A French family that had been living in Dubai for five years needed to return to France for the start of the school year and was looking for a family apartment in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. The Home Select property hunter managed the entire search remotely and found a 95 sqm four-bedroom for 785,000 euros, negotiated 40,000 euros below the asking price, allowing the family to move in as soon as they returned.
Mission overview
- Property hunter: Home Select property hunter
- Area: 15th arrondissement, Commerce / La Motte-Picquet neighborhood
- Property type: Four-bedroom, 95 sqm, 5th floor with elevator
- Initial budget: 850,000 euros
- Asking price: 825,000 euros
- Negotiated price: 785,000 euros (minus 5%)
- Search duration: 7 weeks
- Buyer profile: Couple, ages 40 and 38, two children (ages 8 and 5)
The project
After five years in Dubai, our clients were preparing their return to France, driven by the need to enroll their children in the French school system. Their goal was to buy before arriving to avoid costly temporary accommodation and to facilitate school enrollment.
The 15th arrondissement was the obvious choice for several reasons: proximity to the husband’s workplace (Grenelle area), reputable schools, a neighborhood atmosphere suited to families, and a budget of 850,000 euros compatible with the local market for a four-bedroom.
The search strategy
The challenge was threefold: a two-hour time difference, the impossibility of visiting in person before the final phase, and a tight schedule (September school start). Our property hunter organized a structured process:
Each week, a 30-minute video conference with the couple to present shortlisted properties. Viewings were streamed live when the time difference allowed, or documented via narrated video. The co-ownership analysis and technical assessment were provided for each shortlisted property.
Over 7 weeks, 18 properties were visited by our property hunter, 5 were presented to the couple, and 2 were visited by the husband during a 48-hour trip to Paris.
The property found
A 95 sqm four-bedroom on the 5th floor of a 1975 building with elevator and concierge, 200 meters from the targeted elementary school. A 30 sqm double living room, three bedrooms (14, 12 and 9 sqm), a separate fitted kitchen, two shower rooms. A 6 sqm south-facing balcony.
The property had been renovated three years prior: double glazing, electrical wiring brought up to standard, clean paintwork. Monthly charges were 380 euros (concierge, elevator, green spaces), with no works voted.
The negotiation
The asking price of 825,000 euros equated to 8,684 euros per sqm. Two arguments structured the negotiation:
- The 15th arrondissement market in slight decline: DVF data showed median prices of 8,200 to 8,500 euros per sqm for four-bedrooms in this area in the previous quarter
- Speed of execution: financing already approved by the bank, immediate availability to sign
The initial offer of 775,000 euros was countered at 800,000 euros. Our property hunter held firm at 785,000 euros by highlighting the buyer’s risk-free profile. The seller accepted within 72 hours.
What this mission illustrates
1. Buying from abroad is possible with the right support. At Home Select, approximately 30% of our mandates involve expats buying in Paris. The property hunter compensates for the distance through exhaustive documentation and structured communication.
2. Financing must be secured before the search begins. For returning expats, obtaining bank approval prior to the search mandate is essential. It adds credibility to the offer and speeds up the transaction. Our purchase service includes introductions to specialist brokers.
3. The 15th arrondissement remains a top choice for families. Large, well-connected and home to quality schools, the 15th arrondissement offers surfaces above the Parisian average for a controlled budget. It is one of the areas where our property hunters operate most frequently.
Preparing a return from abroad and looking to buy in Paris? Contact Home Select to organize your remote search.
Frequently asked questions
How do you buy an apartment in Paris from Dubai or a Gulf country?
Buying from the Emirates is common at Home Select. The property hunter conducts all viewings by proxy, provides video reports, coordinates the notary and the broker. The client signs a notarial power of attorney for the preliminary agreement if they cannot travel.
How long should you allow for buying in Paris when returning from abroad?
Plan for 2 to 4 months between the search mandate and the signing of the final deed. For a family returning from abroad, we recommend launching the search at least 4 months before the planned move-in date to allow enough time to finalize the financing.
Do banks finance an expat returning to France?
Yes, but conditions vary. Banks generally require an employment contract in France or a firm job offer. The minimum deposit required is often 20 to 30%. A broker specializing in expats facilitates the file preparation and obtains competitive rates.
