Leaving Paris for a New Position

Real estate decisions to anticipate during a professional relocation

Moving to a new city for a new position is a key transition moment. For a property owner in Paris, this relocation raises a strategic question: should you sell, rent out, or keep your apartment? The decision directly impacts assets, liquidity, and taxation. Fairway Luxury Real Estate, a specialist in high-end real estate in the Ternes district of Paris, analyzes the key trade-offs to consider.

Analysis of the Paris market in 2026

• Relative stability after a correction of -10% to -15% in certain districts
• Demand focused on renovated and well-located properties
• Sales times ranging from 60 to 120 days depending on property type and location

The strategy must take into account the exact address, floor level and natural light to avoid valuation errors.

Option 1: Selling your apartment before leaving

When selling is recommended

• Permanent relocation or for several years
• Property in good condition and well valued
• Need for financial mobility to purchase in the new city
• Major renovation work anticipated

Advantages

• Immediate liquidity to finance the new project
• Simplified asset management
• Tax optimization if the property is a primary residence

Limitations

• Risk of selling below potential market value
• Transaction costs (notary, agency fees)
• Loss of a rare Parisian asset

Option 2: Renting out the property

When renting is appropriate

• Temporary relocation (< 3 years)
• Property attractive to Parisian tenants
• Ongoing mortgage

Rental yield in Paris

• Gross: 2% to 4%
• Net: 1.5% to 2.5% (including charges, taxes and vacancy)

Advantages

• Retention of a strategic asset
• Additional income
• Leverage effect of credit

Limitations

• High taxation and charges
• Remote rental management
• Risk of vacancy or unpaid rent

Option 3: Keeping vacant or for occasional use

• Rarely economically profitable
• May be relevant if a return is planned in the short term
• High fixed costs: charges, property tax, vacancy taxes

Key decision criteria

• Duration of relocation: <3 years → rental; >3 years → sale
• Property performance: premium properties → keep or rent; average properties → sell
• Taxation: primary residence → sale advantage; rental investment → depends on structure
• Market liquidity: liquid areas → secure sale

Case study: relocation to Lyon

Apartment: 85 sqm, Paris 17th (Ternes), good condition
Value: €1,150,000
Potential rent: €3,000/month

Analysis: net yield 2%, liquid market → sale often preferable to finance the move and limit remote management.

Summary

• Permanent relocation → Sale
• Temporary relocation → Rental
• Exceptional property → Retention
• Need for liquidity → Sale
• Unfavorable taxation → Sale or restructuring

FAQ

Should you sell your apartment in Paris when relocating?
Yes, if the relocation is long-term and the local market is liquid.

Is renting profitable in Paris?
Net yield is low but can be offset by long-term appreciation.

Can you keep your apartment as a secondary residence?
Yes, but it generates significant fixed costs without income.

How long does it take to sell an apartment in Paris?
60 to 120 days on average depending on type and location.

Conclusion

A professional relocation involves complex asset decisions. Selling is often the most rational choice for permanent moves, but each case requires detailed micro-local analysis, taking into account:

• the real value of the property
• liquidity needs
• tax perspectives
• asset objectives

Fairway Luxury Real Estate supports Parisian property owners in these strategic decisions, offering micro-market analysis, net seller optimization and targeted marketing in the Ternes, Courcelles, Saint-Georges and Europe districts.

Fairway Luxury Real Estate