Explore the latest trends in France’s real estate market as the second-hand sector rebounds after two years of adjustments. According to CENTURY 21, transaction numbers rose by 11.4% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. Discover what factors are driving this resurgence and what it means for buyers and investors looking to navigate the evolving French property landscape.
After two years of significant adjustments, the French second-hand property market is experiencing a strong resurgence. Recent data from CENTURY 21 reveals a vigorous recovery, marked by an 11.4% increase in transactions during the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Stabilizing prices, improved financing conditions, and renewed buyer confidence are fueling this turnaround, bringing optimism back to France’s property sector.
Interest Rates and Credit Availability Revitalize the Real Estate Market
The recent real estate rebound is closely tied to lower interest rates—now at 3.11% over 20 years—thanks to a more accommodative monetary policy from the European Central Bank combined with slowing inflation and increased access to bank credit. These favorable conditions are motivating buyers and giving the French real estate market new energy.
Increased Transaction Volume and Stable Prices
- House transactions: up 11.7%
- Apartment transactions: up 11%
This momentum is supported by stable prices:
- Average price per square meter for houses: €2,496 (+0.2%)
- Average price per square meter for apartments: €4,153 (+0.6%)
The average purchase price now stands at €272,514 for a house (+2.1%) and €230,950 for an apartment (+1.5%). Selling times are stable at 99 days for houses and have decreased for apartments to 96 days, indicating a steady and healthier market.
Younger Buyers Returning Strongly
The demographic profile of buyers is shifting, with the 30-40 age group representing 26.6% of the market, a significant annual jump of +11.3%. This resurgence is especially pronounced in Paris, where under-30s and 30-40 year olds now account for a growing share of property purchases, signaling renewed dynamism in the capital.
Rental Investment Under Pressure
Despite positive signals for buyers and sellers, the proportion of rental investments is declining—from 25.2% to 24.3% nationally and dropping in Paris from 26.8% to 24.4%. Combined with a marked decrease in new housing construction, this is increasing rental pressures and may pose challenges for tenants in the short to medium term.
Paris Real Estate: End of the Price Correction
The Parisian market is showing clear signs of recovery:
- Sales volume: +6.5% YoY
- Price per square meter: Recovery to over €9,500 (+1.6%), the first rise since 2020
- Prices down 12% since 2020, but the recent uptick suggests the correction has run its course
Selling times in Paris are up slightly (95 days), reflecting a cautious market, yet more young buyers are stepping in, and demand is rebounding.
Île-de-France: Strong Regional Recovery with Disparities
The wider Île-de-France region recorded a major upturn:
- Apartments: +16.5% transaction volume
- Houses: +14.6%
However, regional differences are notable:
- Strongest growth for apartments: Hauts-de-Seine (+31.6%), Seine-et-Marne (+26.8%)
- House prices: Up 3.1% to €4,539/m² for apartments, down 2.6% to €4,361/m² for houses
- Most expensive departments: Hauts-de-Seine (€6,094/m² for houses, €6,902/m² for apartments)
- Least expensive: Seine-et-Marne (€2,639 and €3,140/m²)
All French Regions Now in Recovery
For the first time since the 2015 regional reform, every region in France saw transaction volumes increase in early 2025, breaking a multi-year decline. The best performers include:
- Pays de la Loire: +19.4%
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine: +19.2%
- Centre-Val de Loire: +17.3%
Even traditionally slower markets like Normandy, Grand-Est, and Brittany are now trending upward. Selling times remain above three months in most regions, but are improving, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Long-Term Value and Ongoing Uncertainties
Over the past decade, France’s property market remains an outstanding investment:
- House prices up 23.3%
- Apartment prices up 15%
- In Île-de-France: Houses up 16.7%, apartments up 24.8%
- In Paris: Apartment prices rose 16.7%
While the overall trend is positive, the future impact of global geopolitical events (such as the conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East) introduces uncertainties, especially concerning inflation and interest rates.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The French real estate market in 2025 is stabilizing, propelled by firmer buyer confidence, renewed credit accessibility, and stabilized prices. Experts forecast approximately 850,000 transactions by year-end, confirming that real estate remains a solid investment for the long term. However, ongoing vigilance is needed concerning rental pressures and external economic shocks.
For current and prospective property owners in France, these 2025 trends highlight a season of renewed opportunity—provided one remains mindful of both local dynamics and the broader economic picture.
