In Paris, 2025 and the first half of 2026 were marked by the return of international buyers, particularly Americans, reinforcing the positioning of Paris as a global market. An underlying trend analysed by Marie Beauchet, Associate Director of BARNES Martyrs and Montmartre: "The return of the Americans is very marked in the 9th and 18th arrondissements. They are looking for apartments with all the traditional codes of Parisian style but carefully renovated. Properties that must include several en-suite bedrooms, an ultra-equipped kitchen and air conditioning. This was the case, for example, with an apartment on Rue Rougemont, sold to an American couple living in Seattle who wanted to buy in Paris in case the situation deteriorated in the United States." Marie Beauchet notes, in similar circumstances, the return of Lebanese clients, also in search of a secure investment in a city with a solid property market: "In Montmartre we sold an Art Deco house with a rooftop to renovate to a Lebanese couple in love with this village spirit that is unique to Paris."
Johanna Beyer, Associate Director of BARNES Saint-Germain-des-Prés, notes an acceleration in searches and acquisition projects driven by American clients, already firmly established in the residential markets of the 6th and 7th arrondissements: "Generation after generation, buyers from the United States adore the quadrilateral between the Seine, the Luxembourg Gardens, Odéon and Rue du Bac. But faced with what they perceive as numerous uncertainties over the internal political situation of their own country, they see France in general, and Paris in particular, as a guarantee of security and long-term stability. French culture fascinates them, including its flaws such as our addiction to strikes and protests — elements which, in their eyes, are part of the landscape!" Whether acquiring a pied-à-terre or a family apartment, these buyers, accustomed to property prices higher in the United States than in France, are prepared to cross the €25,000/m² threshold as soon as the property justifies it. "Since mid-2025, we have seen more and more entrepreneurs and professionals choosing to settle in Paris with their families, working remotely with the whole world, even if it means flying out to North and South America, the Middle East or Asia," adds Johanna Beyer.
Strong demand for the most high-end, perfectly renovated properties is exerting upward pressure on their prices. Conversely, apartments suffering from defects or requiring work see their value penalised. A new reality that sellers must take into account when putting their property on the market.
For Nicolas Moirignot, Director of BARNES Versailles, the rise of American buyers, notable in Yvelines, is a historically rare phenomenon in the department: "Whereas in previous years this clientele was virtually absent, in the first half of the year we recorded around ten qualified enquiries. The volume certainly remains limited in absolute terms, but for our local market it represents a significant increase. These clients are mainly attracted by the Versailles quality of life, the proximity to Paris, the reputation of the schools and the heritage character of the town. Searches focus mainly on family houses and quality apartments, intended either as a main residence or as a long-term pied-à-terre."