Do you need a real estate hunter in Paris?

However, most buyers do not use the services of a property hunter to find their flat or loft in Paris. So why do some buyers use the services of a Paris property hunter? Why has this profession only been around for twenty years? Which buyers can benefit from being accompanied by a Paris property hunter? What do they offer? Are their fees cost-effective? What do they do? What are its advantages and limitations? What should you expect?

Before answering all these questions, I'd like to give you a quick overview of the Paris property market. The profession of property hunter was born out of the specific nature of this market and the cruel lack of support available to buyers.

At the end of the article, you'll find a section on Paris, its arrondissements, neighbourhoods, thriving economy and exceptional lifestyle. It's brought to you by Cécile, a Parisian property hunter.

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Patrick explains which buyers need a property hunter

Birth of the profession of real estate hunter in the Parisian real estate market

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A euphoric property market between 2000 and 2020

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The birth of the property hunter profession in the Paris property market can be attributed to the complex evolution of this market and the growing need for personalised services for buyers. Paris has always been a centre of intense real estate activity, with its dynamic market and specific local features. The 2000s marked a turning point, with a significant increase in demand and a surge in prices: between 2000 and 2200, the price of old flats in Paris rose by 275%.

Historical prices of old flats in Paris

Real estate agents concerned above all with sellers

In this context, it is easy to understand that the hand was on the side of the sellers. Shoppers had to make quick buying decisions if they didn't want to see the real estate coveted to escape them. In the complex legal universe that represents buying an apartment, many buyers were struggling to make a quick decision when the financial stakes are so high. Especially since the real estate agents, carried away by the euphoria of a thriving market, focused their attention on sellers courted from all sides by the competition. Properties were selling at lightning speed, so there was little time to spend with buyers.

Real estate agencies that collaborate very little with each other

However, there is another factor that may be even more favorable to birth of the profession of real estate hunter in Paris, is the way in which real estate agencies collaborate with each other; or rather, collaborate very little with each other. Paris has thousands of real estate agencies. Each has its own properties for sale. Impossible for a buyer to contact all the real estate agencies likely to sell the apartment they are looking for. On average, between 300 and 400 agencies would have had to be contacted. When you know that a useful call to an agency takes about 20 minutes.

For buyers, on the Parisian real estate market, the information is not centralized, it is exploded into several thousand entities.

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Birth of the real estate hunter in Paris

It's in Paris, on the the most successful real estate market in France, but also the most complex, which emerged in the 2000s the profession of real estate hunter. The aim was to fill the gap in services and support for buyers. The first real estate hunting agencies in Paris offered to support and advise the buyer in this complex and competitive market. The proposal was to make the purchase pleasant for him, to limit the time he should devote to it, to provide him with in-depth knowledge of the acquisition process so that he could make a purchase in the best possible conditions. The real estate hunter proposed to put the buyer first, whereas until now he had been considered “the last wheel in the cart”.

The job of real estate hunter has filled a void, offering local expertise, privileged access to ads, broad contact with Parisian real estate agencies and a deep understanding of the specific needs of buyers who are geographically remote, pressed for time or in need of support.

Why do some buyers use the services of a Parisian real estate hunter?

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Some purchasers use the services of a Parisian real estate hunter for multiple reasons, mainly related to the efficiency, expertise and personalization of the service. Having the support of a professional who masters local subtleties, market trends and the network of real estate agents is a considerable asset. The real estate hunters offer valuable time savings, by filtering the goods, according to strict criteria and by pre-selecting only those that correspond to the needs and desires of the buyer. They also provide added value in terms of negotiation, thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the market, which can lead to more financially advantageous transactions. In addition, for international customers or those based outside of Paris, the real estate hunter acts as an indispensable local representative, capable of managing all stages of the buying process, from research to signing, including administrative and legal procedures. In summary, call on a Parisian real estate hunter, means benefiting from a tailor-made service that maximizes the chances of finding the ideal property, while minimizing the effort and time invested.

