PARIS is of course a leading global tourist destination - over 70 million visitors reach France each year with the result that many foreigners fall in love with the city and decide to invest in a 'pied à terre' either for their own use or or for an investment.

For some time now, the PARISIAN real estate market has been undervalued in comparison to equivalent European cities. “Considering the fascination the world has for the City of Light, the market here has taken a long time to wake up,” says Laurel CONWAY, a partner in the Paris department. However, in the past six years, growth has been remarkable at over 50% and it still continues, though in the 3rd quarter of 2005, it was at the more reasonable rate of 8%.

“The demand for good quality Parisian apartments from clients at home and abroad continues to rise and yet supply is tight, particularly in the most sought-after arrondissements (districts). “Although prices are generally levelling off, rarity still commands high prices,” comments Charles Daireaux, also in the Paris department. “In fact, because there are usually more buyers than vendors, realistically priced properties sell very quickly indeed; that is why it is important to be well informed and prepared before the client starts looking.”

To give you an idea of what areas appeal to you as a prospective purchaser, here is a short résumé of the most desirable central Paris location and their price ranges.

N.B: The price indications we give are per square metre (10.764 square feet) and for better quality properties.