Buying a pied-à-terre in Paris from abroad

Buying a pied-à-terre or apartment in Paris from abroad starts with how you want to enjoy the city. Regular short stays, a family home, a return to France or a longer-term move call for different addresses and properties.

This guide brings together seven steps for buyers living outside France: choosing a neighbourhood, planning the full budget, preparing a non-resident file, arranging viewings and completing the purchase. Coloristreet helps you define your search and select properties across Paris and Greater Paris, with communication in English, French or Portuguese.

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1. Define the project and the complete budget

Start by deciding how the property will be used: as a main or second home, accommodation for a family member, a professional base or a rental investment. This choice affects the neighbourhood, property type, financing and tax questions that need to be reviewed.

The budget should include more than the asking price. Allow for acquisition costs, possible renovation, co-ownership charges, property tax, insurance and financing. Amounts paid on completion include taxes collected for public authorities, administrative expenses and the notary’s remuneration. Their level depends in particular on whether the property is new or existing. The French tax authority explains how these costs are composed.

2. Choose the right part of Paris

Paris contains very different markets within a small area. Central districts offer heritage, prestige and sustained international demand. Western Paris is often chosen for larger apartments, fine buildings and access to leading schools. Eastern and southern districts may offer more space, strong neighbourhood life or contemporary architecture.

Compare travel times, the immediate surroundings, floor level, lift access, natural light, layout and the quality of the co-ownership. You can also review our introduction to the Paris property market and properties currently available in Paris.

What matters when choosing a Paris pied-à-terre?

For occasional stays, convenience is part of the address: journeys from your usual station or airport, shops within walking distance, building access, a lift and practical arrangements while you are away.

• For short visits: a straightforward layout, useful storage and a quiet bedroom can matter more than an additional room.
• For family stays and entertaining: consider the separation between living spaces and bedrooms, circulation and flexibility.
• For a period apartment: look at natural light at different times of day, windows, heating, shared areas and planned building works.

The right neighbourhood follows your routines and travel needs. Our guide to Paris and Greater Paris is a starting point. We then refine the search street by street, around your priorities and the actual qualities of each apartment.

3. Prepare a non-resident buyer’s file

A clear file makes discussions with the bank, seller and notary more efficient. Prepare identification, proof of address, evidence of income and assets, tax returns, bank statements and documents showing the source of the funds.

The notary will need to understand your nationality, country of tax residence, family circumstances and matrimonial property regime. French law governs the purchase of real estate located in France, although international treaties can affect some tax or inheritance consequences. The Notaires de France outline the principal issues for non-resident buyers.

4. Arrange financing and international transfers

If you require a mortgage, contact lenders early. Criteria for non-residents vary according to the country of residence, the currency of income, available deposit and purpose of the purchase. A financing simulation or agreement in principle helps support a credible offer.

For a cash purchase, retain documents that clearly establish the source and movement of the funds. Banks and notaries carry out anti-money-laundering checks. If savings are held in another currency, also allow time for conversion and international transfer.

5. View, investigate and make an offer

An initial shortlist can be prepared remotely with videos, plans and detailed conversations. Before committing, a physical viewing by you or a trusted representative remains advisable. Review the condition of the apartment, common areas, co-ownership meeting minutes, planned works, annual charges and technical reports.

The written offer should identify the property, proposed price, period of validity and any financing conditions that need to be reflected in the preliminary contract. It should be prepared carefully rather than treated as a simple reservation.

6. Sign the preliminary contract and use the review period

Once the principal terms are agreed, the parties usually sign a promesse de vente or compromis de vente. This preliminary contract records the conditions of the transaction, any conditions precedent and the intended completion date.

A private buyer of residential property normally benefits from a ten-day cooling-off period. When a mortgage is required, the contract must include the appropriate financing condition. The official Service-Public.fr guide to buying a co-owned home explains the process and documents, in French.

7. Complete with the notary, including remotely where possible

The notary checks the seller’s ownership, mortgages, planning matters, pre-emption rights and the co-ownership documents. Once every condition has been satisfied and the purchase funds are available, the authentic deed is signed and registered.

If you cannot travel to Paris, a power of attorney may sometimes be used. It must be prepared with the notary well in advance, especially when legalisation or an apostille is required in the country of residence. The Paris Chamber of Notaries describes how a French power of attorney works.

Frequently asked questions from international buyers

Can a non-resident buy property in Paris?

Yes. The legal and financial file should nevertheless be adapted to the buyer’s nationality, residence, matrimonial regime, financing and source of funds.

Can the search and completion be handled remotely?

A detailed shortlist can be created remotely, while some signatures may be organised through a power of attorney. The exact procedure depends on the notary and the buyer’s country of residence.

Which French taxes should be considered?

Owners are normally liable for property tax. Rental income and a later resale can create French filing obligations. Subject to international tax treaties, a non-resident whose taxable net French real estate exceeds the statutory threshold may also be concerned by French property wealth tax, known as IFI. The French tax authority provides information for non-residents. Personal tax advice is recommended before committing.

Guidance for an international purchase in Paris

Coloristreet is an international real estate agency between Paris and Lisbon. We advise buyers living in France or abroad, from defining the brief and selecting properties to organising viewings and coordinating the transaction with the relevant professionals.

View properties currently available or tell us about your Paris property project.

General information checked on 12 September 2026. It does not replace advice from a notary, lawyer, bank or tax adviser familiar with your circumstances.