BUYER’S GUIDE TO PARIS

Choosing an area

Paris consists of 20 arrondissements (districts), all with their own characteristics and property prices. I suggest putting aside a weekend to explore each. Most of the famous landmarks, restaurants and shops are in the central arrondissements of Châtelet, Le Marais (where we bought an apartment) and the Latin Quarter. If you opt for an apartment in these areas, however, expect to pay considerably more than for real estate located in the 19th and 20th arrondissements, which are 15 minutes away from the centre by metro.

The prices

Paris is not cheap and prices vary depending on the district and size of property. For example, in the 3rd arrondissement the average property price is €13,000 per square metre. In the 4th arrondissement (Le Marais) the average cost is €14,000 per square metre, with the 6th and 7th arrondissements averaging between €14,000 and €15,000 per sq m. More affordable areas include the 19th and the 20th arrondissements in the east of the city, where prices average €9,000 per sq m. 

Choose your type

You ideally want an apartment that retains a touch of 18th-century classicism. This style was encapsulated by Baron Haussmann, a French official chosen by Emperor Napoléon III to carry out an urban renewal programme of new boulevards, parks and public works. His trademarks include high ceilings, large windows and double doors that lead to those signature wrought-iron balconies.

What to aim for

When it comes to the Haussmann-style apartments, the second floor was traditionally reserved for nobility, so these apartments have higher ceilings and larger balconies.

Starting your search

Register with local estate agents: I was with barnes-international.com, danielfeau.com and emilegarcin.com. I also trawled listings sites such as properstar.co.uk, jamesedition. com and residences-immobilier.com. If you work full time in the UK, or have limited French, I also recommend using a property search agency. I used Emma Skoble at parispropertygroup.com

Taxes

The property tax system is different in France so take note of hidden costs before buying. Visit ptireturns.com for further information. Follow Geraldine’s renovation journey on Instagram @mypariswithme 

THE BOHO ONE

Price €870,000.

Property type A one-bedroom apartment on the fourth (and top floor) of a historic building dating back to 1870.

Size 63.7 sq m.

Layout The property includes a fitted and fully equipped kitchen, spacious bedroom located on the mezzanine, an office that could be repurposed as a second bedroom, a shower room and a balcony. A cellar is also included.

Location In the 18th arrondissement where the iconic film Amélie was shot and within walking distance of the Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre.

USP It’s designed and furnished throughout by an architect, with unobstructed views of the sky and Insta-famous rooftops of Paris. Visit barnes-international.com 

THE WORKING PROFESSIONAL ONE

The property includes a fitted and fully equipped kitchen, spacious bedroom located on the mezzanine, an office that could be repurposed as a second bedroom, a shower room and a balcony

Price €930,000.

Property type A spacious two-bedroom apartment located on the second floor of an old building overlooking a quiet courtyard.

Size 94.58 sq m.

Location In the tourist hotspot of Porte Saint-Denis in the 10th arrondissement, near the historic Parisian monument of the same name, as well as shops and metro links.

Layout The apartment consists of a large living room, south-facing balcony, two sizeable bedrooms (16 sq m each, including one overlooking the courtyard), kitchen, bathroom, separate toilet area and an office with a courtyard view. There is also the bonus of three-metre-high ceilings.

USP Porte Saint-Denis is also home to Stade de France, which is set to play a major role in the 2024 Olympics. Visit laforet.com 

THE ARTSY ONE

A two-bedroom apartment located on the second floor of a modern condominium (built in 2005) with views over the canal

An airy west-facing living room with an open-plan and fully furnished kitchen, large bedroom with built-in storage, bathroom and a separate toilet

Price €910,000.

Property type A two-bedroom apartment located on the second floor of a modern condominium (built in 2005) with views over the canal.

Size 63 sq m.

Location In a quiet courtyard on the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement. The canal is one of the most picturesque waterways in Paris, commissioned by Napoléon I in 1802, and connects the water of Northeast Paris to the Seine. You are also next to the iconic Hôtel du Nord, frézování perfect for those cinema-worthy coffees.

Layout An airy west-facing living room with an open-plan and fully furnished kitchen, large bedroom with built-in storage, bathroom and a separate toilet. The property also has an impressive 7 sq m cellar with a parking space available.

USP To be among the ever-evolving hive of independent interiors and food shops, trendy bars and restaurants. Visit barnes-international.com 

THE BOUGIE ONE

A mainly south-facing three-bedroom family apartment located on the third floor of an old building

Price €1,450,000.

Property type A mainly south-facing three-bedroom family apartment located on the third floor of an old building.

Size 115 sq m.

Location The bustling 4th arrondissement in Beaubourg (otherwise known as the heart of Paris) within walking distance of the Seine, Le Marais and the famous Forum Des Halles, Paris’s huge underground shopping mall.

Layout A living/dining room, three bedrooms, a study, an open-plan and fully equipped kitchen, plus bathroom, shower room and a full-length balcony overlooking one of the most sought-after areas of the city.

USP A traditional Haussmann apartment, complete with wooden flooring, original architectural features, panelling and ornate fireplaces. Visit residences-immobilier.com

THE CHIC BUT MORE AFFORDABLE ONE 

Price €495,000.

Property type A three-bedroom apartment on the fourth floor of a well-maintained condominium dating back to 1880.

Size 49 sq m.

Location On the edge of the picturesque Parc des ButtesChaumont in the 19th arrondissement, also known as the Paris equivalent of Hackney. Think trendy bars, restaurants and artisanal cafés aplenty. It’s also home to a famous suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, who built the Tower.

Layout The apartment consists of a light-filled living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, bedroom with a dressing room, bathroom and a balcony. A cellar and exterior bike area is also included.

USP An upcoming area that has all the amenities of Paris (bars, restaurants, good schools) without the super-high price tag. Visit maisonsetappartements.fr 

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