American buyers are becoming an increasingly important part of Paris’s luxury property market, with figures showing they account for more than a quarter of purchases by foreign buyers living outside France.
According to the Notaires du Grand Paris, Americans purchased 220 existing homes in the French capital in 2025, representing 26 per cent of transactions involving foreign non-resident buyers.
Their median purchase budget was €864,000 (approximately A$1.38 million), making them the largest nationality group among foreign buyers living overseas and one of the most significant sources of demand for Paris’s higher-end properties.
But while their spending power is welcomed by selling agents, a Business Insider investigation suggests some American purchasers are paying more than necessary because they are unfamiliar with French property prices, negotiations and the way transactions are handled.
Why Americans are paying more
Paris buyer’s agent Adrian Leeds, who has spent three decades helping international purchasers navigate the French market, said American buyers can be particularly attractive to selling agents.
“It’s very well known within the industry that you can get a higher price from an American buyer,” she told Business Insider.
One reason is the difference between the French and American property systems.
In the United States, buyers are accustomed to working with agents who represent their interests. In France, purchasers often deal directly with the selling agent, whose commission is generally incorporated into the advertised price.
Property listings are also spread across numerous websites rather than being available through a single centralised system, making it harder for overseas buyers to compare properties and understand local values.
Another challenge is the way buyers assess prices. French purchasers typically pay close attention to the price per square metre, while Americans are more likely to focus on their overall budget and whether a property meets their requirements.
That difference can create opportunities for sellers, particularly when buyers have limited time to find a home.
A multimillion-dollar sale highlights the difference
In one example reported by Business Insider, a Paris apartment advertised for €7.9 million (approximately A$12.64 million) eventually sold to an American buyer for €7.7 million (approximately A$12.32 million).
Although the buyer negotiated a €200,000 (approximately A$320,000) reduction, the final price was approximately €20,000 (A$32,000) per square metre.
The agent involved had valued the property at around €17,000 (A$27,200) per square metre, highlighting the difference between securing a discount and paying a price supported by local market comparisons.
The example reflects a broader challenge for international buyers who may be financially comfortable but lack detailed knowledge of the market they are entering.
American purchasers can also arrive with specific requirements that are difficult to satisfy in older Paris apartments, including air conditioning, lifts and multiple bathrooms.
According to the report, some buyers visit Paris for relatively short property-hunting trips, making them more willing to act quickly when they find a suitable home.
Buyer’s agents are finding new opportunities
The growing number of American purchasers is also helping to expand the market for buyer representation in France.
Traditionally, many French buyers have been reluctant to pay an additional fee for a buyer’s agent, particularly when much of the legal work involved in a transaction is already handled by a notary.
However, international buyers are increasingly recognising the value of having someone independently assess asking prices, identify suitable properties and negotiate on their behalf.
One American purchaser interviewed by Business Insider credited Paris buyer’s agent Susan Lu with helping her negotiate a purchase price €50,000 (approximately A$80,000) below what she otherwise expected to pay.
For buyer’s agents, the opportunity extends beyond locating properties. International clients often need assistance understanding neighbourhood values, identifying potential problems and navigating a transaction process that differs considerably from the one they know.
However, the growing demand has also attracted new operators, with experienced agents warning that qualifications and expertise can vary significantly.
International buyers reshape the luxury market
The influence of American purchasers is also being felt in how Paris properties are renovated and presented for sale.
Apartments featuring modern kitchens, contemporary bathrooms and air conditioning can appeal to overseas buyers seeking familiar comforts within historic buildings.
Some investors and developers are responding by renovating older apartments specifically for international purchasers, with modern interiors designed to attract buyers willing to pay a premium for convenience.
The demand is particularly noticeable in sought-after central neighbourhoods, where historic architecture and limited housing supply already support higher prices.
While international purchasers represent only a relatively small proportion of the wider Paris market, their spending power can have a greater influence within particular luxury segments.
The Notaires du Grand Paris reported that purchases by buyers living outside France accounted for just 2.2 per cent of existing-home sales across the wider Île-de-France region in 2025.
However, those purchases were concentrated in Paris, where non-resident buyers accounted for 6.9 per cent of transactions.
The figures underline the difference between the broader residential market and the smaller, more internationally focused luxury sector.