After a gradual restart in 2025, France’s luxury real estate market is rebounding. International demand and stable cash buyers make 2026 a year of opportunity.
After a cautious restart in 2025, France’s luxury real estate market is showing signs of selective recovery that could create fresh opportunities for well‑informed investors in 2026. According to Coldwell Banker Europa Realty, the momentum is being driven by solvent international buyers and domestic wealth-management clients, making the premium segment more resilient than the broader market.
Key figures from 2025 underline that resilience.
Overall transactions remained roughly 15% below what is considered a normal volume, yet sales of properties priced above €1 million rose by about 8–10%. Coldwell Banker’s provisional results also show its own activity surged by 29.5% in 2025, while transactions in the premium segment increased roughly 10% over the year.
Why luxury held up
A defining feature of the high-end market is the heavy share of purchases made without mortgage financing — nearly 70% of prestige transactions. That low dependence on credit limits the impact of higher interest rates and makes luxury housing act more like a tangible safe‑haven asset, similar to gold, in times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
International demand remains a major engine. Buyers from the United States, Europe and the Middle East have been particularly active, supported by Coldwell Banker’s global footprint of nearly 3,000 branches and a national French network of about 50 agencies. That global reach helped lift demand for French and Monaco properties by about 36% since the end of 2025.
Price picture: Paris and top-tier listings
Price patterns are mixed. Average Parisian prices slipped back under €10,000/m², yet the highest-quality, prestige listings in the capital continue to trade at premium levels—commonly between €12,000 and €18,000/m²—with limited room for negotiation. This bifurcation highlights two parallel markets: a broader urban market sensitive to broader economic trends and a resilient premium niche driven by international and ultra‑high‑net‑worth buyers.
2026: where the opportunities lie
Coldwell Banker’s analysis points to 2026 as a year of opportunity for the most agile and informed buyers. Scarcity of truly exceptional assets, durable international interest, and the appeal of French property as a wealth‑preservation tool all create a fertile environment for targeted acquisitions. Investors who move quickly on high‑quality listings, prioritize due diligence, and leverage expert local networks will likely find the best value.
What investors should consider
• Focus on asset quality and scarcity rather than broad market timing.
• Prioritize properties with long-term appeal: location, architecture, and proven rental or resale potential.
• Use local specialist brokers and international networks to access off‑market listings.
• Factor in transaction costs, taxation and estate planning when assessing returns.Luxury real estate in France proved its role as a safe haven in 2025. With rising international interest and a selective recovery in place, 2026 should reward disciplined buyers seeking premium, scarce assets—provided they move decisively and rely on seasoned local expertise.
