How to find accommodation in Paris
Are you moving to Paris? Yay! Prepare to be under the spell of the city of lights, its culture, its gastronomy and its overall beauty by day or by night. One of the most important steps before being able to enjoy this, however, is finding housing. Here are some key tips to help you find the perfect flat in Paris!
Rental market and rent prices in Paris
The Paris real estate market is rather complex due to a relative shortage of flats for rent. Generally speaking, everything moves very fast, deals are done promptly and offers can disappear in the blink of an eye. But don't worry, that doesn't mean you won't find an apartment. With a bit of determination, flexibility and anticipation you will certainly find an apartment faster than you think.
On average, Parisian rent costs 41 euros per square meter, knowing that the bigger the apartments are, the cheaper the rent per square meter is. In fact, we can see that studios cost around 46 euros and three-room apartments cost 39 euros. It depends, however, in what Parisian neighborhood you want to settle in. Of course, the most expensive apartments are found more in the center of Paris, from the first to the ninth arrondissement, while the least expensive are found all around and in the suburbs. In fact, the farther away from the center, the more likely you are to find an affordable rent if it matters to your expatriation budget.
You will find furnished or empty housing, depending on your criteria, so you can avoid that extra expense if necessary.
The best districts to consider settling in when moving to Paris
Any self-respecting expat will certainly look for a district where they will feel comfortable and where they will have access to everything they need. For students it will be the proximity to the university, for a family it will be the schools and activities for the children and family, a professional will ideally be close to their company or at least in an area well connected to with public transport. The good news is that the city is so rich and diverse depending on the arrondissement that you will certainly find the perfect neighborhood for you. Here is a selection of Parisian districts very popular with expatriates and where it is possible to find furnished and unfurnished apartments.
The 5th arrondissement
The 5th arrondissement is the famous Latin Quarter with its small streets, famous faculties, gardens and grandiose monuments. Indeed, you will find yourself between the Jardin des Plantes, the Pantheon or the Grand Mosque of Paris. Artists and book lovers will also appreciate the boulevard Saint-Michel, located between the 6th and the 5th, where they can buy books in famous bookstores, see art movies in small cinemas. Near the quays, a walk on the Seine will certainly be in order. Students will find the Faculty of Archaeology, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Medicine, but also the Institute of Language. Families wanting to enroll their children in prestigious institutions will find the Lycée Montaigne as well as the Collège de France.
The 7th district
Who doesn't dream of living in Paris at the foot of the Eiffel Tower? If you live in this district, you'll find it! It is indeed the ideal district to live in the Parisian way, in addition to being reputedly calm, if you stay away from the famous monument built for the 1889 Universal Exhibition. You will find apartments in Parisian style buildings, although the rents remain high. You can walk to the Esplanade des Invalides and the quays of the Seine and have aperitifs in the many bars. Many prestigious schools are located here, such as Lennen Bilingual School and École Montessori Bilingue de Paris.
The 11th arrondissement
Located between the famous Bastille, Republic and Nation squares, it is one of the favorite districts of students and night owls, mainly thanks to the streets full of bars and restaurants of all kinds. The popular and trendy soul of this district full of history makes it an interesting place if you are looking for authenticity and animation. Here again, you will find a wide choice of universities and schools, and apartments at sometimes attractive prices for students.
The 15th arrondissement
This arrondissement is considered the most populous and is located in the west of Paris. The most famous districts are of course Vaugirard, Necker and Montparnasse. You will find the iconic Tour Montparnasse, and many Breton creperies and stores. Many health centers are also located in this district, including the very famous Necker hospital. If you like culture, the 15th arrondissement is also made for you, thanks to the numerous theaters and museums such as the Théâtre La Croisée des Chemins or the Montfort, as well as the Bourdelle Museum, the Post Office Museum or the Étincelles du Palais de la Découverte.
The 16th district
This largest and greenest arrondissement of Paris is particularly appreciated by expatriates for its very chic side, as it is indeed considered the most bourgeois of the capital. Nature lovers will certainly appreciate having the famous Bois de Boulogne close to their home, especially families with children to stretch their legs, but also running enthusiasts. If you want a view of the Eiffel Tower, this is one of the best districts to look for a home!
