Relocating to Paris? Things to Bear in Mind

 It’s a dream cherished by many people – to be able to pick up and move to the city of romance, gay Paris itself. For EU citizens in particular, the dream is becoming ever more possible, once you factor in the ease of applying for work and the lack of visas necessary. If you’ve decided to make your dream a reality and relocate to Paris, there are certain things that you should bear in mind before beginning your apartment search.

Firstly, there comes the question of location. Though Paris is by no means the biggest city in the world, accommodation does vary greatly from arrondissement to arrondissement, so it’s worth sorting out your search parameters before you start. As a general rule, the closer to the centre of Paris you get, the more expensive the accommodation will be per square metre. There are, however, also some very expensive areas that aren’t so central – a quaint apartment on the picturesque streets of Montmartre will set you back quite a bit, for example. Ultimately, it pays to do some research beforehand to give you more focus in your flat hunt.  

You’ll also need to be very specific about how much space you want. Houses are rare in Paris, and most residents go for the apartment lifestyle which certainly has its perks. If you are searching for a larger house or a family home, you may need to consider looking outside of central Paris, either into the banlieues or the area surrounding the city. Having said that, large apartments are frequently available within the city and may well be worth the extra cost. Be realistic about how much space you really need before you set out, and it’ll make your search that much easier. 

And, of course, you’ll have to make sure you have your finances in check before starting your hunt for a Parisian home. Rents and apartment prices are undoubtedly much higher than in rural France, and you’ll have to factor in costs such as agency, legal and registration fees, which could set you back a pretty penny. Make sure you have plenty in your savings, or alternately consider taking out a loan to prepare you for the initial costs of apartment hunting. Have a look at those international banks such as Santander , who offer personal loans which could help you to cover the cost, providing you won’t find it difficult to meet the repayment schedule.