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Real estate hunter: is it a “niche” job?

Yes, absolutely. The main reason is the cost. Approximately 2 to 3% of the purchase price, even if the fees are paid upon success. The segment of buyers likely to find an obvious interest in the offer offered by real estate hunters in Paris is represented by active buyers in need of time, people who are not present or buyers who want support.

I suggest that you look in detail at the advantages that these three categories of buyers can derive from engaging a eal estate hunter.

The categories of buyers accompanied by a real estate hunter in Paris

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Looking for an apartment in Paris when you're running out of time

Looking for an apartment in Paris takes time, a lot of time. For those who want to avoid this, the solution proposed by the apartment hunter is relevant. The time will be saved primarily on the search for the apartment or the house: contact with real estate agencies, consultation of ads, selection of them, verification, preparation of visits, avoid unnecessary visits, etc.

But, the reduction in time also affects the overall efficiency of the process that the real estate hunter : validation of financing, verification of the adequacy of budget/specifications, support during negotiation, signing of contracts, putting in contact with architects, etc. These are the least visible aspects, because they are based on a succession of multiple small actions. The amount of work done by the real estate hunter after finding the apartment is important and essential.

Another channel for reducing time: legal knowledge and advice that allows you to make the right decisions and not to waste unnecessary time.

Looking for an apartment in Paris when you are not present

Looking for real estate from abroad or another French city adds an extra layer of complexity. The Paris market since there is a low supply of quality apartments, it is not possible to schedule a series of visits to apartments from abroad, to go to Paris and to acquire one. Most of the time, the apartments visited will not correspond to the demand.

In addition, physical absence makes it difficult to real estate negotiation and rapid decision-making, which is often necessary to conclude a negotiation on the Paris market.

Hire a real estate hunter seems to be the best solution then. He will do the research work for the buyer, negotiate for him remotely and set up the ideal conditions to make an acquisition for the buyer who is not present.

Be accompanied by a real estate hunter in Paris to buy an apartment

The Parisian real estate market is a complex financial market that it is impossible to understand in depth if you do not practice it regularly. This will not prevent a buyer from finding the apartment he wants and from carrying out the transaction in good conditions. However, some buyers want to optimize their real estate acquisition by being accompanied by an advisor who will be exclusively at their service. On the residential real estate market, only the real estate hunters offer this service. The expected results are multiple:

• surround yourself with rigorous and experienced actors (mortgage brokers, notaries, architects, contractors, etc.)
• have access to as much of the market as possible: apartments, houses, lofts put on sale, including “off market” properties
• optimize negotiation by considerably increasing the amount of information to which the buyer will have access (marketing time, relevant and documented sales price references, knowledge of the habits of real estate agents and sellers, accurate and effective drafting of a purchase offer, etc.)
• significantly limit the time spent on research and the buying process
• find the property that perfectly matches the demand

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Paris, an exceptional city, explained by Cécile, a Paris property hunter.

Paris, France's business capital and its property market

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Paris, the economic capital of France, is a major contributor to the national and European economies. The city and the Île-de-France region generate more than 30% of the country's GDP. It is the richest and most productive region in France.

Paris is also home to the headquarters of many CAC 40 companies, reflecting its key role in business and finance. The tertiary sector dominates the Parisian economy, with a strong concentration in financial services, consulting, media and tourism. The latter attracts millions of visitors every year. The city is also a centre for innovation and technology, hosting numerous start-up incubators and major digital development projects.

In terms of employment, Paris has one of the highest labour force participation rates in the country.

In short, Paris is a vital economic engine, influencing not only the French economy, but that of the whole of Europe.

Naturally linked to and supported by this economic power, the Paris property market is one of the most sought-after in the world for the quality and security it provides. Paris is one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world.

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Paris property hunters support companies and investors

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Large companies regularly relocate to Paris and surrounding towns. Executives from these companies often call on Parisian property hunters to take charge of their search for a flat close to their new workplace. Lack of time and advice are the two most common reasons for their requests.

