After a tough 2024 marked by a historic slump, the French real estate market is bouncing back in 2025. But while almost everyone is benefiting from the upturn, some groups are racing ahead—leaving others in their wake.
The Real Estate Cycle: Booms and Busts
Real estate has always moved in cycles, and France is no exception. When the market rises, opportunities abound—and nearly everyone sees gains. When it dips, everyone feels the pain. It’s rare for any business to go against the grain during a downturn, and the recent years were no different. In 2024, transaction numbers dropped to around 800,000. Remarkably, that’s now considered a low point, whereas it used to be a market high before 2008 and 2012. The takeaway? Even when France’s property market slumps, today’s ‘floor’ would have been yesteryear’s ceiling.
Agent Networks Outpace the Market
While the recovery is widespread, not everyone is performing at the same level. Some of France’s biggest winners in 2025 are the newer, more flexible agent networks. These models are not only weathering the cycle—they’re growing at rates two to four times the market average.
- iad: Announced a “historic” first half of 2025, with revenue up 30% in France and 1,500 new advisors recruited in Q1.
- Safti: Posted H1 revenue of €100 million (+31%), with expectations of €220 million in turnover (+22%) and over 27,000 sales (+20%) for the full year.
- Propriétés-Privées: Reports a staggering 48% jump in Q1 revenue, boosted by 500 new advisors since January.
- Efficity: Saw a 45% rise in April 2025 turnover compared to April 2024.
- Capifrance and Optimhome (DigitRE Group): Grew revenues by 20.5% in H1, reaching 22% growth since September.
- EXP France: Achieving eye-popping 80% annual growth in 2025.
Other networks focused on experienced advisors, like Expertimmo and 3G Immo, are also thriving with growth rates of 30–35%.
What’s Happening With Traditional Agencies?
The established, brick-and-mortar networks like Orpi, Laforêt, and Century 21 are growing too, thanks to their strong brands and local presence. However, their growth is closer to the overall market rate, rather than the head-turning figures posted by agent networks.
What to Expect in 2026
Looking ahead, 2026 appears likely to mirror the current year. Interest rates should remain stable or rise only slightly, and broader economic conditions look steady. Political uncertainty—especially with presidential elections looming in 2027—could continue to weigh on consumer confidence.
The number of transactions is expected to stay in the 900,000–950,000 range. And while major players will hold their ground, the agent network model seems poised to gobble up even more market share next year, thanks to lower overhead and the ability to recruit talented agents.
For independent agencies, the outlook is less clear due to scant consolidated data, but the momentum is certainly favoring networks with bigger recruitment and digital strategies.
2025 marks a promising rebound for French real estate, but not all players are riding the wave equally. Flexible agent networks are thriving, while traditional agencies and independents must innovate to keep pace. As the market stabilizes, the race is on to capture more clients—and shape the next phase of France’s real estate story.
