How long does it take to find an apartment with an apartment hunter?

Patrick Martinez
Patrick Martinez
Fondateur de Parlez-moi de Paris

Looking for an apartment in Paris is often a real challenge. Hiring a property hunter may seem ideal on paper, but in the end, how many months should you really expect to spend finding a place that ticks all the boxes? We explain exactly what factors influence how long it takes to find a good apartment with the help of a real estate professional. He shares his tips for saving time and gaining access to the hidden market.

📸 : Allison Saeng
Sommaire

The real estate hunter in your search

A real estate hunter is a professional who actively assists you in your search for an apartment. People often wonder whether it is better to use a hunter or an agency. This article compares the two options to help you make the best choice!

A property hunter helps you save valuable time. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the market and their expertise in optimizing viewings, you no longer have to spend endless hours poring over listings. But above all, they can give you access to unlisted properties—a significant advantage—which can make all the difference.

Factors influencing the search time

Difficulty of search criteria

Search criteria, such as the type of property, directly impact the duration. Prioritizing criteria is essential for an effective apartment search.tave

average search time apartment

Caption: This table provides an estimate of the average time it takes to find an apartment, depending on the type of property sought. These times are indicative and may vary depending on many factors, such as the local real estate market, the budget allocated, and the specificity of the search criteria.

Impact of the allocated budget

The allocated budget influences the search, as there is a direct relationship between the budget and the range of properties available.

Firstly, if the budget is not realistic in relation to market prices, the search will be impossible. This situation is quite common, as many buyers confuse the average sale prices in a sector with the price of an apartment with above-average features. The differences can sometimes be very high. To understand this important point, please watch this short video: understanding the concept of average price per square foot.

Finally, the higher the budget is above the target property, the wider the range of properties on offer will be, thus reducing the average search time. For example, if the apartment you are looking for requires a minimum budget of €750,000, the search will be much quicker if the budget can go up to €780,000 or even €800,000.

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Geographical variations

  • Paris: longer waiting times, due to high demand and the complexity of the local market. In cities such as Paris, where competition is fierce, using a property hunter can significantly speed up the process.
  • Lyon: dynamic market: waiting times remain moderate with appropriate professional support.
  • Marseille: lead times can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, so local expertise is recommended.
  • Bordeaux: growing market, lead times close to the national average.
  • Nice: high demand, the services of a property hunter are a valuable asset.

Acceleration process by the professional

Active monitoring and off-market access

As property hunters, we can identify gems that are not yet on the traditional market. This is possible thanks to our exclusive networks, which we have spent years building up. We use professional channels to find these rare offers on the real estate market.

Optimization of visits

As a property hunter, I won't take you to view properties at random. I carry out a preliminary screening and meticulous analysis of the listings. This preliminary selection process helps us optimize viewings and make them useful for you... A real time-saver in your search.

Choosing the right person

To choose the right real estate hunter, here are the key points to consider:

  • Check reviews and testimonials: take the time to read online reviews and customer feedback to get an idea of the quality of the services offered and the professionalism of the agent—just as you would ask friends if they know a good craftsman!
  • Check qualifications: make sure the real estate hunter is properly registered and has a professional license to practice. This guarantees their professionalism and compliance with current regulations. Proof of reliability that counts
  • Assess their experience and past projects: find out about their experience, knowledge of the local real estate market, the number of deals they have closed, the average time it takes them to find a property, and any specializations they may have, such as apartments, houses, rental investments, etc.
  • Meet the real estate hunter in person: a relationship of trust is important for a successful search. It is essential that you feel comfortable and understood.
  • Clarify the financial terms: discuss the terms of payment and the various fees that will be charged for the services included from the outset to avoid any surprises and ensure financial transparency. Clearly, clarity is the foundation of a good relationship.

By taking these different aspects into account, you will be able to identify a competent and reliable property hunter. A qualified property hunter will bring their expertise, skills, and network to bear to find you that rare gem, while saving you time and securing the entire process.

Hyper-local expertise is a major asset. Beyond skills, it is important to understand a property hunter's pricing structure. Find out here how fees are calculated.

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Realistic timeframes: what to expect

The average time it takes to find an apartment varies considerably depending on the situation. Allow for around two months after signing the search mandate.

Search times vary between Paris and medium-sized cities, mainly due to high demand for real estate. Adjust your expectations to the location of your real estate project—this is professional advice that can save you disappointment.

In short, a real estate hunter saves you valuable time, opens doors to hidden offers, and looks out for your interests. To find an apartment more quickly, don't overlook the benefits of tailored support from a true partner who will accompany you every step of the way, from the first visits to the signing of the contract, ensuring a stress-free purchase.

Top stories
Our customers are in the best position to talk about us

Olivier was able to help us find the right property for us. He listened to us and was full of suggestions. His advice was invaluable at every stage of our search and right up to the negotiation of the property. A big thank you!

Minh-Lan His
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03/2025
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5/5

I embarked on the adventure of a first Parisian acquisition following an inheritance and in a context where the market was rather sluggish. I can only thank Olivier Lebé, who guided me for several months to refine my project until the acquisition of a very beautiful apartment in the 19th arrondissement. His ability to listen, his attentive support, his perfect knowledge of the real estate market and the neighborhood allowed me to embark on this first purchase with complete peace of mind. Excellent service is an investment, but peace of mind is well worth the price!

Pauline Schaming
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03/2025
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5/5

A big thank you to Patrick for his professionalism and efficiency! Thanks to his ability to listen and his perfect knowledge of the market, he was able to find the ideal property. Tailor-made support, sound advice and exemplary responsiveness. I highly recommend his services!

Guillaume LAFIN
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02/2025
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5/5
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