French Real Estate Market Trends – July 2025

By Jay Corless, edited by Adrian Leeds

The tide may be turning in France’s real estate market, but it’s not rushing in—think of it more as a cautious, gentle swell.

After two years of doom and gloom, the French property market is finally showing the faintest rays of sunshine. According to the Notaires de France, by the end of April 2025, the resale market logged 892,000 sales over the previous twelve months. That’s a 2.5 percent annual increase—the first positive figure we’ve seen since mid-2022. To me, that’s like spotting crocuses peeking out after a long, cold winter: not a full bloom yet, but a sure sign that spring is on its way. (Read the full PDF report)

The shift is being driven in part by financing. When the European Central Bank began slashing rates last year—eight times in a row—the main lending rate fell to two percent. The ripple effects are finally reaching borrowers. Mortgage rates, which were hovering above four percent just 18 months ago, are now closer to 3.1 percent. That might not sound earth-shattering, but it’s the difference between “forget it” and “maybe we can swing it.” Banks are still choosy, of course, but for those with solid income and tidy dossiers, the credit window is cracking open again.

Prices, too, are no longer tumbling. Nationally, resale prices increased by 0.4 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. Apartments rose by 0.7 percent, while houses managed a modest 0.3 percent. The provinces fared even better, especially for apartments, while Île-de-France is just starting to find its balance again. Paris apartments, surprisingly, even posted a tiny annual gain of 0.4 percent. After months of dire predictions, the City of Light is refusing to dim. Sellers who have adjusted their expectations are making deals; those waiting for yesterday’s prices are simply watching from the sidelines.

Here’s the part we love most: purchasing power is back on the rise. Thanks to softer prices and easier borrowing, the average household can now finance 84 square meters—an eight percent increase from last year. That translates to 61 square meters for apartments (up 11 percent) and 100 square meters for houses (up eight percent). In real terms, that means your euros now buy you more space than they did during the overheated frenzy of 2021–2022. Imagine that: more room for your grand piano, your art collection, or simply a bigger terrace to sip your rosé on a summer evening.

But let’s not pretend the whole country is dancing to the same tune. France is a patchwork, and every city writes its own story. Paris and the larger metropolitan areas are stabilizing; coastal darlings like Trouville-sur-Mer and Le Touquet are still experiencing double-digit gains (location, location, location!), while in secondary cities like La Rochelle and Bordeaux, prices have been tumbling. One person’s panic is another person’s opportunity—it all depends on how you look at it.

So what does this mean for you? For international buyers and expats, the timing may be just right. The market isn’t crashing anymore, but it hasn’t yet taken off either. That creates a sweet spot: sellers are more realistic, financing is more accessible, and the statistics hide gems waiting to be uncovered. But don’t wait too long—the rebound is fragile, and the moment could pass if rates shift or confidence falters.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, wondering when to jump in, we’d say the time to dip your toe in the water is now. France’s property tide is turning, slowly but surely. And remember: the national numbers are just averages. Each arrondissement, each quartier, each little seaside town has its own personality and quirks. That’s where having a trusted hand on your side makes all the difference.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll repeat it: don’t navigate this market alone. It’s complicated, unpredictable, and full of both pitfalls and pearls. With a professional by your side, you’ll know where to find the pearls—and avoid stepping on the pitfalls.

Here’s how you contact us to get started!

A bientôt,