France’s property market is entering a new phase of activity this spring – not marked by a dramatic surge in prices, but by a noticeable increase in transaction speed. Homes are selling faster across much of the country, particularly in major cities and sought-after regions, even as price trends remain cautious and uneven.
According to the May 2025 barometer from SeLoger and Meilleurs Agents, the average time it takes for a property listing to find a buyer – referred to as the Délai de Vente Médian – has shortened in 32 of France’s 51 largest cities since January. Paris now leads with the fastest sales at 68 days on market, while Bordeaux trails at 86 days.
This quicker pace isn’t a sign of a seller’s market returning in force. Instead, it reflects a rebalancing – driven by improving mortgage conditions, stabilising interest rates, and sellers becoming more realistic on pricing.
For overseas buyers, especially those planning summer viewings or thinking ahead to autumn completions, this shift is important. A faster market means less time to deliberate and more competition for well-priced homes, but it also points to renewed health and buyer confidence after nearly two years of hesitancy.
Selling times drop sharply in 2025
At the start of 2025, selling a property in France typically took close to three months. Now, the median delay between listing and securing a signed purchase agreement has dropped to around two and a half months nationally – and significantly less in many areas.
The change has been most pronounced in mid-sized and larger cities. Colmar has seen one of the sharpest shifts, with the average selling time falling from 75 to under 50 days since January, accompanied by a nearly 3% drop in prices. Nîmes, meanwhile, has shortened by 18 days to 77 days on average, with a 4% price decline. Even in high-demand markets like Nice, the median selling time dropped by four days in April alone, and by 11 days since the beginning of the year.
This acceleration matters for two reasons. First, it confirms that demand is strong enough to absorb new listings more efficiently. Second, it signals that buyers may need to act more decisively – particularly in cities with tighter inventory or growing international interest.
The trend also shows that correctly priced properties are the ones that move.
With a shorter buying period, you need to be better prepared than ever before
Better borrowing conditions and seasonal trends
Several factors are converging to speed up property sales across France in spring 2025. The most important among them is the gradual improvement in borrowing conditions. After peaking above 4% in 2023, average 20-year fixed mortgage rates have fallen back to around 3.1–3.2%. This shift, while modest, has expanded affordability for many households and encouraged previously hesitant buyers to act.
At the same time, sellers have adjusted their expectations. The average negotiation margin has stabilised at 4.72%, according to Laforêt, suggesting that while buyers can still secure a discount, sellers are pricing more realistically from the outset. This helps reduce the back-and-forth and speeds up the process of reaching an agreement.
There’s also a seasonal dimension. Spring typically brings an uptick in property market activity, and 2025 is no exception – even if overall price growth remains subdued. In April alone, the national average selling time dropped by four days. In Lyon, for instance, it dropped by five; in Nantes and Montpellier, by twelve and fifteen days respectively.
Together, these trends indicate a more fluid, if still price-conscious, market. For overseas buyers, especially those financing in euros, the current climate may offer a favourable balance between opportunity and competition.
Some markets are leading the charge over others
Regional markets gain momentum
Buyers targeting a swift purchase should take note of France’s emerging fast-sale zones. At the top of the list are Dunkirk and Calais, where the average time to find a buyer is now just 37 days – barely over a month from listing to agreement. These northern coastal towns have seen an uptick in interest thanks to their relative affordability and improving transport links.
Other cities are also seeing a marked shift in pace. Colmar, in the Alsace region, cut its average selling time by 25 days since January, with most homes now going under offer in fewer than 50 days. Nîmes, a city known for its Roman heritage and Mediterranean climate, has shortened its delay by 18 days, now averaging 77 days on market.
Even more established hotspots are feeling the shift. Nice, often resistant to national trends, has seen its median selling time drop by 11 days so far this year. Montpellier and Lille are also moving faster, with reductions of 15 and 10 days respectively.
This suggests momentum is returning across a range of city types – from cultural hubs to southern lifestyle destinations – giving buyers flexibility depending on their goals.
Ensure you put yourself in the best negotiating position
Room to negotiate in a balanced market
Although properties in France are selling more quickly, this does not mean sellers hold all the power. In fact, the market remains finely balanced. Buyers continue to negotiate meaningful discounts: the average reduction between listing and final sale price is currently 4.72%, according to Yann Jehanno of the Laforêt estate agency network.
Price trends also paint a mixed picture. In April 2025, national property prices rose just 0.1%, marking a slowdown compared to previous years. Some cities – Toulouse (+0.9%), Bordeaux (+0.6%), and Marseille (+0.5%) – saw modest increases, while others like Nantes (-1.0%), Nice (-0.8%), and Strasbourg (-0.6%) recorded further declines.
The result is a market that rewards informed decision-making. Properties that are priced correctly and located in areas with stable or growing demand tend to sell quickly. Others may linger or invite negotiation.
For buyers, this offers a clear advantage. While you’ll need to move quickly to secure desirable homes, especially in high-demand cities, you’re not competing in a runaway market. There’s still room to negotiate and find good value – especially if you’ve secured financing or planned ahead with currency solutions.
Once you are ready to make an offer, move quickly. You may not be the only buyer
Take action while conditions are favourable
For international buyers considering a home in France, this spring offers a clear window of opportunity – but one that may not stay open for long. With selling times falling across much of the country and the average listing now going under offer in just over two months, the process is picking up pace. Acting early could mean the difference between securing your ideal property and missing out.
The first step is to plan a viewing trip if possible. Many regions are experiencing seasonal boosts in activity, and demand often intensifies over the summer months. Arriving early can give you a wider selection and more negotiating power.
Download our free viewing trip guide
Second, consider your financing options. Mortgage rates have settled at around 3.1–3.2%, which may not last if inflation or bond yields rise again. Getting a mortgage agreement in principle can speed up your purchase and improve your credibility with sellers.
Finally, if you’re buying from abroad, currency planning is essential. A forward contract can allow you to lock in a favourable exchange rate now, protecting your budget from currency fluctuations later. This can be especially important as the euro regains stability in light of recent ECB policy updates.
We recommend talking to Smart Currency Exchange, one of our trusted partners:
France offers a way of life that appeals to different parts of US and Canadian culture
A promising season for cross-border buyers
The French property market may not be booming, but it is clearly recovering. Selling times are shortening, buyer confidence is returning, and key financial indicators – particularly interest rates – have stabilised. All of this points to a healthier, more navigable market.
For buyers, especially those purchasing from abroad, spring 2025 represents an ideal moment to step in. Properties are moving faster, but not yet pricing buyers out. There’s still room to negotiate, particularly in cities where prices have levelled off or declined slightly. And there’s growing variety in the types of locations seeing renewed interest – from the high-demand south to emerging urban centres.
Timing matters. Acting now means you’ll be ahead of the summer rush, when competition typically rises and well-positioned properties are snapped up more quickly. You’ll also benefit from the current mortgage landscape and can take proactive steps to manage currency risk.
If you’re planning to buy a home in France this year – whether for relocation, a holiday property, or long-term investment – now is the time to start. Book a consultation today to discuss your goals, location preferences, and financial options with an expert who understands the cross-border market.
