One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at 56Paris is helping clients find a home that continues to bring them joy years after the purchase.
Several years ago, we assisted an American couple in finding their Paris apartment in the 7th arrondissment. Recently, we had the opportunity to revisit their story and photograph the finished result after they completed the final touches to make the property their own.
Their experience remains as relevant today as when they first began their search.
Planning the Purchase
Our clients, a wonderful American couple, spent many years planning their Paris purchase.
56Paris first assisted them in 2015, but the timing wasn't quite right. Several years later, they returned to us, ready to resume their search.
By 2022, we helped them acquire a beautiful apartment in a former hôtel particulier in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods of Paris' 7th arrondissement.
This is their story.
The Property Search Begins
56Paris: What made you want to find an apartment in Paris?
Client: We've been regular visitors to Paris for about 15 years, always staying in a hotel in the 6th arrondissement.
We would stay for a week or two each trip. But hotel living got old, especially when family members or friends joined us. We needed our own space.
56Paris: Had you already searched on your own before contacting 56Paris?
Client: We looked on our own off and on for several years before buying. We found an apartment we really liked, but it didn't work out.
However, that experience gave us a sense of the market, the differences between the building types and all the different neighborhoods.
Recognizing the Right Apartment
56Paris: How many apartments did you visit with 56Paris before deciding on the one you bought?
Client: We approached 56Paris again in late 2022 and spent a week looking at about a dozen apartments with Kerstin and Ana Maria.
Because we had looked previously, we recognized the "right" apartment when we saw it.
This is something we frequently observe. Buyers often spend time learning about neighborhoods, buildings and layouts before recognizing the property that truly fits their needs.
56Paris: Is your apartment different from what you first planned?
Client: The apartment we ended up buying is like the one we had in mind. Except it's in a different neighborhood than where we assumed we would buy — about half a mile away from our first searches.
But we absolutely love it!
56Paris: What are the special features of the property that drew you to it?
Client: There are many things. But the layout was perfect for us and our adult children. It has great light, and it looks into courtyards in two directions, so it's quieter than being directly on a street.
56Paris: Was your choice carefully weighed and reflected, or was it love at first sight?
Client: Both! One of us was in love at first sight, and the other was more careful about thinking through all the pros and cons.
So we had a balanced view before deciding to go ahead with the purchase.
Buying and Renovating as Americans in Paris
56Paris: Was there any part of the buying process that turned out differently than what you had expected?
Client: The legal process of purchasing was more complicated than we experienced in the United States, but we were easily guided through it by 56Paris and our legal advisors.
This professional help made all the difference, so we felt supported.
56Paris: Did you renovate the apartment at all? How was that?
Client: The property was recently renovated, so it needed less work than we were expecting.
However, we did renovate. We've been through many construction projects in the US, where we were very involved in the details.
Our biggest concern was being thousands of miles away and not being able to get involved in this project. But it ended up being pretty easy — on time and on budget.
56Paris was key in introducing us to an architect in Paris who was knowledgeable and who worked well with us. We were very impressed with the contractor he chose for us, and the work proceeded smoothly. Of course, there were a few hiccups — which we expected!
That said, we helped the process by having regular calls with the architect and by making decisions quickly.
56Paris: Did you apply for a mortgage? Was that different in France?
Client: We did apply for a mortgage. We used a mortgage broker recommended by 56Paris and the process was reasonably smooth.
Settling Into Paris Life
56Paris: Have you made any fabulous finds in your new neighborhood that you want to share?
Client: We were quite shocked to find another couple from our US neighborhood who have a long-term rental property right across the street from our new apartment... it's a small world!
Through friends we also found other couples who have apartments in the area.
A Final Piece of Advice for Buyers
56Paris: Finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to a first-time buyer in Paris, what would it be?
Client: Do your homework on the neighborhoods, the types of buildings and all the various common layouts.
Speak with others who have already been through the process. Build a team of professionals — such as 56Paris — who can help you with the purchase and then with the operations and maintenance afterwards.
Enjoy the search as much as the purchase — it's all an adventure!
Four Years Later
Several years after their purchase, our clients continue to enjoy both their apartment and the neighborhood they discovered through their search.
The photographs shown here were taken after they completed the final touches that transformed the property into their Paris home. Looking back, their experience is a reminder that finding the right apartment is rarely about choosing a neighborhood on a map or focusing solely on square footage. It is about finding the place that feels right when you walk through the door.
Thinking About Buying a Property in Paris?
Every purchase has its own story.
Whether you are just beginning to explore Paris neighborhoods or are ready to start visiting properties, the team at 56Paris can help you navigate the market with independent advice, local expertise and long-term support.
Contact us to discuss your Paris property project.