Buy an apartment in France in 2026: prices and taxes
About $11,000 per square metre in Paris, 7-8% in deal costs, no residence for buying. Prices, deal costs, payment for Russian citizens and owner taxes.
A Russian citizen can buy an apartment in France without restrictions, on equal terms with French citizens. A square metre in a resale apartment in Paris costs about $11,000, and transfer tax plus the notary add 7-8% to the price. France does not grant residence for buying property.
A detailed look at the market, ownership structures and taxes is on the property in France page. Here is the short answer: what it costs, how the deal works and where the catch is.
How much an apartment in France costs in 2026
The French market is standing still in 2026. According to the national statistics institute, resale home prices fell 0.8% over the year, apartments slipped only 0.1%, and in Paris they even rose 0.6%. About 958,000 deals were completed in 12 months.
Benchmarks for a buyer:
- Paris: about $11,000 per square metre; a 40 m² apartment costs about $430,000.
- Île-de-France average: about $7,000 per square metre; the same size costs about $280,000.
Outside the capital region, homes lost 1% over the year, houses most of all. For a buyer this is a rare moment: prices are not rising, there is no rush, and a seller whose apartment has been on the market for a while is open to negotiation.
Can a Russian citizen buy an apartment in France
Yes. France does not restrict foreigners by citizenship, type of home or region, and no residence permit is needed for the deal. The deal is run by a notary, who is responsible for the legal soundness of the transfer.
Before buying, decide whose name the apartment goes in: your own or a family property-holding company. This affects taxes and inheritance, and restructuring after the deal is expensive.
The main difficulty for Russian citizens is money. EU sanctions rules restrict banks from accepting large deposits from Russian citizens without an EU residence permit, and the notary must check the source of funds. The payment route is planned before the deposit.
How much the paperwork costs
Deal costs in France are among the most noticeable in Europe. Most of the money goes not to the notary but to local budgets.
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax on a resale home | About 5.8% of the price, or 6.3% in departments that raised the rate |
| Total including the notary | Usually 7-8% on top of the price |
| Deposit at the preliminary contract | Usually 5-10% of the price |
In total, about $35,000 on top of the price for a 40 m² apartment in Paris. This covers transfer tax and the notary's services. It excludes the agency fee, bank charges, document translations and Murblz support. A manager will calculate the support fee in chat.
7-8% on top of the price, but the wrong ownership structure costs more
The law does not stop you from buying an apartment in France on your own. But mistakes cost more than transfer tax: an apartment put in your own name when a family company would have been better, or the other way round; a deposit paid before the payment route accounts for banks' sanctions restrictions; a missed 10-day withdrawal window. Murblz support removes these risks: Murblz specialists find the property, choose the ownership structure before buying, set up the payment route and run the deal from the preliminary contract to the notary's deed. We guarantee professional work and a transparent process, and in most cases a result on the first filing.
The support fee depends on the city, the apartment price and the ownership structure; a manager will calculate it in chat.
How the purchase works
- Preliminary contract. The buyer pays a deposit, usually 5-10% of the price.
- 10 days to withdraw. After signing, the buyer may change their mind without penalty and get the deposit back.
- Notary checks. Usually about three months: title, debts, encumbrances, source of funds.
- Final deed. Signing at the notary, payment of transfer tax, transfer of title.
Owner taxes and residence
- Property tax. Paid by whoever owns the home on 1 January; the rate is set by the municipality.
- Housing tax on a second home. Abolished for main homes from 2023 but kept for second homes. In areas with a housing shortage, municipalities raise it by 5-60%.
- Gain on sale. 19% plus 17.2% social charges, except for a main home. Full exemption after 22 and 30 years of ownership.
- Unfurnished letting. Income up to $17,000 a year can be declared under the simplified regime with a 30% allowance for expenses.
- Real estate wealth tax. 0.5-1.5% if net property value exceeds $1.5 million.
Other rates are on the taxes in France page. An apartment covers the housing requirement for the visitor visa, but income still has to be proven: about $1,700 a month per person. More in our guides on how to get residency in France and retiring in France.
Which apartment in France fits the plan? Tell us whether it is for living, moving on a visa or renting out, which city and what budget. We will find the property, choose the ownership structure and plan the payment before the deposit.
FAQ
Can a Russian citizen buy an apartment in France?
How much does an apartment in France cost in 2026?
How much does it cost to process an apartment purchase in France?
Does buying an apartment in France give residency?
Can you withdraw from an apartment purchase in France?
What is the tax on selling an apartment in France?
Don’t want to figure this out alone?
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