Property negotiation: how much do buyers really get, Paris versus the regions
Nine in ten buyers negotiate, but not with the same success everywhere: according to Laforêt, the average margin is 4.8% in France in September 2026, against 3.2% in Paris and 5.1% in the regions. Figures, explanations and negotiating tips.
Gaston michelin
Agent immobilier
Supply is rising (+9% year on year) while demand is flat (+1%), which gives buyers more weight. This article breaks down the figures, explains why Paris holds up better, and gives concrete tips for negotiating, as a buyer or a seller.
The September 2026 figures
The average negotiation margin is 4.8% in France (+0.3 points year on year), down from June (5.2%). It varies widely by area and property type.
France: margin 4.8%, time to sell 101 days, average price €3,238/m² (−1.5%), demand +1%.
Paris: margin 3.2%, 84 days, average price €9,553/m² (−1%), demand +4%.
Greater Paris excluding Paris: margin 4.6%, 99 days, average price €3,879/m² (−2%), demand +5%.
Regions: margin 5.1%, 101 days, average price €2,433/m² (−1.8%), demand −2%.
By property type, the margin is 5.7% for houses and 4.1% for apartments. Houses face falling demand (−4%) and apartments rising demand (+4.5%), but also a much larger supply (+13%).
Prices hold up unevenly across cities: Brest (+5.8%), Rouen (+2.8%) and Dijon (+2.6%) are rising, while Nice (−0.5%), Lyon (−0.4%) and Bordeaux (−0.2%) slip slightly. Sales volumes fall everywhere: −1.8% in France, −3.8% in Paris.
Sources: MySweetImmo, based on the Laforêt September 2026 trends report, SeLoger, Laforêt Q3 2026 study.
Why Paris holds up better than the regions
The lower margin in Paris (3.2% versus 5.1% in the regions) is explained first by demand. According to Laforêt, it is up 4% in Paris and 5% in Greater Paris outside the city, but down 2% in the regions. A Paris seller gets more viewings, sells faster (84 days versus 101 in the regions) and so gives way less readily.
The national backdrop pushes the other way, though. Supply is up 9% year on year, and 15% in Paris according to SeLoger, while sales fall everywhere. Loans are getting more expensive: according to Pretto, the average 20-year rate reaches 3.66% in October 2026, against 3.26% in Q3, with the 10-year OAT at 4.94% on 1 October. Vousfinancer calculates that a €1,000 monthly payment over 20 years gives borrowing capacity of €167,928 at 3.8%, against €172,426 at 3.5%, i.e. 2.1% less purchasing power.
Three factors then explain the margin gaps:
Property type. Houses negotiate more (5.7%) than apartments (4.1%), because their demand is down 4%.
Energy performance. Homes rated F or G regularly sell at discounts above 10%, as do large houses needing renovation.
Local market. Brest, Rouen and Dijon see prices rise while Nice, Lyon and Bordeaux fall: the regional average margin hides wide disparities.
According to Laforêt, 9 in 10 buyers try to negotiate, against 6 in 10 in a normal market and 4 in 10 in a buoyant one.
Sources: MySweetImmo, based on Laforêt, SeLoger, Laforêt Q3 2026 study, Pretto, October 2026 rates, Bourse Inside, 14 October 2026.
How to negotiate effectively
An average percentage is not an offer. Here are the habits that matter, depending on whether you are buying or selling.
If you are buying
Base your budget on your real borrowing capacity, at October rates, before viewing.
Compare the asking price with recent sales in the neighbourhood, not only with listings.
Note the objective arguments: F or G energy rating, works needed, property listed for more than 100 days.
Aim for a realistic margin: about 3% in Paris, 5% in the regions, more for a house or a property to renovate. A property listed at €300,000 and negotiated at 4.8% sells for €285,600.
Back your offer with secured financing (agreement in principle): it is a strong argument with a seller in a hurry.
If you are selling
Set an asking price consistent with the market: an overpriced property stays online and ends up giving way more.
In Paris, with demand rising, keep a low negotiation margin (3% on average).
In the regions and for houses, allow 5 to 6% and prepare the file (surveys, completed works) to limit discounts.
An F- or G-rated home should be presented with a works quote: a discount above 10% is the norm.
An agent can frame the negotiation and keep a price discussion from derailing the sale.
Key takeaways
The average negotiation margin is 4.8% in France in September 2026: 3.2% in Paris, 4.6% in Greater Paris outside the city, 5.1% in the regions.
Paris holds up thanks to rising demand (+4%) and shorter sale times (84 days).
Houses, properties to renovate and F- or G-rated homes negotiate more, with discounts often above 10%.
Rates are rising (3.66% over 20 years in October): base your offer on your real borrowing capacity.
Points of uncertainty. Margins are national averages from the Laforêt network: they do not replace a market study of your neighbourhood. Sources differ slightly on some figures (Paris price, change in sale times); we use those of the September trends report. October rates are averages from one broker and may vary with your profile. This article is general information, not financial advice.
