Buying property in Paris as a foreigner
Buying an apartment in Paris as a foreigner is straightforward: France places no restrictions on non-residents, and the whole purchase can be handled remotely. With a dedicated property hunter, the search takes 45 days on average, against six to nine months alone. Home Select has guided international buyers since 2011, and about 30% of our clients live abroad. One difference from the United States or the United Kingdom: in France the buyer pays the property hunter, not the seller. Our fee is charged only on success: nothing is due if no property is found.
0%
avg. nego.
0+
clients
4,8/5
Why a property hunter when you're buying from abroad
Off-market access
15 to 25% of Paris properties are never advertised online. Only a hunter based in the city, with a network of 15,000 partner agents, can reach them on your behalf.
The time difference
In Paris, well-priced properties sell within 24 to 48 hours. From abroad you cannot react fast enough. Your hunter acts in real time on the ground.
Unable to visit
Flying in for every viewing is not realistic. Your hunter visits, filters and sends a detailed video report for each shortlisted property.
Administrative complexity
Preliminary contract (compromis), conditions precedent, notaire, diagnostics: the French framework is dense and unlike most countries. We translate every step into plain English.
Financing for non-residents
A French mortgage as a non-resident needs a tailored application and a 20 to 30% deposit. Our partner brokers specialise in international profiles.
How to buy in Paris from abroad?
Video viewings
Live or recorded, with a complete tour of the property, the building and the neighbourhood.
Detailed reports
HD photos, video, a technical review of the property, the co-ownership accounts and a breakdown of the charges.
Remote negotiation
A reasoned offer, with price and terms negotiated on your behalf and no need to travel.
Signing by proxy
Preliminary contract and completion by proxy. We coordinate with the notary and your lawyer.
Specialist broker
An introduction to brokers who specialise in non-resident financing and will sharpen your application.
Refurbishment management
If the property needs work, we coordinate with architects and local contractors.
Which expats use a property hunter?
Returning from abroad
Coming back to France and looking for your main home. We get ahead of your return.
Parisian pied-à-terre
For your regular stays in Paris. We focus on neighbourhoods that suit a second home.
Investing from abroad
Building your Paris portfolio. Yield analysis and turnkey lettings management.
Relocating to Paris
Your company is sending you to Paris. We find your home before you arrive.
International buyers
You are not French but want to buy in Paris. Full support in English from start to finish.
30%
expat clients
1,200+
buyers helped
16
bilingual hunters
45 days
average search
The Paris market in 2026: what a foreign buyer should know
The average price in Paris is around €10,500/sqm in 2026, ranging from about €7,800 to €14,300 depending on the arrondissement. Here are the price brackets in the areas most in demand among international buyers.
| Area | Price per sqm |
|---|---|
| 6th arr. | €14,000 - 16,000/sqm |
| 7th arr. | €12,000 - 15,000/sqm |
| 8th arr. | €11,000 - 13,000/sqm |
| 16th arr. | €11,000 - 14,000/sqm |
| 9th arr. | €10,000 - 12,000/sqm |
Sources: DVF/Cerema, updated 2026
15 to 25% of Paris transactions happen off-market, with no online listing. Reaching these properties requires a hunter based in the city, which is decisive when you are buying from another time zone.
Our fees: transparent and success-based
Rate
2.5% of the net seller price
Minimum
€10,000 incl. VAT
Terms
100% on success
First meeting
Free, no obligation
Unlike the United States, where the buyer's agent is paid by the seller, in France the buyer pays the property hunter. The negotiation we obtain (6% on average off the asking price) usually more than covers the fee: on an €800,000 property, that is €48,000 saved against €20,000 in fees.
They bought from abroad
"From Dubai, everything was handled remotely. The video viewings were extremely detailed. We signed by proxy and picked up the keys to our pied-à-terre in the 6th without a single trip back."
Alexandre & Sarah K.
Pied-à-terre from Dubai, 6th arrondissement
"Back from New York after eight years, we needed a family flat fast. Five weeks later, it was done. The hunter handled everything while we were still in the US."
Julie & Marc R.
Returning from abroad, 15th arrondissement
"As an American buying in Paris for the first time, the process seemed overwhelming. Home Select handled everything in English, from viewings to the notaire. Exceptional service."
James W.
Investment from London, 11th arrondissement
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy property in Paris?
Who pays the property hunter in France, the buyer or the seller?
Do I need to be a French tax resident to buy?
How do I arrange a mortgage as a non-resident?
Can I buy without travelling to Paris?
What are the real costs of buying in Paris as a foreigner?
Paris buyer's guide
The eight steps to buy in Paris, from financing to the notaire, explained for foreign buyers.
Our fees
2.5% of the purchase price, paid only on success. A transparent fee structure.
Contact us
Tell us about your project: your dedicated bilingual hunter calls you back within 24 hours.
Your project starts here
Let's talk through your search over 30 minutes. First call free, no commitment. Our 16 property hunters are ready to find your home in Paris.
Home Select, property hunter in Paris since 2011.
