Other agencies in Paris can only show you their own listings, limiting your options. But as a buyer’s agency, we provide access to all properties available for sale, ensuring you see everything that meets your criteria. With no centralized database, navigating the Paris real estate market can be daunting, involving searching through many websites and contacting individual sellers.
We simplify the process by conducting a thorough search online and on the ground, connecting you with the resources you need, and guiding you through every step of the purchase. Our comprehensive service saves you time and money, making your dream of owning a property in Paris a reality.
Finding a property in France is challenging due to the fragmented market and lack of a Multiple Listing System (MLS). Each agency only lists its own properties and won’t show listings from others, as there’s no commission sharing. Buyers need to visit each agency, browse many websites, and explore numerous neighborhoods. There’s no single site listing all properties.
Additionally, about 40% of properties are sold directly by owners, adding to the difficulty.
Metropolitan Properties Paris offers a comprehensive solution. A dedicated search consultant works one on one with you, helping you access and screen all available properties, assisting with evaluation, selection, and negotiation, saving you time and money. Unlike listing agents who represent only their individual sellers and listings, we work for you.
We manage the entire process from finding your perfect place to closing the deal. This includes overseeing the signing of the preliminary purchase agreement, finding mortgage lenders, renovation experts, legal and tax advisors, rental and property management, as well as setting up utilities and insurance.
Metropolitan Properties Paris is a licensed real estate brokerage, focused on assisting buyers, and providing necessary insurances and protections. Unlicensed agents fees are not tax deductible.. They also don’t offer protection under French real estate laws. Your investment is significant—don’t trust it to just anyone.
Paris real estate has been a great investment since the 1990s, with some arrondissements seeing prices double, triple, or even quadruple, averaging around 10% annual appreciation. This makes it a smart investment, providing both financial returns and lasting enjoyment.
A recent study by LaSalle ranks Paris as one of the top two European cities for real estate investment, mainly due to its concentration of successful companies and R&D facilities. London and Paris are set to account for more growth than Europe’s next nine top-ranked cities combined. Interestingly, Paris has overtaken London as the top destination for venture capital funding for the first time since LaSalle began tracking this data in 2006, receiving particularly elevated levels of investment into its technology sector.
Paris is a world class investment destination
Paris outperforms London in some areas, housing 29 Fortune 500 company headquarters compared to London’s 19, and significantly outspending on research and development. The city’s GDP has risen, showing strong economic dynamics. Post-Brexit, Paris is well-positioned to become the top investment city. Over the past 16 years, Paris has consistently ranked in the top three in LaSalle’s index, thanks to its economic resilience and transparent real estate market.
D1. Preparation
● Determine budget
● Obtain bank pre-approval for mortgage
● Define search criteria: location, size, budget
2. Searching
● Create a custom property list from various agencies, and private by-owner sales.
● Schedule showings with multiple agencies
● Evaluate investment potential and renovation feasibility of each option
3. Negotiation and Offer
● Obtain comparable market value information
● Set a purchase price target
● Negotiate with seller’s agent
● Present offer and secure the property
4. Before Committing Financially
● Choose a French notaire
● Send personal data to notaire
● Wire 10% deposit and registration expenses to escrow account
● Review inspection reports, building documents and preliminary contract
5. The Preliminary Contract
● Sign the “promesse” or pre-contract (in person or by proxy)
● 10-day cooling-off period
6. Between Contract and Closing
● Finalize mortgage application (6-8 weeks)
● Transfer balance to notaire’s escrow account
● Attend co-owner’s meeting if scheduled
● Connect with renovation and design professionals
● Obtain homeowner’s insurance
● Open a French bank account for utilities and fees
7. The Closing
● Conduct property walk-through
● Sign closing documents (in person or by proxy)
● Understand pro-rata expenses with seller
● Receive keys and ownership documents
8. After Sale
● Transfer utility accounts to your name
● Explore property management services
● Receive a copy of the property deed (about 6 months after closing)
HAPPY HOME OWNER!
It is said that Paris is made up of many villages, each with its own personality and charm. Visitors often gravitate to the same area of Paris, but there are many neighborhoods to choose from and each offers a different mix to suit any budget: from trendy to classic, and from historic architecture to village-like charm. Paris is a walkable and friendly town. See more about each neighborhood (link).
The buyer should normally expect to pay fees and taxes of about 7.5% of the purchase price. These break down roughly as follows:
We market your property to both local and international buyers, increasing offers and maximizing sale price. In Paris’ decentralized market, finding a reliable agent can be tough, leading many owners to list with multiple agents. Unfortunately, this often results in a rush to sell at lower prices as agents try to sell quickly, prioritizing their fees.
Our client-focused approach offers an honest valuation and tailored sales strategy. We advertise extensively in top publications and offer commission sharing to other agencies, broadening exposure and increasing offers. We negotiate rigorously and manage the entire process for a smooth and successful sale.
No, it’s actually counterproductive. When potential buyers see multiple ads with contradictory information and different prices, they may assume the seller is desperate or the property has serious flaws, damaging its image.
Working with one agency has several advantages. It offers the convenience of a single point of contact and attracts buyers to exclusive listings, ensuring clarity during negotiations. Our unique approach combines the benefits of exclusive listings with the wide exposure of a non-exclusive mandate, providing streamlined marketing and broad visibility.
Sellers must perform diagnostic tests, typically costing around €500, depending on the property’s size.
Agency fees are included in the property’s asking price and will be paid by either the buyer or the seller, as specified in the sales mandate. This does not affect the property price but influences how closing costs are calculated.
To ensure transparency about a property’s structural and financial health, additional statements from the building management company are required at the reservation contract and closing. These fees, typically around €900, are paid by the seller.
The buyer is responsible for notarial fees, which are about 7.5% of the purchase price.
Capital gains tax applies to the sale of a secondary residence, varying based on the property’s value and length of ownership. However, the sale of a primary residence is currently exempt from capital gains tax.
Please contact us for more information. We are happy to discuss your project with you.
