Top 5 Parisian districts favoured by first-time buyers

With economic policies supporting mortgages for first-time buyers, such as the PTZ+ (Zero-Rate Loan), this year appears to be the perfect time to invest. We therefore examined several factors that make a district attractive, such as public transport, price per square metre, local schools and many others. We have compiled a list of the five districts in Paris most popular with first-time buyers, which are generally districts where the price per square metre is lower but where the market is expanding and where you can find beautiful Parisian buildings with period charm (mouldings, high ceilings, Haussmann façades), while being somewhat more affordable. Discover them below.

The 11th arrondissement

The 11th arrondissement is a young, vibrant district: between bars, restaurants (including Sixième Sens and Bistro Méricourt, which rank among the best addresses), concert halls, there is something for everyone. It is a very young district, very popular with thirtysomething first-time buyers. Everything is on hand for residents, such as the laundrette, bookshop, and small shops open until 2am. Cultural life is also very active, and schooling is possible with both state and private establishments, from nursery school through to secondary school (Marcel Deprez lycée and Lycée des Petits Champs, for example).

As this district is highly sought-after, neighbouring areas such as the 20th are also very popular.

Average price per square metre for a flat: €8,100 in Q4 2015

Metro lines: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and RER A serving the East and West of Île-de-France

Distance: 22 minutes from Nation to Charles de Gaulle Étoile

District known for: its museums (Musée d’Edith Piaf; Musée du Fumeur), its concert halls (Le Nouveau Casino; Le Café de la Danse), its theatres (Théâtre de la Main d’Or; Théâtre Aktéon); its markets (Marché de la Création Bastille; Marché Belleville); the Place de la Bastille, Place de la Nation and Place de la République; the Canal Saint-Martin

Discover this magnificent flat close to the Cirque d’Hiver in the 11th arrondissement here.

The 20th arrondissement

One of the most popular in the capital, the 20th arrondissement is a very lively district. This is an area where a genuine neighbourhood life has developed: cinemas, theatres, bookshops, gardens and parks, small markets, everything is there to please you. There are many unusual and hidden places to discover on foot. There are also many recommended restaurants and bars, such as La Bifourcation, which serves African cuisine presented in an original way, and La Bellevilloise, an original concert café that hosts exhibitions and offers unlimited brunch on Sundays. The 20th arrondissement has several educational establishments, from primary school to institutes such as the INK (Institut National de Kinésithérapie).

Average price per square metre for a flat: €6,930 in Q4 2015

Metro lines: 1, 2, 3, 3bis, 9, 11

Distance: 45 minutes on Metro 2 from Alexandre Dumas to Charles de Gaulle Étoile

District known for: Père-Lachaise Cemetery (the most visited cemetery in Western Europe); Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix Church; Carré de Baudoin; the Buttes Chaumont; Parc de Belleville; Place Gambetta; the Tarmac theatre, the Théâtre National de la Colline

The 18th arrondissement

Located in the north of Paris, the 18th arrondissement includes the Goutte d’Or and Montmartre districts where you will find bohemian artists. The Barbés district is also a very popular neighbourhood in this arrondissement. Being in full expansion, several ethnicities and individuals from different social categories coexist. Bars and restaurants are also present in this arrondissement to punctuate daily life: “Chez Toinette” (20 Rue Germain Pilon) which serves typical French dishes such as beef bourguignon; the café-canteen “La REcyclerie” (83 Boulevard Ornano) with its recycled look which offers vegetarian options; the 18.75 (3 Rue Caulaincourt) which is a rooftop lounge bar, to enjoy the panoramic views of Paris. For the little ones, classes are available from primary school to secondary school! The arrondissement is also very well served as it is close to Saint-Lazare and Nord stations (with the Eurostar).

Average price per square metre for a flat: €7,200 in Q4 2015

Metro lines: 4, 12, 13, 2, 5

Distance: 18 minutes on foot from Marcadet-Poissoniers (M4) to Châtelet – Les Halles or 55 minutes on foot (3.3km)

Arrondissement known for: the Sacré Cœur Church; Montmartre hill; the Saint-Ouen flea market (bargain hunters’ paradise, also the largest flea market in Europe); Château-Rouge for its exotic shops; the Moulin Rouge; the Espace Dali; the Théâtre du Trianon

Become the owner of this lovely five-bedroom town house in the 18th arrondissement.

The 19th arrondissement

The 19th arrondissement is considered a very pleasant area to live in and is home to different populations. Approximately 15,000 pupils are spread across 36 nursery schools, 34 primary schools and 3 comprehensive schools. Several metro lines run through this arrondissement and the price per square metre is very accessible for a first investment in the Paris region, making this district popular with first-time buyers. There are also restaurants and bars that ensure the dynamism of the area, such as La Rotonde (6-8 Place Stalingrad) which serves as a brasserie, Parisian café, bar, restaurant and night club; the 25° Est (10 Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad), which is a restaurant bar directly overlooking the Villette basin, where you can also listen to concerts and view exhibitions.

Average price per square metre for a flat: €6,530 in Q4 2015

Metro lines (28 metro stations): 2, 3bis, 5, 7, 7bis, 11 + Tramway T3b and RER E

Distance: 20 minutes between Laumière and Châtelet – Les Halles and 33 minutes to Charles de Gaulle Étoile

Arrondissement known for: the Buttes Chaumont park; the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie; the Cité des Enfants (museum); the Cité de la Musique (with evening concerts); the Rotonde de la Villette; the Philharmonie de Paris; the Parc de la Villette (Paris’s largest park at 55 hectares); the Mouzaïa district; the Belleville district; the Grande Halle; the Jardin des Compans

Discover this 88m2 flat near the Ourq metro in the 19th arrondissement.

The 10th arrondissement

The 10th arrondissement is a very well-served district by Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. Although this district is still considered underprivileged, many small restaurants and shops are beginning to open their doors for the enjoyment of residents. Some unused buildings are being converted, such as the Louxor cinema opposite Barbès-Rochechouart metro station, a few minutes’ walk from Gare du Nord. The 10th arrondissement is now a sought-after sector where you will find many theatres, cafés and restaurants. If we had to recommend a restaurant address, it would be “Julien” (16 Rue du Faubourg-St Denis), whose decor has not changed since 1890 and where you can taste south-west cuisine, but also “La Vigne Saint Laurent” (2 Rue Saint Laurent), which is a small wine bar that also offers charcuterie. For children, schooling is possible from nursery to secondary school, the 10th arrondissement offers all appropriate school services from secular to private.

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Average price per square metre for a flat: €7,670 in Q4 2015

Metro lines: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7bis, 8, 9, 11 + RER B (Gare du Nord), D (Gare du Nord), E (Magenta) + Transilien H (Gare de Paris-Nord), K (Gare de Paris-Nord), P (Gare de Paris-Est)

Distance: 15 minutes from Paris Est metro station to Châtelet-Les Halles and 28 minutes from Stalingrad to Charles de Gaulle Étoile

Arrondissement known for: the Porte Saint-Denis and the Porte Saint-Martin; the Canal Saint Martin; the Marais district; the Palais des Glaces; the Passage Brady; the Saint Vincent de Paul church; the narrowest house in Paris (39 Rue du Château d’Eau, with a width of 1.10m); the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord

Please do not hesitate to contact our sales team on 01 70 61 27 15 for advice on your investment in Paris or the Paris region.

**Source: Notaires Paris