If you invested in French property a few years ago, you could be poised for a solid profit as the real estate market picks up again nationwide in 2025. According to a new study by leading real estate platform SeLoger, reselling your home in certain French cities, especially on the coast, now offers substantial capital gains—while some major metropolitan areas remain less lucrative for owners aiming to cash in.
French Real Estate Market Recovers, Favoring Recent Buyers
After several years of slow growth, France’s property market has turned a corner thanks to falling mortgage rates. This shift has made resale more attractive for many homeowners, especially those who bought between 2020 and 2023 with at least €30,000 in personal contribution and a typical 25-year loan.
Top French Cities for Capital Gains in 2025
The study analyzed “net wealth”—the value of a property minus remaining loan capital, agency, and notary fees—upon resale. The results show the fastest gains are primarily in coastal areas. Here’s where sellers have done especially well:
- Perpignan: Net capital gain of €65,203 on a 2021 purchase
- Quimper: €62,438 (2021)
- Cannes: €52,708 (2022)
- Nice: €41,259 (2022)
- Pau: €34,079 (2022)
- Antibes: €34,051 (2022)
- Toulon: €32,376 (2022)
- Le Mans: €30,775 (2023)
- Montpellier: €30,084 (2022)
- Brest: €30,037 (2023)
These figures indicate that if you bought a property in these cities just a few years ago, your initial deposit may already be fully recovered, or even exceeded, in today’s market.
Cities Where Capital Growth Is Slower
However, in some of France’s biggest cities, the story is different. Due to falling property values, sellers in places like Paris, Lyon, Villeurbanne, and Nantes may not have regained their initial outlay:
- Paris: Net gain of just €11,188 (2020 purchase)
- Lyon: €27,014 (2020)
- Villeurbanne: €29,453 (2020)
- Nantes: €29,551 (2020)
In these markets, resale before a full market rebound could mean limited profits—or even losses—especially for those who bought between 2020 and 2021, when prices were higher.
All Pre-2020 Buyers in the Winning Column
Regardless of location, the SeLoger study highlights a clear trend: If you purchased your home before 2020, you’re likely to walk away with a profit. The initial contribution has been reconstituted and, in many cases, the capital gain is quite significant after just five years.
The Cities with Highest Projected Gains for a 10-Year Hold
Looking ahead, the study lists several cities where homeowners can expect major gains by holding for a decade:
- Calais
- Angers
- Brest
- Quimper
- La Rochelle
- Le Mans
- Caen
- Rennes
- Cannes
- Saint-Nazaire
Key Takeaways for Potential Sellers
- Fastest gains: Coastal cities like Perpignan and Quimper are leading the market.
- Slower growth: Prime metropolitan areas, particularly Paris, have seen prices stagnate or fall.
- Best strategy: Homeowners who bought before 2020 stand to profit almost everywhere, but holding onto property for a full decade may offer the highest returns in selected cities.
Before selling, it’s wise to consult a local real estate professional who can provide a more detailed analysis based on your property and market conditions. But if you’re considering selling in 2025, now might be the perfect time to make the most of France’s real estate rebound.
Thinking of Selling Your Home in France?
Stay tuned for more insights and tips on making the most of France’s evolving property market in 2025.
