A 26-year-old web developer wanted to make his first property purchase in Paris with a budget limited to 250,000 euros. The Home Select property hunter found a 28 sqm studio in the Jules Joffrin neighbourhood of the 18th arrondissement, negotiated to 235,000 euros, 20,000 euros below the listed price, in 5 weeks.
Mission summary
- Property hunter: the Home Select property hunter
- Area: Paris 18th, Jules Joffrin
- Property type: Studio, 28 sqm, 4th floor without lift
- Initial budget: 250,000 euros
- Negotiated price: 235,000 euros (-7.8% from the listed price of 255,000 euros)
- Search duration: 5 weeks
- Buyer profile: First-time buyer, freelance web developer, 26 years old
The project
This young freelance web developer was working from home, a rented studio at 950 euros/month in the 11th arrondissement. He calculated that loan repayments of 1,050 euros/month over 25 years would allow him to become an owner for a monthly premium of just 100 euros. An economically rational calculation for a first purchase.
His criteria: a studio of at least 25 sqm (large enough to set up a separate desk area from the sleeping area), bright, in a lively neighbourhood well served by the metro. He accepted the absence of a lift in exchange for a more accessible price.
The search strategy
With a budget of 250,000 euros, central arrondissements were ruled out. Our property hunter targeted the 18th arrondissement, specifically the Jules Joffrin and Marcadet-Poissonniers neighbourhoods, where the average studio price ranged from 8,000 to 9,200 euros/sqm, compatible with the budget.
The strategy prioritised speed: in this highly competitive segment, good studios sell within 48 to 72 hours. The property hunter committed to viewing any matching property on the day of listing, with a financial file ready to present immediately.
Over 5 weeks: 8 studios shortlisted, 5 viewed, 1 offer submitted.
The property found
The selected studio was on Rue Ordener, on the 4th floor without lift of a 1920s building. A well-laid-out 28 sqm: 20 sqm main room with a large south-facing window, 4 sqm kitchenette, 4 sqm shower room. The 2.80 m ceiling height allowed for a mezzanine for sleeping, freeing up floor space for the desk.
The building was well maintained, with a healthy co-ownership and moderate charges of 1,200 euros/year. The property needed refreshing (paint, flooring) but was structurally sound. The listed price was 255,000 euros, or 9,107 euros/sqm.
The negotiation
The property had been on the market for 4 weeks with no offers. The absence of a lift on the 4th floor and the need for refreshing were deterring candidates. Our property hunter put together an offer file highlighting the strength of the financing (mortgage agreement in principle already obtained) and proposing a fast signing.
The offer of 230,000 euros was countered at 240,000 euros. The final agreement at 235,000 euros, or 8,393 euros/sqm, was reached within 48 hours of negotiation. Saving: 20,000 euros. The client then invested 12,000 euros in refreshing works and a mezzanine installation, bringing the total cost to 247,000 euros for an optimised 28 sqm studio.
What this mission illustrates
A first purchase in Paris is achievable with the right strategy. A budget of 250,000 euros is enough to become an owner in several Parisian arrondissements. The 18th arrondissement offers one of the best quality-of-life-to-price ratios in Paris, with appreciation supported by urban renewal.
Studios without lifts are the best deals for young buyers. The discount linked to the absence of a lift (5 to 8% per floor above the 2nd) does not bother a 26-year-old buyer and represents a direct saving on the purchase. What is a drawback for the market is an advantage for the first-time buyer.
A property hunter on small budgets is cost-effective. The property hunter’s fees are more than covered by the negotiation savings (20,000 euros here) and the time saved (5 weeks instead of 3 to 6 months). For a first-time buyer, it is the guarantee of not missing the right property in a market where responsiveness is everything.
Ready for your first purchase in Paris? Contact our team for support adapted to your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy a studio in Paris with a budget of 250,000 euros?
Yes, a budget of 250,000 euros gives access to studios of 20 to 30 sqm in the 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements, as well as certain areas of the 10th and 13th. Prices range from 7,500 to 9,500 euros/sqm depending on the neighbourhood and condition. With a property hunter, the search is more efficient as competition is fierce in this segment.
Is a studio a good first property investment?
A Parisian studio is an excellent first investment: strong rental demand (students, young professionals), accessible entry price, and appreciation potential in evolving arrondissements such as the 18th or 19th. The gross rental yield of a studio in Paris ranges between 3.5 and 5% depending on the area.
Which neighbourhoods of the 18th are most interesting for a first-time buyer?
Abbesses and Montmartre are the most expensive (10,000-12,000 euros/sqm). For a tighter budget, the Jules Joffrin, Marcadet-Poissonniers and Marx Dormoy neighbourhoods offer prices of 7,500 to 9,000 euros/sqm with strong appreciation potential thanks to urban renewal and the arrival of new shops.
