Tips for Finding Affordable Apartments in Paris  

It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A popular tourist destination, many people fall in love with the city and want to find a way to live there, at least part time. Apartments in Paris are not cheap and they can be hard to find. Depending on the area where you want to find an available property, it can be weeks between suitable listings.

There are a few tips that can help make your search for apartments in Paris a little easier. While each property is different and each real estate agent is as well, these tips may help save you some time and money, but also help you locate the perfect piece of real estate.

Tip #1 Understand the Terminology 

If you are not fluent in French, there is some terminology in the French real estate market that you need to know. A pied a terre is a vacation rental, such as an apartment or condo. An arrondissement is a neighborhood in Paris. There are 20 such neighborhoods in Paris and when you ask someone where they live, they will likely give you a number that refers to that neighborhood. Prix du marche refers to the market value of any property and it’s extremely important that you know this value of whatever property you are interested in before you speak with a real estate agent.

Tip #2 Know What Type of Apartments in Paris You Are Interested In  

The more specifics you can give your real estate agent, the more likely you are to find an agent that will work with you. Many Paris agents are not very inclined to work with foreigners. This is because most Parisians know exactly what they want, the properties that are available, and what the going prices are before they even contact an agent.

Tip #3 Dress for Success 

You’ll want to dress up to go out. Now is not the time to visit an agent’s office in a pair of blue jeans. This city is one of the fashion capitals of the world and it shows in virtually every aspect of the French way of life. You’ll not find lounge clothes or denim in business wear and the way you look will determine how you are treated when you enter a business.

Tip #4 Be Familiar with the Areas You’re Interested In 

If you know the area where you want to find apartments in Paris, you will be able to recognize certain addresses within the city. This means that you could phone your realtor quickly and get the ball rolling. There are a number of people searching for apartments in Paris, just as you are. It sometimes comes down to who makes an offer first.

A Final Thought 

When you find a realtor who will help you, make sure you phone in weekly. This will help keep your name at the top of their lists, hopefully ensuring you receive the first phone call when apartments in Paris become available.

Apartments in Paris Tip #1:

One of the main factors in the price will be the location and the view the apartment offers. There are some areas in Paris that are not highly sought after, and it’s usually for a good reason. Make sure you are familiar with the area so you don’t move somewhere unsafe without realizing it.

Apartments in Paris Tip #2:

While some haggling may be in order, there is generally not too much leeway given in the real estate prices in Paris. There are simply too many people looking for properties.

Apartments in Paris Tip #3:

Be prepared to move quickly once your offer is accepted. The financing part of the deal should already be in place before you begin your search.