Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
The French real estate market is undergoing a transitional period in early 2025. After a slowdown phase due to rising interest rates and economic uncertainties, signs of recovery are now emerging in certain regions. This varied dynamic presents new opportunities for investors and individuals looking to purchase property. Let’s analyze in detail the current market trends and price outlooks in major French cities.
Ranking of French Cities: Between Stability and Surprises
Analysis of property prices in major French cities reveals significant disparities and some notable developments. Here’s an overview of trends observed in early 2025:
Paris remains the most expensive city, with an average price per square meter of €9,385 for apartments. Despite a slight 0.5% increase over one year, the capital is experiencing relative price stabilization after several years of sustained growth.
Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice complete the podium of the most expensive cities. Lyon shows an average price of €4,727/m² for apartments, closely followed by Bordeaux at €4,415/m² and Nice at €5,137/m².
Montpellier and Rennes surprise with their dynamism. These two cities recorded respective increases of 1.9% and 1.3% over one month, demonstrating renewed attractiveness among investors and buyers.
Nantes experiences a significant decline with a 6.6% drop over one month, bringing the average apartment price to €3,384/m². This correction could offer interesting opportunities for long-term investors.
Lille and Toulouse maintain relative stability, with respective average prices of €3,531/m² and €3,410/m² for apartments, and minimal variations in recent months.
Good to know:
Price differences between French cities remain significant, ranging from 1 to 3 between the most affordable metropolitan areas like Saint-Étienne (€1,303/m²) and Paris. This disparity offers varied investment opportunities depending on buyers’ objectives and budgets.
Regional Trends Spotlight: Contrasting Markets
Beyond major metropolitan areas, analysis of property prices by region reveals interesting dynamics:
The PACA region maintains its attractiveness. With cities like Nice, Aix-en-Provence, and Toulon showing high prices (respectively €5,137/m², €5,275/m², and €3,130/m² for apartments), the southeastern region remains a safe bet for real estate investment.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine experiences contrasting developments. While Bordeaux sees its prices stabilizing, other medium-sized cities in the region are attracting more investors seeking more affordable properties with attractive living environments.
Île-de-France outside Paris presents interesting opportunities. Cities like Montreuil (€6,323/m²) or Nanterre (€5,175/m²) offer more affordable alternatives to the capital while benefiting from the Paris region’s economic dynamism.
Grand Est and Hauts-de-France offer more moderate prices. Cities like Strasbourg (€3,768/m²), Nancy (€2,285/m²), or Lille (€3,531/m²) provide a good compromise between quality of life and financial accessibility.
Good to know:
Medium-sized cities and suburban areas have seen renewed interest since the health crisis. This trend continues in 2025, with growing demand for housing offering more space and proximity to nature.
2025-2026 Outlook: Towards a Gradual Market Recovery?
Analysis of current trends and expert forecasts allows us to outline the French real estate market’s evolution prospects for the coming months:
Overall price stabilization is expected in major metropolitan areas. After several years of continuous increases, prices should stabilize, or even experience slight corrections in some cities like Paris or Lyon.
Increased dynamism in medium-sized cities. Experts anticipate an average 3% increase in France’s 50 largest cities, excluding Paris. This trend reflects growing appeal for more spacious housing and more pleasant living environments.
Recovery in real estate transactions. The Xerfi firm forecasts a 5% increase in transaction volumes in 2025, indicating renewed buyer confidence and a gradual easing of credit conditions.
Special attention to energy performance. With new regulations coming into effect, property values will be increasingly influenced by their energy ratings. Homes classified A or B could see price increases, while energy-inefficient properties (F or G) will face significant discounts.
Potential impact of public policies. Government measures aimed at facilitating housing access and encouraging new construction could influence price dynamics in certain regions.
Good to know:
The real estate market recovery in 2025 is expected to be gradual and uneven across regions. Buyers and investors should remain attentive to local specificities and regulatory developments to optimize their purchasing decisions.
Conclusion: An Evolving Market Offering New Opportunities
The French real estate market in 2025 is characterized by great diversity of situations across regions and property types. While major metropolitan areas experience relative price stabilization, medium-sized cities and certain attractive regions offer real investment opportunities.
The observed trends reflect evolving French expectations regarding housing, with increased demand for space, comfort, and proximity to nature. This dynamic, coupled with the growing importance of energy criteria, outlines the contours of a real estate market in full transformation.
For investors and individuals looking to purchase property, 2025 could offer a favorable context, between price stabilization in some areas and emerging opportunities in others. Detailed analysis of local markets and consideration of regulatory developments will be essential for making relevant and sustainable investments.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