The tourism industry, meanwhile, attracts investors looking to buy properties to let. These are also buyers who are regularly assisted by property hunters. They are looking for good investment opportunities, but also for advice on the complex and changing regulations governing rental property in Paris. Paris and a number of other towns in the Île-de-France region, such as Aubervilliers and Saint-Ouen, have rent ceilings. These ceilings only apply to residential leases for principal residences and mobility leases. It is important to be familiar with the legislation, to know whether it will apply to the property you are looking to buy and what impact it will have on your rental return.

Short-term lettings are also regulated, and many buyers wonder about the implications of the legislation.

Energy standards are also issues on which property hunters advise investors and buyers. The Paris property market is undergoing significant change as a result of the "climate and resilience" law and very strong pressure on the rental market.

Paris's exceptionally diverse and efficient transport network

National and international connections

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Paris benefits from an exceptionally diverse and efficient transport network, facilitating local, national and international connections. Internationally and nationally, the city is served by several major airports, including Charles de Gaulle and Orly, which are among the busiest in Europe, offering flights to hundreds of destinations around the world. The rail network is equally impressive, with major stations such as Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnasse linking Paris to the rest of France and Europe via high-speed services such as the TGV and international trains such as the Eurostar to London and the Thalys to Brussels and Amsterdam.

Property hunters, professionals at the service of international buyers

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Property hunters in Paris are regularly involved in finding pied-à-terres for foreign buyers. In our bustling capital, property hunters offer search services that perfectly match the demands of international buyers. First and foremost, by representing them on site to carry out for them all the formalities involved in buying a property: arranging finance, finding a flat or pied-à-terre, negotiating, signing contracts of sale and carrying out work.

Property advice plays an important role, as international buyers generally have little or no knowledge of French property purchase legislation. These buyers also need to know whether there are any specific tax issues that apply to their situation. Before launching a search, the property hunter checks with a mortgage broker and the notary to understand the legal and financial framework in which the purchase will take place.

Regional links around Paris

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At regional level, the Île-de-France region is served by the regional express network (RER), which complements SNCF services, enabling rapid travel between Paris and its suburbs. In addition, the Paris metro network, one of the oldest and densest in the world with 303 stations, offers extensive coverage through 16 lines that criss-cross the capital, facilitating access to almost all major urban areas.

The Grand Paris Express project is an ambitious extension of the existing transport network in the Île-de-France region, designed to improve connections between the suburbs and reduce congestion in central Paris. The project includes the creation of four new automatic metro lines (lines 15, 16, 17 and 18) and the extension of several existing lines. When completed, the Grand Paris Express will add around 200 kilometres of track to the metro network and introduce 68 new stations. This expansion is intended to facilitate access to outlying areas, encourage balanced economic growth and improve regional connectivity. The project is expected to make a major contribution to reducing journey times for residents of the Île-de-France region and supporting the sustainable economic development of the Paris metropolitan area.

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Buses, trams and bicycles to complete the transport offer

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Finally, the network of buses, trams and self-service bicycle hire services, such as Vélib', complete the Paris transport offer, making intra-urban travel accessible and convenient for residents and visitors alike. This well-developed transport infrastructure is crucial to supporting the city's economic activity and improving the quality of life of those who live and work there.

Transport and property: advice from Paris property hunters

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In the Paris context, property hunters emphasise the importance of the transport network when preparing specifications or selecting a flat. They advise buyers to consider not only the proximity of public transport services, such as metro, RER or bus stations, but also future transport development projects that could affect property values in the long term. For example, an area that is currently poorly served but is due to be connected to a major metro line in the near future may represent an attractive investment opportunity. In addition, Parisian property hunters recommend taking into account the noise and bustle that can be associated with the immediate proximity of major transport arteries. They suggest weighing up the trade-off between accessibility and tranquillity, looking for the right balance, such as Transilien stations located just a few minutes' walk away, but far enough away to avoid noise pollution. Finally, they highlight the importance of connectivity with the city's hotspots, facilitating access to employment areas, shopping centres and leisure areas, which can significantly improve the quality of life and attractiveness of the property.

