Paris, the Global Capital of Luxury Real Estate

In a global environment shaped by economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Paris luxury real estate and France’s great heritage destinations are reaffirming their role as ultimate safe-haven assets. From Haussmannian apartments in the 7th, 8th and 16th arrondissements to private mansions in Neuilly-sur-Seine, elegant pied-à-terre in the Marais and exceptional second homes on the Atlantic coast, affluent buyers are driven by one overriding priority: absolute quality, prime location and true rarity.

This same logic now defines the markets of southwest France, from Nantes to Saint-Jean-de-Luz via La Rochelle, Île de Ré and the Arcachon Bay. A dynamic closely monitored by Sotheby’s International Realty France – Monaco, the leading luxury real estate network in France, with the same level of expertise applied to the Parisian market through Paris Ouest Sotheby’s International Realty.

Featured by Agence Presse.

Paris, the heart of French luxury real estate

In Paris, demand for exceptional properties remains extremely strong. Family apartments in the Golden Triangle, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or on the Right Bank, duplexes with terraces and Eiffel Tower views, private mansions in the 7th and 16th arrondissements, and elegant residences in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Boulogne or Levallois continue to attract intense international interest.

The buyer profile has remained remarkably stable: French high-net-worth individuals, international investors and families seeking a secure long-term patrimonial asset. What unites them is the same standard now prevailing across all prime markets: fewer transactions, but at higher price points, with a clear focus on flawless properties, often architect-renovated, offering generous volumes, natural light, premium finishes and a prestigious address.

Southwest France, a natural extension of Parisian luxury

According to Alexander Kraft, President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty France – Monaco, luxury markets in southwest France are following a trajectory similar to that of Paris:

“We are completing fewer transactions, but at higher prices, with record-breaking sales across nearly all these markets. Buyers want the highest possible quality, especially in terms of renovation.”

This trend is well understood by Parisian buyers, who regularly arbitrate between a Haussmannian apartment in the 8th arrondissement and a high-end second home overlooking the Atlantic, on Île de Ré or in Biarritz.

American clients, already highly present in the most exclusive Parisian districts, have also returned in force since 2024 to these coastal destinations, particularly for beachfront villas, historic châteaux and character properties.

Nantes, a heritage-driven alternative to Paris prime districts

In Nantes and the surrounding region, the dynamics mirror those of Paris’s prime real estate market. The most expensive properties, notably private mansions in the city center, are those that sell most easily, while mid-range properties are more exposed.

Between €1.5 million and €2.5 million, these residences appeal to a predominantly Parisian clientele seeking a patrimonial asset comparable to a private mansion in Paris’s 7th or 16th arrondissement, but with a different lifestyle and setting.

Charente-Maritime, the Atlantic ultra-prime market for Parisians

From La Rochelle to Île de Ré, via Royan and Île d’Oléron, the luxury market has reached levels rarely seen before. Sotheby’s International Realty figures confirm a clear dominance in transactions above €1 million, much like in Paris’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

For many Parisian buyers, these properties represent a natural extension of their real estate portfolio: after a prestigious Paris apartment, a high-end seaside residence becomes the logical next step.

One single standard of excellence, from Paris to the Atlantic

Whether it is a penthouse with Eiffel Tower views, a private mansion in Neuilly-sur-Seine or a beachfront villa on Île de Ré, the luxury market now obeys one simple rule: only exceptional properties truly perform.

With more than 70 offices across France and Monaco, Sotheby’s International Realty France – Monaco supports this demanding clientele in all their projects, from Paris to the most coveted second-home destinations.

In a world searching for stability and meaning, Paris luxury real estate and France’s most prestigious destinations remain among the safest, most elegant and most enduring investments of all.