A 29-year-old engineer was making his first property purchase in Paris with a budget of 300,000 euros. The Home Select property hunter found a 38 sqm 2-bedroom in Menilmontant, in the 20th arrondissement, negotiated at 285,000 euros, a saving of 22,000 euros, in 7 weeks of searching.
Mission summary
- Property hunter: the Home Select property hunter
- Area: Paris 20th, Menilmontant
- Property type: 2-bedroom, 38 sqm, 3rd floor without lift
- Initial budget: 300,000 euros
- Negotiated price: 285,000 euros (-7.2% from the listed price of 307,000 euros)
- Search duration: 7 weeks
- Buyer profile: First-time buyer, IT engineer, 29 years old
The project
After 4 years of renting a studio in the 11th arrondissement, this young professional wanted to invest in his first apartment. His budget of 300,000 euros, based on a deposit of 45,000 euros and a mortgage over 25 years, considerably limited the options within Paris intra-muros.
He had spent 3 months searching alone, viewing 15 apartments without ever managing to move fast enough. Two offers had been beaten by faster buyers. Discouraged, he turned to a property hunter for greater responsiveness and efficiency.
The search strategy
With a budget of 300,000 euros, the realistic perimeter focused on the 19th and 20th arrondissements, as well as some pockets of the 10th near the canal. Our property hunter targeted Menilmontant, Jourdain and Telegraphe, three micro-neighbourhoods of the 20th offering prices between 7,500 and 9,000 euros/sqm with decent metro access.
The strategy was built on responsiveness: scheduling viewings within 24 hours of listing, having the financial file ready with an up-to-date bank certificate, and a search mandate allowing the property hunter to view alone if the client was unavailable.
From 9 shortlisted properties, 5 were viewed in person. Two were too noisy (facing a busy road), one showed signs of damp on the lower walls.
The property found
The chosen 2-bedroom was on Rue des Cascades, on the 3rd floor without lift of a 1930s building. A well-laid-out 38 sqm: 18 sqm living room with open kitchen, 12 sqm bedroom, shower room renovated in 2023. The south-west orientation provided beautiful afternoon light, with an open view over the rooftops of the 20th.
The property had been listed at 307,000 euros for 5 weeks, or 8,079 euros/sqm. No offer had yet been submitted: the price slightly above the local market and the absence of a lift were deterring candidates.
The negotiation
The absence of a lift on the 3rd floor was an objective negotiation argument: statistics show a discount of 3 to 5% per floor without a lift above the 2nd. Our property hunter presented an offer at 280,000 euros, supported by three references of recent sales on the street between 7,400 and 7,800 euros/sqm.
The seller countered at 290,000 euros. The final agreement at 285,000 euros, or 7,500 euros/sqm, was obtained in exchange for a fast signing of the preliminary contract within 10 days. The 22,000 euros saving allowed the client to fund the installation of a new fitted kitchen.
What this mission illustrates
Responsiveness is decisive for first-time buyers. With a budget below 300,000 euros, attractive properties move fast. A property hunter who can view within 24 hours and submit an argued offer the same day transforms a budget disadvantage into a strategic advantage. This client had failed for 3 months alone before succeeding in 7 weeks with a professional.
The 20th arrondissement remains a solid choice for a first purchase. Menilmontant combines financial accessibility (7,500 to 9,000 euros/sqm), an attractive neighbourhood atmosphere and appreciation potential. The urban projects around Place Gambetta and the line 11 extension reinforce the area’s appeal.
The absence of a lift is a measurable negotiation lever. What deters the majority of buyers can become an advantage for a young buyer without mobility constraints. The 20th arrondissement is full of these opportunities, provided you know how to negotiate them properly.
Considering a first purchase in Paris? Contact our team for support adapted to your budget and criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 20th arrondissement a good choice for a first property purchase in Paris?
The 20th arrondissement remains one of the most affordable in Paris intra-muros with average prices around 8,200 euros/sqm in 2026. The Menilmontant and Jourdain neighbourhoods offer good value for money with a dynamic local life, well-served transport (lines 2, 3, 11) and appreciation potential linked to ongoing urban projects.
What deposit is needed to buy a 2-bedroom in the 20th arrondissement?
For a 2-bedroom at 285,000 euros in the 20th, banks generally require a deposit of 10 to 15%, or 28,500 to 42,750 euros, plus notary fees of approximately 22,000 euros. Certain schemes such as the PTZ allow first-time buyers to reduce the required deposit.
How long does it take to find a first apartment in Paris with a property hunter?
The average duration for a first-time buyer is 6 to 10 weeks with a property hunter. The timeline depends on the budget, flexibility on location and the buyer's responsiveness. In this mission, the property was found in 7 weeks despite a tight budget of 300,000 euros.