Proximity to transport links has an influence on the value of properties. The property hunter is there to inform the buyer of the role that proximity to transport plays in the quality of the investment, but also in the quality of life.

Paris, a centre of educational excellence

Paris is a global centre of educational excellence, home to a wide range of prestigious academic institutions. The city is home to several renowned universities, such as the Sorbonne, which is part of the University of Paris, famous for its programmes in the humanities, law and science. Other institutions such as Sciences Po Paris, Université Paris-Saclay and HEC Paris are also highly rated, especially in the fields of politics, science and business. Paris also offers a variety of specialised institutions, such as the École Normale Supérieure for those pursuing careers in teaching and research, and the École des Beaux-Arts for the arts and design.

In addition to its universities, Paris is home to a diverse and extensive school system that plays a crucial role in France's educational infrastructure. The network of educational establishments includes around 850 primary schools, over 300 collèges and nearly 220 lycées, serving a student population that reflects the socio-economic and cultural diversity of the capital.

Property hunting around schools

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In Paris, property hunters are regularly approached by buyers who prioritise the proximity of educational establishments in their search for accommodation. This demand is particularly strong among families with children. In this case, the Paris property hunter will focus his or her search on the educational establishment in question. In general, these searches are carried out over a small area. This can lengthen the average search time needed to find the desired property. If this is the case, the property hunter informs his clients so that they can prepare in advance and possibly launch the search a little earlier than planned.

The Paris property market

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Over the last 50 years, the Paris property market has undergone several significant phases of transformation and growth. Here's an overview of the major trends and developments:

The 70s and 80s

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In the 1970s and 1980s, Paris saw an increase in urban renewal and the refurbishment of old buildings. These projects were often stimulated by tax incentives for heritage conservation. At the time, the market was relatively affordable compared with the following decades. It began to show signs of price growth as a result of the improving French economy and the growing appeal of Paris as a financial and cultural centre.

The 1990s

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The 1990s saw a considerable rise in prices, particularly after the economic recession at the start of the decade. The economic recovery, combined with low inflation and falling interest rates, made home loans more affordable, increasing demand for housing in Paris. The introduction of the euro in 1999 also brought greater economic stability and attracted more foreign investors.

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The 2000s

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The start of the new millennium saw prices continue to escalate, reaching unprecedented heights. Unlike other world capitals, the Paris property market was not seriously affected by the 2008 financial crisis. Prices briefly stagnated, then resumed their upward trend, supported by a strict regulatory framework on new developments, which limited supply while maintaining strong demand.

The 2010s to the present day

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During the 2010s, Paris continued to see property prices rise, supported by historically low interest rates, continued demand from foreign buyers and massive investment in infrastructure, notably with the Grand Paris project. This project aims to significantly extend the public transport network, which has already begun to influence property prices in outlying areas of the city.

All in all, the property market in the Paris region has experienced sustained growth over the last few decades, marked by rising prices, increased regulation and continued international interest. The outlook remains strong, with periodic adjustments to adapt to global and local economic developments.

The experience of a Paris property hunter: a major asset when making a purchase

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Property hunters who began their activity in the 2000s, when the business was first set up, have built up a wealth of experience that enables them to decipher developments in the Paris property market. Thanks to this experience, they are able to give buyers the best possible advice, particularly during the negotiation phase. To make negotiations more effective, property hunters do not limit themselves to their experience; they offer buyers detailed sales references for properties similar to those they are interested in, and the possibility of tracing the marketing history of the flats they are targeting.

Paris, its arrondissements and neighbourhoods

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The 20 arrondissements of Paris

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Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, numbered in a spiral from the centre outwards, starting with the 1st in the centre and ending with the 20th on the eastern outskirts of the capital. The city is also divided in two by the Seine, with the Rive Droite to the north and the Rive Gauche to the south. Each bank has its own character and history, often reflected in the cultural and socio-economic differences of their arrondissements.

