Today, buyer demands have shifted a bit as lifestyle changes. The second floor is no longer the most desirable. Often the fifth floor, which became more accessible in the 20th century through the installation of elevators, is in greater demand.
“Now that there is more noise, pollution and elevators in every building, customers are obviously looking for high floors rather than high ceilings,” Jaffredo said.
Modern shoppers also tend to redesign the interiors, although they typically keep the moldings, chimneys, and parquet floors – the three characteristics that define a Haussmannian interior. However, they will add more color or maybe some contemporary art. They also often add more bathrooms and modernize or even move the kitchen to a larger room.
“Since the quality of the buildings is really good – the stone is really a good insulation material, the floors are very thick and so are the walls – you can really go one generation at a time and decorate it yourself,” he told Mr. Jaffredo.
Historically, north-facing homes have been the most sought after as sunlight could damage antique furniture. Today, most buyers own modern furniture and prefer sunny, south-facing apartments. Another element that is attracting buyers’ interest today is the fact that there are no neighbors on the same floor as a single apartment usually takes up the entire floor.
In a district like the 16th arrondissement, according to Ms. Lundgreen, apartments can range between 14,000 and 20,000 euros per square meter (20,761 to 24,425 US dollars) depending on location, condition, layout, orientation and floor. In the 7th arrondissement, prices for renovation and in new condition could rise up to € 25,000 per square meter. Mr Jaffredo said a truly luxurious apartment or one with a view near St. Germain des Pres could be sold for up to € 30,000 per square meter.
Apartments in arrondissements like the 10th, 11th and 12th tend to fetch lower prices. Barnes recently sold a 180-square-foot apartment in the fashionable 11th Arrondissement – which has been completely renovated and modernized, but on the first floor on a noisy (if trendy) street – for 10,000 euros per square meter, or 1.8 million euros total. a price that Mr Jaffredo described as “fairly low”.
While the supply of Haussmann-style apartments in Paris is relatively high, the demand is also high – especially for smaller apartments with 1 to 2 bedrooms.
“They represent the emblematic classic style that most people are looking for,” said de la Morandière.
He said availability is “still limited” but the market is balanced between supply and demand.
