Vacant property and second-home taxes in Paris

Should you sell in 2026 or wait? Analysis for owners and buyers

Increase in taxes on vacant homes, growing pressure on second homes, multiplication of preemptions: for several months, the political discourse around housing in Paris has been intensifying. In this context, one question keeps coming back, both among owners and buyers: should you sell in 2026 or wait? The answer deserves a rigorous analysis, far from emotional reactions. Because while the regulatory framework is evolving, the Paris real estate market retains solid fundamentals and its own logic. Fairway Luxury Real Estate, specialist in high-end real estate in the 8th and 17th arrondissements of Paris, supports sellers and buyers in their patrimonial arbitrations with a precise and up-to-date reading of the market.

What is really changing in 2026

Several measures and political orientations are now shaping the market:

• Taxation of vacant homes that can reach 30% to 60% depending on the duration of vacancy
• Increased pressure on second homes
• Increase in preemptions by the City of Paris
• Clear intention to redirect housing toward primary residences

At first glance, these elements may suggest a major disruption of the market.

But the statistical reality is more nuanced:

• 1,393,800 homes
• 262,000 unoccupied homes
• 18,600 truly long-term vacant homes, representing 1.3% of the housing stock

This means that the real lever for action is much more limited than the political discourse suggests.

What real impact on the Paris real estate market

A gradual increase in supply:

• some rental properties being put back on the market
• arbitrations on second homes
• sales linked to declining profitability

But this phenomenon remains gradual, spread over time and concentrated on certain segments.

Demand is still present:

• return of solvent buyers
• continued presence of international and expatriate clients
• stabilization of financing conditions

Result: the market is rebalancing without reversing.

Overall stable prices:

• no generalized fall
• more open negotiation
• increased selectivity

Well-located, well-configured and well-presented properties continue to sell under good conditions.

Should you sell in 2026

The answer essentially depends on the owner’s profile:

• Multi-property owners: heavier taxation, declining profitability, increased complexity
• Second homes: rising tax pressure, sometimes limited use
• Primary residence: little impacted, liquid market for good properties

Should you buy in 2026

For buyers:

• more choice
• more open sellers
• more readable market
• stabilized financing

Acquisition conditions are now more favorable.

Micro-local reading

• Paris 8th: strong international demand, rare supply, resilient market
• Paris 17th: mixed market, increased opportunities
• Parc Monceau Ternes: high patrimonial value, strong attractiveness

Summary of strategies

Our analysis

The current discourse around housing in Paris is largely anxiety-provoking. But in reality, the market is not collapsing. It is evolving: more supply, more rational sellers, more demanding buyers. This is not a market in crisis, but a market in recomposition.

FAQ

Will taxes bring prices down?  No, limited impact.    

Is it the right time to sell?  Yes if the project is clear.

Are second homes under threat?  Fiscally targeted but still active.

Vacant homes?  Around 18,600.

Expatriates?  Still present.

Fairway Luxury Real Estate