FAQs
Is it difficult to find an apartment to buy in Paris?
It can be. There is no central listing in Paris, and it can be a lengthy process.
Unless you’re able to spend a few months in Paris yourself, you’ll need someone local to visit apartments when they are put on sale, as they can be sold quickly!
Ask us for a recommendation of a trusted property finder to make it quicker and easier. A property finder will also be able to advise you on the price offer to make and the negotiation process. As you pay them directly, they have your best interests at heart (unlike realtors - seller’s agents - paid by the seller).
Be aware that you may not find the perfect apartment in your dream neighbourhood. And if you do, you’ll might have to do a gut renovation rather than just a re-paint. Paris is an historic city, and often we need to knock a fair amount of the historic dust off!
How long does it usually take to find an apartment in Paris?
Good question! It depends on several different factors: the buoyancy of the Paris property market when you start looking, the type of apartment you are looking for and how flexible you are willing to be.
Generally, you should be able to choose one within 2-3 months if you’re open to compromise on some criteria.
When should I come to Paris to look for apartments?
As mentioned, I recommend that you use a buyer’s agent to look for and propose properties for you to buy.
It is helpful to come to Paris when you decide to buy an apartment. Doing this allows you to narrow down the choice of quartier (neighbourhood) and meet the team who will help you find, design and look after your apartment.
How does the buying process work in Paris / France?
Basically, once the price is agreed between the seller and the buyer, both parties sign a Compromis de Vente (or a Promesse de Vente). This pre-sales agreement is signed in the presence of your notary. No lawyers are needed for property transactions in France, but a notary is obligatory. Notaries are paid a percentage of the transaction price, and they also pay the property transaction taxes on behalf of the buyer. Notary fees and taxes cost 6-7% of the property price (excluding agency fees, if applicable). Ask me for recommendations of bilingual notaries who will explain the technical details of your particular purchase and represent your best interests.
The Compromis de Vente is a legally binding contract obligates the seller to sell to you (this can’t be changed unless you back out), and you agree to buy the property under certain conditions (notably financial). You pay a 10% deposit (of the sale price) at this stage, which is lodged to a sequestered notarial account until the final sale.
Then, 3 - 4 months later (after research into the property by the notary), the parties meet again at the notary’s office to sign the final sales agreement. If all the conditions are met, the sale goes through: you pay the rest of the price of the apartment, fees, and you get the keys in exchange.
For more information about the buying process, download our explanatory PDF here! (coming soon)
What does your service entail?
I am a Full-Service Interior Designer, offering a turn-key service. This includes:
Floor plans, lighting, decoration, equipment, furniture and accessories,
Supervision of any renovation and/ or decoration work carried out by trusted contractors and artisans,
Procurement and installation of all equipment, furniture and accessories.
Your new pied-à-terre is fully renovated, furnished, equipped and installed. All ready for the big reveal when you first come to stay in your new home!
I also offer Pre-purchase Services to advise you on how best to choose and/or renovate apartments on your short list. The price of this service is deducted from my full Full-Service Interior Design service fee if you continue to work with me.
As I’m a solo practitioner with a trusted, small team of contractors, I intentionally don’t take on many projects every year (generally 4-5) — I like to take great care of my clients. So if you’re thinking of starting your project, contact me quickly so that I can fit you in as soon as possible!
How long does it take to design an apartment?
At Blue Sparks I follow a specific custom process to ensure the best results for my clients.
During the approximately 3 month period between the signature of the pre-contract and the sale agreement (when actually you get the keys) I carry out the Conceptual Design Phase and the Detailed Design Phase.
So when you finally get the keys, everything is ready to start the parallel Renovation Works and Purchasing phases.
This means that your new home is ready for your first visit sooner than it might otherwise have been.
How long will the renovation works take?
The length of the Renovation Works Phase depends on the size and condition of the apartment, and usually varies between 2 - 8 months. I estimate this during the Detailed Design Phase.
How much will the renovation works cost?
This depends, obviously, on how big the renovation job is, and the level of detailing / customisation of the Interior Design.
Gut renovations with a high level of finishes and customisation generally cost between 3,500 - 6,000$ per m2 (square meter, about 11 square feet). In Paris, all properties are listed with their size in m2 (square meters), so when you’re looking for apartments you’ll be able to calculate this.
To get a ball park figure of renovation costs for a particular apartment, book a Discovery Call and avail of my Renovation Project Assessment service.
Durning Full-Service Interior Design, you’ll receive a more detailed estimate of your renovation and furniture investment during the Conceptual Design Phase.
How do I know if the building is well managed?
As you probably know already, most properties in Paris are apartments. The building, in which the apartment you buy is situated, is co-owned by all the owners of the apartments in the building.
When you have a shortlist of 2 or 3 apartments that you are interested in buying, the seller’s agent will provide documents relative to the building. This will include minutes of recent AGMs and information about the management of the building. It is important to understand and analyse these documents to know how the building is managed and what costs are up-coming. Some realtors and property finders can help you with this, or if you would like my help with this you can avail of my Co-propriété Report service.
What is your design style?
It’s all about you! I design each pied-à-terre specifically for each client. It’s about what you love about Paris and what you enjoy doing here.
During the design process I capture your needs, your wish list and your aesthetic preferences. Below are some examples.
If you love the history of Paris and France, I’ll include historical references to your favourite periods (for example Empire or Art déco).
If you love la cuisine française, I’ll make sure the kitchen is the heart of your new home, source antique culinary decorative elements and ensure there’s enough space for entertaining (and not just for the apéro!).
If it’s la litérature that you’re passionate about, I’ll install a proper library and your favourite kinds of reading chairs with ideal lighting. I’ll also find art work relevant to your favourite French authors and books.
We could go on and on, but I think you get the message: the design of your Parisian pied-à-terre is centred around you, and is totally unique!
Won’t I need an architect to do a big renovation project?
You will if you need to knock down a load-bearing wall as part of the renovation. At Blue Sparks, we generally find another solution rather than doing this as it is expensive, time-consuming and obtaining agreement from the other co-owners for your request (obligatory before works can be executed) is far from guaranteed.
If you do employ an architect, they’ll do the architectural renovation, but most likely not the Interior Design.
I ensure that everything is beautiful and absolutely ready for you - down to the cushions on the couch, the cutlery in the kitchen drawer, the bath robes in the bathroom and the hangers in the closets! There’ll even be a bottle of champagne waiting in the fridge for your first visit!
Can I include some of my own furniture in the design?
Of course! I would be delighted to include some of your furniture in the design.
Please let me know at the very beginning of the process what you would like to include. This means that the design will integrate the piece from the beginning which will avoid costly changes that could delay the renovation works and installation.
If you like, I can also take you shopping to choose specific pieces and/or your new mattress and pillows! I want to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible in your new home.
Trusted Partners
For everything other than my Pre-purchase services, and my Full-Service Interior Design service, I am always delighted to recommend professionals from our team of trusted experts. From bilingual notaries, foreign exchange services and tax advisors to builders, artisans and concierge services.