Paris Accommodation

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
Car ownership: If you intend to own a car and require a parking space, then you;
1. May want to live on the outskirts of the city. Traffic congestion in the center of Paris is a major problem, which will make accessing an apartment there difficult by car.
2. Access to public transport: If you want to live in the city but your place of work is outside the city, check the public transport connections before you decide where you want to live, especially since driving in and out of Paris is not recommended.
3. Safety: You may wish to avoid areas that are considered to be unsafe, such as neighborhoods near major railway stations.
↑ Top

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
The most popular neighborhoods for expatriates are:

  • Inside Paris: The 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 15th, 16th & 17th arrondissements
  • Outside Paris: Boulogne, Neuilly, Levallois, Saint Cloud, Versailles

Common types of housing in these areas include:

  • Inside Paris: Mainly apartment buildings in a classic style known as Haussman, after an architect that greatly influenced the way Paris looks today, as well as many more modern buildings. It is very unusual to find parking in the basements of buildings that were built before 1950.
  • Outside Paris: You will find many houses and townhouses, including stone houses that are centuries old.

 

Generally speaking, in Paris one can find furnished and unfurnished apartments, but rarely houses.
Outside the city, apartments and houses are available, but not furnished.
↑ Top

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Expats tend to rent their homes. Many expatriates' rent is paid by their employer.
↑ Top

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
In France, the following is what you would expect to pay prior to moving in:
1. First month’s rent
2. Two months' rent for security deposit. This is refunded provided the property is left in the same
condition in which it was found.
3. If you rent an unfurnished property through a real estate agent, you will have to pay a fee that corresponds to approximately 12 per cent of the annual rent plus 19.6 per cent sales tax. There is no fixed law about this, however, and this is just the norm. If you rent a furnished property, the cost is usually double this amount.
4. If applicable, notary fees when they may be insisted upon by the landlord.
5. Also, you need to pay tenant liability insurance by law before you move in, the amount of which depends on the area, size, floor of the apartment. Insurance is usually not too costly.

↑ Top

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
In France, there are several types of heating. Central heating costs are often but not always included in the rental charges for apartments. Electric, gas and fuel heating costs are usually paid by the tenant, as are all electricity and telephone bills. In addition, according to French law, tenants are required to have a yearly maintenance contract on the heating system in the residence.
↑ Top

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
Beware of safety issues when considering a residence near any major railway station, as these neighborhoods are often considered unsafe. It is always best to check with the relocation consultant if there is anything to be particularly aware of in certain neighborhoods. Contact Crown Paris with questions.
↑ Top

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
French appliances run on 220-volt electric current at 50 Hz AC. This is compatible with electrical appliances from the UK but any from the US will need to be used with a step-down transformer. Be warned that some appliances are not well-suited for transformers. Our advice: do not bring any appliances with you. Buy them here instead.
↑ Top

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
One of the most common dilemmas for people looking for accommodation is that they are surprised at the high rental costs in Paris. Like New York and London, Paris is one of the world's major capitals with a high cost of living to match. As such, depending on your budget, you should prepare to live in accommodations that may be smaller than what you are used to. The best way to enjoy Paris is to find a small arrondissement (district) that has a village atmosphere, with the local cheese shop, baker, fishmonger, butcher and farmers' markets. If possible, your quality of life can also be enhanced by living near one of many of Paris' many parks and gardens. Instead of limiting yourself to a specific neighborhood, keep an open mind about what area you live in, remembering that Paris boasts one of the best underground transport systems in the world, which will give you convenient access to just about anything.
↑ Top

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.