The 17th arrondissement
If you are moving with your family, this is certainly the district to choose. Located in the northwest of Paris, you will find many markets and local shops where you can do your weekly shopping. You will find quality and often local products. The 17th arrondissement also has many green spaces, a perfect place to bring the kids and make them appreciate nature. In addition, you can enjoy many famous buildings, such as the Gaillard hotel or contemporary museums such as the street art museum installed at the computer school.
The Hauts-de-Seine
Not actually a district, this place located in the inner suburbs of Paris deserves a spot in this list. Indeed, the Hauts-de-Seine is attracting more and more new inhabitants, including expatriates, thanks to the presence of the La Défense district, the capital's major business center. Don't hesitate to look in the cities of Neuilly-sur-Seine, Boulogne-Billancourt and Levallois-Perret, you will certainly find interesting housing offers.
When looking for housing, don't hesitate to consider the cities to the east and south of Paris either.
Consider sharing a flat
Sharing an apartment with one or more people can be an excellent option for those on a tight budget. As an expatriate, sharing a flat could be a fantastic way to improve your language skills, meet new people and save a little money. As a starting point, don't hesitate to do your research on sites such as Whoomies, Appartager or La Carte des Colocs.
Manage your expectations
Paris is certainly famous for its beautiful and elegant apartments, but those may not be within your budget. In fact, many people live in much smaller apartments! Students and professionals in Paris often choose to rent a studio apartment. Studios are usually located on the top floor of Parisian buildings. Many buildings are divided into larger apartments (with an elevator) and studios on the top floor (without an elevator).
Spread the word
When renting, be prepared to network in Paris and spread the word to as many people as possible. Many rentals and sublets happen through word of mouth, whether it's someone looking for a tenant or someone looking to rent a place. Also consider using social media to your advantage: join groups on Facebook or communicate about the type of housing you are looking for.
Set your budget
Don't expect to be able to negotiate your rent - apartments for rent are in high demand and there is usually a queue of people who would be willing to pay the rent if you are not. Be realistic with your budget and don't forget about additional charges such as annual property tax (based on the size of your apartment and your neighborhood), electricity, gas, water or internet connection.
How do I find an apartment?
Some agencies can help you find rentals in France as well as sales of real estate. Once you have chosen the area in which you want to live, visit one of the real estate agencies in the area and register your rental application or contact the agents directly if you have the possibility. Keep in mind that this procedure is not free, although it is very useful for expatriates. Indeed, many speak several languages, especially in Paris, and are used to foreigners. Do not hesitate to share your expectations and your budget with them so that we can make a proposal adapted to your needs.
If you don't want to go through a real estate agency, you can also find Parisian apartment ads on sites like Se Loger, Paru Vendu and Le Bon Coin, you can set up alerts to be notified immediately when properties that match your criteria are available. This will help you avoid missing an interesting opportunity and allow you to contact the owner as soon as the offer is published.
Act quickly and organize visits, without wasting time, and consider asking if a virtual visit is possible if you are not in Paris. Some less official sites also allow you to find apartments for rent, but be extremely vigilant when exploring these types of sites, as there are many scams. There are obviously some legitimate offers, so if you take your precautions, you may be able to find an independent rental and avoid the additional charges associated with official agencies.
What about the security deposit or guarantor?
When choosing to rent, expect to pay one month's rent as a deposit as well as your entire first month's rent before you move into your new apartment. If you are self-employed and do not earn three times the amount of your monthly rent, you may be asked to declare a guarantor. This is a formal agreement that states that this person (the guarantor) is willing to pay your rent if you fail to make the payment. Keep in mind, however, that your guarantor must live and work in France, so he or she could not be a relative in your country of origin.
What is a file?
If you are looking for an apartment to rent in Paris, you will become familiar with the term dossier: a selection of important documents needed to prove that you are a viable tenant. This file can be crucial to your success as a potential tenant, so make sure you have all your documents in order. As a general rule, you will need a copy of your passport, your employment contract, your most recent pay slips, and a French bank account statement. Your papers should be at hand so that you can act quickly if you find the apartment of your dreams! Many people go to visit with their dossier already prepared!
Staying in Paris for a short stay
If you are coming to Paris for a short stay of less than three months or for a few days of scouting, you will certainly need to find accommodation. In this case, no need to worry. Indeed, Paris is one of the most touristic cities in the world and there is no shortage of accommodation. You will find hotels, from the simplest to the most luxurious, AirBnb, boat hotels, youth hostels or even apartments for short-term rentals.
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