The Right Bank of Paris: commerce and fashion

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The Right Bank, which includes arrondissements such as the 1st (the historic heart of Paris, with the Louvre), the 8th (home to the Champs-Élysées and many embassies), and the 18th (home to the famous Montmartre district), tends to have more commercial activity and areas popular with tourists. This bank is often associated with commercial, fashion and business activities.

Paris's Left Bank: intellectual life

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The Left Bank, including arrondissements such as the 5th (the Latin Quarter, famous for its educational establishments such as the Sorbonne), the 6th (which is synonymous with culture, with historic literary cafés and art galleries), and the 7th (home to the Eiffel Tower), is traditionally seen as a centre of intellectual and bohemian life. Property prices here are among the highest in the city, especially in districts such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin.

The diversity of Paris's arrondissements

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The arrondissements of Paris vary greatly in terms of population, density and surface area, ranging from densely populated, commercial areas in the centre to quieter, more residential districts on the outskirts. Each arrondissement has its own town hall and mayor, reflecting the city's decentralised administrative structure. The distribution of services, green spaces and cultural facilities also varies, contributing to the unique identity of each arrondissement.

The expertise of a Paris property hunter, arrondissement by arrondissement

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Paris property hunters make the most of their in-depth knowledge of the different arrondissements to offer their clients personalised advice. They help buyers navigate the complex landscape of the Paris property market by providing detailed information on the particularities of each arrondissement. For example, the 1st arrondissement, with its iconic landmarks and luxury boutiques, might be recommended to those looking to be at the heart of the city's activity, while the 15th arrondissement might be suggested for its relative tranquillity, shopping streets and range of family-friendly flats.

Prices vary considerably from one arrondissement to the next, with districts such as the 6th and 7th among the most expensive, while outlying arrondissements such as the 19th and 20th offer more affordable options. Property hunters match buyers' desires with the realities of the Paris property market to help them find their flat in the right area of Paris. Indeed, many buyers who are unable to find a flat after long periods of searching end up contacting a Paris property hunter to find a solution. Most of the time, the problem stems from a budget that doesn't match the buyer's search specifications. To put it more simply: the buyer doesn't have the budget to buy the flat they want.

Property hunters take into account local activities and amenities that may be of interest to their clients, such as proximity to schools, parks, markets and cultural venues. They are also attentive to future urban development projects that could influence property values in the long term. By combining these multiple aspects, property hunters in Paris offer a personalised service that goes beyond the simple transaction, ensuring that their clients make an informed and satisfying investment.

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The eighty districts of Paris

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Each arrondissement in Paris is divided into four administrative districts, making a total of eighty neighbourhoods across the city. These districts are smaller administrative sub-divisions, each with its own district council and specific characteristics.

The 1st arrondissement of Paris

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For example, the 1st arrondissement of Paris includes the districts of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, Les Halles, Palais-Royal and Place-Vendôme. Each of these districts has its own distinctive features. Palais-Royal, for example, is famous for its historic architecture and the Tuileries Gardens. The Halles district is famous for its modern shopping centre, renovated in the 2000s to a design by architect and town planner David Mangin. As for the Place-Vendôme district, it is home to the famous eponymous square, the boutiques of the great jewellers and world-famous hotels, including the Meurice, a veritable Parisian institution.

The 3rd arrondissement of Paris

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The 3rd arrondissement of Paris, often referred to as Haut-Marais, is a vibrant arrondissement with a rich history, comprising the Arts-et-Métiers, Enfants-Rouges, Archives and Sainte-Avoye districts.

The Arts-et-Métiers district takes its name from the famous museum of the same name, an establishment dedicated to technical and scientific innovation. The area is also known for its quiet little streets, craft workshops and designer boutiques.

