Buying an apartment remotely in Paris: the experience of a Dutch couple

Introduction

Buying an apartment in Paris is already a challenge when you live there, so when you live abroad, the task can seem insurmountable.

However, thanks to digital tools and the support of an experienced apartment hunter, it is entirely possible to find and purchase a property without being physically present at every stage. At Parlez-moi de Paris, we regularly assist foreign clients with their projects, whether they are looking for a pied-à-terre, a primary residence, or an investment.

This article looks at the specific example of a Dutch couple who dreamed of a Parisian apartment with parquet flooring, moldings, and fireplaces in the 11th arrondissement.

Foreign clients who love Paris

My clients already knew the capital very well. They had lived there for a few years before returning to the Netherlands. Since then, they had been thinking about finding a Parisian pied-à-terre to return to regularly. Their specifications were precise: a typically Parisian apartment, bright, with character, located in lively neighborhoods such as Faidherbe, the Aligre market, or Square Gardette.

The problem was clear: living in the Netherlands, they could only come to Paris occasionally. However, the Parisian market moves quickly, especially for high-quality properties. Waiting several weeks to organize a series of viewings was doomed to failure.

The reality of the Parisian market

In Paris, beautiful apartments don't stay on the market for long. In certain sought-after neighborhoods, an attractive property can find a buyer in a matter of days, or even hours.

Contrary to the image we may have of a traditional search—visiting ten apartments and then taking our time to choose—the reality is quite different. Buyers must react quickly, with a detailed knowledge of prices and neighborhoods.

For clients living abroad, this pace is a real obstacle. The risk is arriving too late, when the property is already under offer.

Buying remotely: how does it work?

The solution for my clients was remote purchasing with virtual tours. Here's how we did it:

Step 1: pre-selection

As a real estate hunter, I filter the listings and contact my network to identify only those properties that meet the defined criteria. This means my clients only receive proposals that are truly relevant.

Step 2: the video tour

As soon as an apartment catches our attention, I organize a video conference tour. With my smartphone in hand, I show them the property live: rooms, size, brightness, general condition, common areas, and surroundings. Clients can ask questions in real time and imagine themselves there as if they were actually visiting.

Step 3: Remote offer

If the property is a good fit, we immediately draft a remote purchase offer and send it to the real estate agent or seller. Thanks to digital tools and electronic signatures, the process is quick and secure.

Step 4: Support until the signing

I remain present at every stage: negotiation, preliminary agreement, exchanges with the notary, verification of co-ownership documents. Clients only need to travel for key moments, such as the final signing and the handover of keys.

A concrete example: an apartment in the Faidherbe neighborhood

One day, I spotted a superb apartment in the 11th arrondissement, in the Faidherbe neighborhood. Beautiful volumes, old parquet flooring, elegant moldings: exactly what my clients were looking for.

I called them immediately and organized a video tour the same day. They were instantly enthusiastic: they knew it was the one. Without waiting, we made an offer remotely.

A few hours later, the apartment was reserved... for them. They had beaten all the other potential buyers to it.

The advantages of buying remotely

Buying an apartment in Paris from abroad offers several benefits when you have the right support:

• Time savings: no need for costly and tiring trips back and forth.
• Responsiveness: ability to act immediately on the best opportunities.
• Peace of mind: the apartment hunter handles the logistics, checks, and negotiations.
• Privileged access: thanks to their network and experience, certain off-market (unadvertised) properties can be offered.

The key role of the real estate hunter

In a market as tight as Paris, the role of the real estate hunter is central, especially for foreign buyers. Unlike real estate agents who work for sellers, the hunter exclusively defends the interests of the buyer.

At Parlez-moi de Paris, our mission is clear:

• Precisely define your criteria and priorities.
• Eliminate unpleasant surprises (overpriced properties, hidden defects, fragile co-ownerships).
• Represent you effectively with sellers and real estate agents.
• Secure the transaction in collaboration with notaries and experts.

Practical advice for buying property in Paris remotely

If you are also considering a remote purchase, here are a few recommendations:

• Prepare your financing: having an agreement in principle from the bank makes it easier to react quickly.
• Be clear about your criteria: the more specific your expectations are, the more effective the search will be.
• Trust digital tools: video conferencing really allows you to visualize yourself in an apartment.
• Rely on a professional: only an apartment hunter can exclusively defend your interests.

Conclusion

Buying an apartment remotely in Paris is not an impossible task, quite the contrary. Thanks to personalized support and new technologies, it is possible to complete a project with complete peace of mind, even from abroad.

The example of this Dutch couple shows that with a dedicated real estate hunter, an apartment can be found, viewed virtually, reserved, and purchased in record time.

If you too dream of a Parisian pied-à-terre or an investment in the capital, whether you are in France or abroad, don't hesitate to contact Parlez-moi de Paris, a major player in property hunting in Paris since 2009.