 28 sqm studio on the 6th floor with elevator in the Commerce neighborhood of the 15th arrondissement, acquired at 245,000 euros after a negotiation of 20,000 euros (7.5%). The Home Select property hunter completed this mission in 4 weeks.
Mission summary
- Property hunter: Home Select property hunter
- Area: Commerce / Felix Faure, Paris 15th
- Property type: Studio 28 sqm, 6th floor with elevator
- Initial budget: 265,000 euros
- Negotiated price: 245,000 euros (listed at 265,000 euros)
- Search duration: 4 weeks
- Buyer profile: Student couple, ages 24 and 25, first-time buyers with family support
The project
Lea and Maxime, respectively in their final year of business school and a master’s in law, wanted to buy rather than continue paying 1,100 euros per month in rent for their current apartment in the 15th. Their respective parents had put together a deposit of 80,000 euros, and Lea’s mother would co-sign the loan to secure the financing. Their main criterion: staying in the 15th arrondissement, which they knew well, with a studio large enough to live in as a couple through their first years of employment.
The search strategy
Our property hunter targeted the Commerce, Felix Faure, Lourmel area, where prices per sqm for small properties remain contained compared to the northern part of the 15th. The search focused on studios of 25 to 32 sqm on high floors, in buildings with elevator and moderate service charges. Brightness was a priority criterion: at this budget and size, the difference between a dark studio on the 1st floor and a bright unit on a higher floor is considerable in terms of quality of life and resale value.
The property found
The identified studio is on the 6th floor of a 1970s building with elevator, in a quiet residence 5 minutes from the Commerce metro station. The 28 sqm are well-optimized: an 18 sqm living space with fitted kitchen area, a bathroom with shower, and a small west-facing balcony offering an open view over the rooftops. The apartment had been freshened up by the seller (paint, flooring), avoiding any renovation budget. Service charges amount to 120 euros per month. One point carefully verified: the building regulations do authorize rental, offering future flexibility if the couple relocates.
The negotiation
The property was listed at 265,000 euros, or 9,464 euros per sqm. Our property hunter identified that the seller, about to move abroad, had a tight schedule. The offer was presented at 240,000 euros, with an argument based on local prices (8,500 to 9,200 euros per sqm for comparable studios) and a commitment to a fast signing. The agreement was reached at 245,000 euros (8,750 euros per sqm), 20,000 euros below the asking price. The 7.5% negotiation rate is above the Parisian average, made possible by the seller’s personal situation and the speed of the offer.
What this mission illustrates
Young first-time buyers benefit from professional guidance. Without market experience, Lea and Maxime could have paid full price for a poorly valued property or missed a technical defect. The property hunter secures this decisive first transaction.
The seller’s situation is a key negotiation parameter. By identifying the owner’s imminent departure, our property hunter was able to calibrate an aggressive but realistic offer. The 7.5% negotiation is the direct result of this market intelligence.
The 15th arrondissement remains accessible for a first purchase. With prices between 8,500 and 10,000 euros per sqm depending on the micro-neighborhood, the southern part of the 15th allows young buyers to become homeowners within Paris at reasonable conditions.
Preparing your first purchase in Paris? Contact Home Select for guidance from an experienced property hunter.
Frequently asked questions
Can a student buy an apartment in Paris?
Yes, provided they have sufficient personal savings, often contributed by their family. Banks will finance students nearing the end of their studies if a co-borrower (parent) acts as guarantor or co-signs the loan. The overall household debt ratio is then taken into account.
What is the minimum budget for a studio in the 15th arrondissement?
In 2026, studios of 20 to 30 sqm in the 15th sell between 200,000 and 310,000 euros depending on location and condition. The Commerce-Felix Faure area remains more affordable than the Grenelle-Champ de Mars area.
Does a property hunter work with first-time buyers on a small budget?
At Home Select, we work with first-time buyers regardless of budget. For small properties, our added value is twofold: identifying undervalued properties or those with appreciation potential, and securing the purchase with a rigorous technical analysis.