The Enfants-Rouges district, named after the oldest covered market in Paris. Here you'll find a wide variety of food stalls from all over the world. It is popular for its young, trendy atmosphere, with numerous cafés, contemporary art galleries and independent fashion boutiques.

The Archives district is home to an important part of Paris's history, notably the Place des Vosges, one of the city's oldest squares, lined with 17th-century residential buildings. The district is also the site of the Archives Nationales, which holds documents dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The 7th arrondissement of Paris

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The 7th arrondissement of Paris is made up of the districts of Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin, Invalides, École-Militaire and Gros-Caillou.

Gros-Caillou is home to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited tourist buildings in the world. However, the district is also known for its shopping streets and village atmosphere, with rue Cler and rue Saint-Dominique.

Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin, the most expensive district in Paris, is home to the Musée d'Orsay.

In the Invalides district, you'll find the National Assembly and a number of ministries, as well as the Hôtel des Invalides, which gave its name to this residential area of Paris.

The 9th arrondissement of Paris

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The 9th arrondissement of Paris includes the districts of Saint-Georges, Faubourg-Montmartre, Rochechouart and Chaussée-d'Antin.

Saint-Georges is particularly well known for its sought-after Rue des Martyrs, which is home to some first-rate food shops.

Faubourg-Montmartre is known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural diversity. This district is home to numerous theatres, including the Théâtre des Variétés and the Théâtre de Paris.

Chaussée-d'Antin is particularly well known for its department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, two major centres of luxury commerce.

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The 11th arrondissement of Paris

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The 11th arrondissement of Paris, comprising the districts of Folie-Méricourt, Saint-Ambroise, la Roquette and Sainte-Marguerite, is renowned for its young and dynamic atmosphere. It is a centre of Parisian nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants and concert halls. The Bastille district, in particular, is a hot spot for nightlife and culture.

The 16th arrondissement of Paris

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The 16th arrondissement of Paris is one of the most upmarket and residential districts in Paris, whose neighbourhoods include Auteuil, La Muette, Porte-Dauphine and Chaillot. Auteuil is particularly popular for its Village d'Auteuil, a shopping district with a village atmosphere. It is home to one of the most expensive private villas in Paris: the Villa Montmorency.

La Muette is probably the most sought-after district in the 16th arrondissement. It offers a perfectly balanced mix of residential area and liveliness around the shops on rue de Passy.

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The 17th arrondissement of Paris

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The 17th arrondissement of Paris includes the districts of Ternes, Plaine-de-Monceaux, Batignolles and Épinettes. Ternes and Plaine-de-Monceau, the two western districts of the 17th arrondissement, have historically been the richest and most expensive areas of the arrondissement. They have been overtaken in recent years by the Batignolles district. The latter is a trendy district, appreciated for its village atmosphere, its parks such as Square des Batignolles and its organic market. In recent years, Batignolles has undergone major urban renewal, with the construction of the new Palais de Justice de Paris.

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These districts offer a mosaic of Parisian life, each with its own services, atmosphere and residents. Variations in population density, housing types and property prices reflect the diversity of these neighbourhoods. For example, more central areas tend to have higher property prices and greater population density than outlying areas.

Property hunters' highly localised knowledge

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With its 80 neighbourhoods, Paris offers a multitude of lifestyle choices, as well as a wide range of property prices per square metre. Paris property hunters know the nooks and crannies of the districts they are researching for their buyers. This is one of their strengths: their knowledge of the workings and intricacies of the Paris property market as a whole, but also their knowledge of the little streets, squares and delicious local restaurants that give each of these microcosms of Parisian neighbourhoods their special charm.

In conclusion: property hunter in Paris or not?

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For buyers who like to manage their investments themselves, even if it means spending a lot of time doing so, hiring a property hunter is not a good option.

On the other hand, if you want to save time, make buying a property a pleasant experience, optimise your purchase and find the property that's just right for you, the services offered by Paris property hunters are just what you're looking for.

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