Buying an apartment in Paris as a non-resident: Expert guide 2026

In 2026, Paris remains one of the most sought after real estate markets in the world. Despite the rise in interest rates observed since 2022, the French capital retains exceptional appeal for international investors and French expatriates. For a non-resident, buying an apartment in Paris can serve several wealth objectives: preparing a return to France, acquiring a Parisian pied-à-terre, securing capital in real estate, generating rental income. Unlike other countries, France allows non-residents to buy property freely, regardless of their nationality. However, several legal, tax and banking parameters must be mastered in order to secure the transaction.

Fairway Luxury Real Estate, specialist in high-end real estate in Paris, regularly assists expatriates based in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East or Asia with their real estate acquisitions.

1. Can you buy an apartment in Paris without living in France?

Yes. French law imposes no restriction on access to real estate ownership for non-residents.

A foreign investor can buy:

• in their own name
• through a French company
• through an international wealth structure

For several years, notarial procedures have been modernized and now allow a secure remote acquisition.

A non-resident can therefore:

• sign a preliminary sale agreement remotely
• grant power of attorney to their notary
• sign the deed of sale by videoconference via a notarial electronic signature

2. Legal structures for buying in Paris as a non-resident

The choice of holding structure depends on the wealth project.

Purchase in your own name

This is the simplest solution.

It is particularly suitable:

• for a pied-à-terre
• for a standard rental investment
• for a first real estate investment in France

Advantages:

• administrative simplicity
• clear taxation
• easier resale

The SCI (French property holding company)

The SCI is widely used by expatriate families.

It allows you:

• to organize wealth transfer
• to avoid joint ownership
• to manage a property with several people

In an international context, the SCI often makes estate planning easier.

Furnished rental and LMNP status

For a rental investment, the Non-Professional Furnished Letting status (LMNP) may offer a tax advantage.

This regime allows:

• depreciation of the real estate asset
• deduction of certain expenses
• reduction of taxation on rents

The structure must nevertheless be reviewed with a tax expert when the owner is a non-resident.

3. Where to invest in Paris in 2026: real estate market analysis

International investors generally favor the most established neighborhoods of the Paris market.

These areas offer:

• high liquidity
• strong rental demand
• stable wealth appreciation

High-end real estate market in Paris

In family neighborhoods such as Plaine Monceau, Villiers or Courcelles, apartments of 120 to 200 m² remain particularly sought after by expatriates preparing their return to France.

4. Real estate taxation for a non-resident

The applicable taxation depends on:

• the country of tax residence
• international tax treaties
• the type of income generated by the property

Real estate wealth tax (IFI)

Non-residents are liable for IFI only on their real estate assets located in France.

The tax applies when the net value of French real estate assets exceeds:

€1,300,000

The taxable base corresponds to:

Value of the real estate assets
minus deductible debts (mortgage loan, renovation works).

Taxation of rental income

Rents received in France are taxable in France, even for a non-resident.

The minimum tax rate is:

20%

to which social contributions may be added. International tax treaties often make it possible to avoid double taxation.

5. Capital gains taxation upon resale

When reselling real estate in France, a non-resident is subject to taxation on the capital gain.

The rate is:

• 19% income tax
• social contributions applicable depending on the seller’s situation

Allowances based on the length of ownership exist.

Full exemption occurs after:

• 22 years for income tax
• 30 years for social contributions

In certain cases, an exemption may be granted for the sale of the former main residence.

6. Financing a property purchase in Paris from abroad

French banks regularly finance non-residents. However, the conditions are stricter.

Banks generally require:

• a down payment of 30% to 40%
• a stable professional situation
• verifiable international income

Some private banks also require the pledging of financial assets.

7. Buying an apartment remotely: how does the procedure work?

A real estate purchase in Paris follows these steps:

• property search
• signing of the preliminary sale agreement
• obtaining financing
• signing of the deed of sale before the notary

For a non-resident, signatures can be completed:

• by power of attorney
• by notarial electronic signature

The process remains legally secure and supervised.

8. Why work with a local real estate expert

Buying remotely involves several issues:

• verification of the property’s condition
• analysis of the local market
• coordination with the notary
• price negotiation

A locally established professional can also access off-market properties, meaning properties not publicly listed. Fairway Luxury Real Estate regularly assists international buyers wishing to invest in Paris and has recognized expertise in the capital’s high-end residential neighborhoods.

FAQ Buying in Paris as a non-resident

Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Paris?

Yes. Nationality has no impact on the possibility of buying real estate in France.

Can you buy real estate in Paris without traveling?

Yes. Notarial signatures can be completed remotely via power of attorney or secure electronic signature.

Do French banks lend to expatriates?

Yes, but they generally require a higher down payment and a thorough analysis of the financial situation.

Are rents from a property located in France taxable in France?

Yes. Rental income from a property located in France is taxable in France, even for a non-resident owner.

Does a non-resident pay IFI?

Yes, only on real estate assets located in France when their value exceeds €1,300,000.

Investing in Paris with Fairway Luxury Real Estate

Fairway Luxury Real Estate assists an international clientele in buying apartments in Paris, notably in the neighborhoods of:

• Plaine Monceau
• Parc Monceau
• Courcelles
• Saint-Augustin
• Golden Triangle

The agency also works on the search for confidential properties and wealth support for expatriates.