Red, White, and Sacre Bleu: Americans are buying up homes in Paris

Marty and Angie Yabrow recently moved to Paris from Atlanta, drawn by the prospect of a better work-life balance, lower costs, and a distance from American politics. Their decision comes as a surge in Americans are purchasing homes in Paris. In 2025, 15,388 Americans applied for French residency permits, a 17.3% increase from the previous year. The residents of Paris are divided on the influx of Americans, with some locals benefiting from increased real estate sales and others facing higher housing prices.

The Americans are captivated by the historic neighborhoods around the Seine, with many attracted to the postcard-perfect imagery of Paris, as described by Guillaume de Blaÿ of Barnes Bac-Varenne. However, the surge of American buyers is also transforming the local real estate market, creating new opportunities for both locals and investors. The French use of English in popular media, such as "Emily in Paris," has also influenced American buyers, who are looking for an adventurous and culturally immersive experience.

Financially, Paris offers a safe and secure investment, with property values increasing by 1.1% in the past year and 31% since 2016, with projected annual growth of 2-4% over the next decade. Although the return on investment is not high, the short-term and mid-term investment benefits such as low transaction costs, European base, constrained supply, and historical preservation make it an attractive option. The French also offer tax advantages and a potentially lower cost of living compared to other major American cities.