A French family who had lived in Dubai for five years needed to return to France for the start of the school year and were looking for a family flat in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. The Home Select property hunter ran the entire search remotely and found a 95 sqm four-room flat for 785,000 euros, negotiated 40,000 euros below the asking price, letting the family move in as soon as they returned.
Mission overview
- Property hunter: Home Select property hunter
- Area: 15th arrondissement, Commerce / La Motte-Picquet neighbourhood
- Property type: Four-room flat, 95 sqm, 5th floor with lift
- 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, prompted by the need to enrol their children in the French school system. Their aim was to buy before arriving, to avoid costly temporary accommodation and to ease school enrolment.
The 15th was the obvious choice for several reasons: proximity to the husband’s workplace (Grenelle area), good schools, a neighbourhood feel suited to families, and a budget of 850,000 euros in step with the local market for a four-room flat.
The search strategy
The challenge was threefold: a two-hour time difference, no chance to view in person before the final phase, and a tight schedule (the September school start). Our property hunter set up 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 recorded with commentary. A co-ownership analysis and technical assessment came with each shortlisted property.
Over 7 weeks, our property hunter viewed 18 properties, presented 5 to the couple, and the husband viewed 2 during a 48-hour trip to Paris.
The property found
A 95 sqm four-room flat on the 5th floor of a 1975 building with lift and concierge, 200 metres from the target primary 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 flat had been renovated three years earlier: double glazing, electrics brought up to standard, clean paintwork. Monthly charges were 380 euros (concierge, lift, grounds), with no works voted.
The negotiation
The asking price of 825,000 euros came to 8,684 euros per sqm. Two arguments shaped the negotiation:
- A 15th arrondissement market in slight decline: DVF data showed median prices of 8,200 to 8,500 euros per sqm for four-room flats in this area the previous quarter
- Speed of execution: financing already approved by the bank, ready to sign at once
The opening offer of 775,000 euros was countered at 800,000 euros. Our property hunter held firm at 785,000 euros, stressing the buyers’ 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, about 30% of our mandates involve expats buying in Paris. The property hunter makes up for the distance through thorough documentation and structured communication.
2. Financing must be secured before the search begins. For returning expats, bank approval ahead of the search mandate is essential. It lends weight to the offer and speeds up the transaction. Our purchase service includes introductions to specialist brokers.
3. The 15th remains a top choice for families. Large, well-connected and home to good schools, the 15th arrondissement offers surfaces above the Paris average for a controlled budget. It is one of the areas where our property hunters work most often.
Preparing a return from abroad and looking to buy in Paris? Contact Home Select to organise 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 and coordinates the notaire and the broker. The client signs a notarised power of attorney for the preliminary agreement if they cannot travel.
How long should you allow for buying in Paris when returning from abroad?
Allow 2 to 4 months between the search mandate and the signing of the final deed. For a family returning from abroad, we recommend starting the search at least 4 months before the planned move-in date to leave enough time to finalise 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 specialising in expats facilitates the file preparation and obtains competitive rates.
Why secure your financing before launching the search?
For a returning expat, getting the bank's agreement before the mandate strengthens the offer and speeds up the transaction. In this mission, the family returning from Dubai already had financing in place, which let Home Select present a risk-free buyer profile and obtain the seller's agreement within 72 hours. The 95 sqm four-room flat in the 15th was signed at 785,000 euros, negotiated 5% below the 825,000 euro asking price, with the property found before the family even arrived in France.
