French Property Prices: Where House Values Are Rising—and Falling
French Property Prices: Where House Values Are Rising—and Falling
New figures from Notaires de France reveal a nuanced picture of the French property market, with modest overall growth in house prices between the first quarter of 2024 and the same period in 2025. While the national trend is slightly positive, regional variations are striking—some areas are seeing sharp increases, while others continue to decline.
Across the country, prices for non-new build homes increased by 0.4% year-on-year. When excluding the Île-de-France region, the rise was a bit more pronounced at 0.7%. The growth is more apparent when focusing solely on Q1 2025 data, which shows a near 1% increase compared to the same quarter the previous year. These figures suggest a market gradually stabilizing after the dip experienced in 2024.
Interestingly, the biggest price surges were seen in inland or less expensive regions. Haute-Corse led the pack with a remarkable 17.4% increase, followed by Poitiers at 8%, and other cities like Troyes, Dijon, Grenoble, and Saint-Étienne posting gains between 3.7% and 5.6%. These areas, often overlooked in favor of France’s more glamorous coastal or capital regions, are gaining traction as more affordable alternatives.
When it comes to overall property prices, southern and coastal cities remain the most expensive. Median prices for homes in Corse-du-Sud top the list at €471,300, followed by Toulon (€459,000), Montpellier (€389,000), and the Marseille/Aix-en-Provence area (€383,500). Lyon and Bordeaux also remain high on the list despite their recent price drops, with average house prices sitting at €382,200 and €331,000, respectively.
Conversely, several cities still offer more accessible entry points for buyers. Châteauroux is currently the most affordable, with a median house price of just €130,000. Limoges (€164,000), Amiens (€165,200), Troyes (€173,000), Rouen (€182,100), and Poitiers (€188,000) also offer relative bargains in today’s market. Interestingly, some of these lower-cost cities are also among those experiencing the fastest price growth, highlighting their increasing appeal.
So, what’s behind these shifts? Many buyers appear to be recalibrating their expectations, moving away from high-demand, high-price markets and into areas that offer better value and more space. This is particularly relevant in the post-pandemic era, where remote work and lifestyle changes have made living outside major cities a viable and attractive option.
Looking more broadly, the French housing market in 2024 was marked by a significant slowdown. Data from INSEE and notarial reports indicate national house prices fell by around 4% over the 12 months to Q3 2024. This downward pressure began to ease as 2025 approached, with early-year data suggesting a shift toward stabilization or modest recovery. At the same time, transaction volumes dropped below 800,000 in 2024—levels not seen in nearly a decade—indicating a cooling market with fewer sales.
However, there are signs of optimism. Interest rates, which reached highs of around 3.6% in early 2024, have since begun to decline, helping to restore buyer confidence. By summer 2025, the market is showing signs of renewed energy, with both transaction numbers and prices beginning to trend upwards once again.
In summary, while the French housing market hasn’t roared back to life, it’s far from stagnant. Buyers are adapting to new realities, and many are discovering untapped opportunities in less obvious places. Whether you’re looking to invest, relocate, or simply keep an eye on trends, understanding these regional dynamics is key to navigating the evolving property landscape in France.
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