Renovation
RENOVATING YOUR PARIS APARTMENT
A properly renovated and decorated Parisian apartment is not just a place to live but a lifestyle that embodies sophistication, elegance, and timeless beauty.
Our team has collectively renovated over 60 apartments in Paris over the years and have learned so much along the way. The thrill of seeing the transformation of an apartment neglected for 25 years into a haven of chic never gets old.
What does it cost to renovate?
Paris apartment prices are very much based on location and structure and less on the physical state of the interior. Apartments are sold strictly as is so some windows may stick, a faucet may drip and if an apartment is sold with air conditioning (very rare to find!) there is no guarantee that the unit can cool every room to 72°F / 22 C°.
A basic renovation costs about 1000 euros per m2 - update the kitchen, bathroom and paint. A more extensive one - change flooring, update electrics, move wall, change windows, etc. - can be 2000 per m2. If you choose top quality materials and use an interior design team, the cost can be 3000 - 4000 euros per m2. This does not include furniture and decor like drapes and mirrors. Quality of materials chosen has a big impact on the final budget.
If the apartment you love needs renovation but feels daunting, not to worry. We work with a talented team of experienced builders and interior designers who know how to work pure magic regardless of lack of water points or walls in the wrong places.
A properly renovated and decorated Parisian apartment is not just a place to live but a lifestyle that embodies sophistication, elegance, and timeless beauty.
Our team has collectively renovated over 60 apartments in Paris over the years and have learned so much along the way. The thrill of seeing the transformation of an apartment neglected for 25 years into a haven of chic never gets old.
What does it cost to renovate?
Paris apartment prices are very much based on location and structure and less on the physical state of the interior. Apartments are sold strictly as is so some windows may stick, a faucet may drip and if an apartment is sold with air conditioning (very rare to find!) there is no guarantee that the unit can cool every room to 72°F / 22 C°.
A basic renovation costs about 1000 euros per m2 - update the kitchen, bathroom and paint. A more extensive one - change flooring, update electrics, move wall, change windows, etc. - can be 2000 per m2. If you choose top quality materials and use an interior design team, the cost can be 3000 - 4000 euros per m2. This does not include furniture and decor like drapes and mirrors. Quality of materials chosen has a big impact on the final budget.
If the apartment you love needs renovation but feels daunting, not to worry. We work with a talented team of experienced builders and interior designers who know how to work pure magic regardless of lack of water points or walls in the wrong places.
| TOP TIP – We can connect you with a trusted English speaking project manager to ensure clear communication and a stress free renovation process. |
We will help you identify the right English speaking team to manage your project and help you understand the cost to renovate upfront. They will work with you to make good choices within your budget to achieve the result you want. We only ever recommend companies that previous clients have been 100% satisfied with. Our own Paris Perfect design team is also available for a limited number of projects per year.
What is the impact of the new energy rating rules on renovating in Paris?
In order to combat the climate crisis, the French government has voted into law new rules regarding home energy efficiency ratings (“diagnostic de performance énergétique” or DPE).
A DPE report is a mandatory energy performance assessment for any dwelling listed for sale or rent in France. This report provides a rating based on two main indicators: energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The DPE report provides an estimate of the energy costs that a property will generate, based on these indicators. The results of the DPE report are reflected in a color-coded scale of alphabetical letters ranging from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient).
Overall, the DPE report for a Paris apartment provides crucial information about the energy consumption and efficiency of the property, and is essential for property owners, buyers, and renters in making informed decisions regarding renting or purchasing property in Paris. For example, as of 2025 G-rated properties can no longer be rented out, in 2028 F-rated properties can no longer be rented out and in 2034 E-rated properties can no longer be rented out.
In order to combat the climate crisis, the French government has voted into law new rules regarding home energy efficiency ratings (“diagnostic de performance énergétique” or DPE).
A DPE report is a mandatory energy performance assessment for any dwelling listed for sale or rent in France. This report provides a rating based on two main indicators: energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The DPE report provides an estimate of the energy costs that a property will generate, based on these indicators. The results of the DPE report are reflected in a color-coded scale of alphabetical letters ranging from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient).
Overall, the DPE report for a Paris apartment provides crucial information about the energy consumption and efficiency of the property, and is essential for property owners, buyers, and renters in making informed decisions regarding renting or purchasing property in Paris. For example, as of 2025 G-rated properties can no longer be rented out, in 2028 F-rated properties can no longer be rented out and in 2034 E-rated properties can no longer be rented out.
| TOP TIP – If you are planning a renovation, chose options that will improve your apartment's energy rating and therefore its long term property value. |
Here are some key renovation considerations:
- Install double paned windows if not already present. This has the added benefit of practically eliminating street noise.
- If redoing your floors, put down a layer of cement and then insulation that also reduces sound before you install the new flooring. This will improve your energy rating, protect against water leaks and ensure you can live your life in peace without noise complaints from the neighbor below. Do not be tempted to skimp on budget here – it's worth it!
- Insulate your walls and ceilings from the inside before repainting and adding decorative mouldings – this will have a major impact on the rating.
- Invest in an energy efficient heating system and radiators.
- All Parisian apartments should have a ventilation system installed that allows you to ventilate and heat your home more efficiently. Be sure yours is double flow, a “VMC double flux”, to have the highest score on the DPE.
Top lessons learned from renovating Parisian apartments
Parisian architecture and design are renowned for their elegance and charm. Be sure to preserve and highlight the original features of your apartment, such as mouldings, fireplaces, or wooden floors, to maintain the unique character of the property.
With Paris Buyer's personalized services, we can recommend skilled craftsmen and women to restore and enhance these authentic details.
| TOP TIP – Always maintain the original charm of your Paris apartment while adding your own personalized touch. |
Here are a few more of our favorite tips:
- Select and buy all of your renovation material’s early, ideally before the start of demolition.
- Choose your furniture before you finalize the electric plan. If you don't have exact furniture measurements, the plugs and lights will never be in the right places. A good interior designer can help you visualize it all. This is mission critical.
- Always use Farrow and Ball paint. It catches the light in such a beautiful way that no other paint seems to be able to do. It's expensive but worth it and don't let your builder tell you it's OK because they can color match with something cheaper!
- Running tight on your budget? Buy IKEA or Leroy Merlin standard size cupboards and closets and add custom made carpenter fit doors.
- Paris is getting warmer like the rest of the world. Installing discrete ceiling fans with chic modern lines makes a world of difference and blend right into the ceiling. Parisian apartments are too small to be tripping over floor fans. We love Faro.
- Easy and so impactful – if you are going for the classic look, add moulding everywhere – ceilings, doors, walls. It just so Parisian.
- Spend your money on a key light fixture in the dining area or living room, the rest can be less expensive.
- Whenever possible if not already there - add a marble fireplace (even if only ornamental) with an antique mirror.
Your Parisian dream apartment is waiting - we can't wait to find it for you!
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9, rue Jacques Cœur
75004 Paris
75004 Paris