Should you buy property in 2026?

How the real estate market has evolved in recent years

Between 2021 and 2025, the French real estate market went through one of the most erratic cycles in its modern history. In 2026, the market is regaining some stability, which is an encouraging sign for the years ahead.

2021-2022: The end of cheap money

Following the health crisis, extremely low interest rates, often hovering around 1% for 20-year loans, made it easy tobuy property. The volume of national transactions even reached a record 1.1 million sales in 2021.

Households, buoyed by increased borrowing power and the benefits of real estate leverage, fueled a price spiral, particularly in mid-sized towns and connected rural areas (thanks in part to the lasting rise of remote work). 

The 2023-2024 shock

The turning point occurred in the second half of 2022 and intensified throughout 2023. In less than eighteen months, mortgage rates quadrupled, rising from 1% to over 4 %. It wasn't until February 2024 that the average interest rate finally dipped below the 4 % mark (source: Observatoire du Crédit Logement).

This rise in interest rates hit household solvency like a guillotine, mechanically reducing their borrowing capacity by nearly 20 % (with constant monthly payments).

In 2024, transaction volumes plummeted, falling below the symbolic 800,000-sale mark. For the first time in a decade, prices fell across France, particularly in Paris, Lyon, and Nantes.

2025-2026: Recovery and the return to equilibrium

2026 marked the beginning of a recovery period. In the first quarter, prices stopped falling and interest rates decreased, stabilizing around 3%. 

In 2026, the number of transactions also rebounded: 921,000 sales, an 11% increase year-on-year. This year, the energy performance of homes has become significantly important. With the ban on renting energy-inefficient properties, "green value" now has a major impact on a property's worth.

Furthermore, with interest rates remaining high, the market remains unbalanced in 2026: supply exceeds demand, which puts buyers in an advantageous position to negotiate the sale price of the property they desire.

The key to success in this context? Adopt a professional approach and present a solid application, particularly regarding your finances. In some cases, including contingency clauses can increase the credibility of your offer and reassure the seller.

By signing a search mandate with Maison Kyka, you are supported by real estate experts who know how to:

1. Help you develop a serious financing plan,
2. Quickly find a property suited to your project,
3. Ask the right questions during a viewing of an apartment or a house,
4. Skillfully negotiate the sale price of your dream apartment or house.

Are you considering buying a property that requires renovation work? After the purchase, our interior design studio takes charge of the architectural design, the construction work, and the furnishing so that you can enjoy a home that reflects your personality and features the best possible energy performance. An all-in-one service that significantly improves the chances of success for your real estate project!

"From the property search (a real needle in a haystack given our many criteria) to the completion of the work and the final delivery (on time!!!), everything went very well. The team was very supportive, and the architect was of high quality (attentive and provided excellent advice). Above all, the apartment turned out better than we had hoped. I recommend Maison Kyka." Amine A.

Why buy property in 2026?

2026 looks set to be a good year to invest in property for several reasons:

• Mortgage lending conditions have stabilised.

• Eligibility criteria for the zero-interest loan scheme have been relaxed.

• The introduction of the Lebrun scheme makes rental property investment more attractive.

• Property remains a reliable long-term investment.

Stable and predictable mortgage conditions

In 2026, following fluctuations in previous years, mortgage interest rates have stabilised at around 3.2% over 20 years. This stability makes it easier for households to plan their property purchases without worrying about sudden rate increases.

With banks once again looking to attract new customers, many are offering competitive lending terms, particularly for first-time buyers and energy-efficiency renovation projects.

Changes to the zero-interest loan scheme in 2026

France's zero-interest loan scheme (Prêt à Taux Zéro, or PTZ) allows eligible buyers to finance up to 50% of a property purchase without paying any interest. Following the relaxation of the income eligibility criteria, the scheme is now accessible to a larger proportion of the French population.

Note

Before this reform, only 60 % of French people were eligible. In 2026, 73 % of households can benefit from the scheme (source: Info.gouv.fr).

Whether you are buying a new-build or an older property, access to the PTZ scheme can significantly increase your purchasing power in 2026.

Investing with the Jeanbrun scheme

2026 also marks a major turning point for rental property investment with the introduction of the Jeanbrun scheme. This new framework replaces the Pinel scheme with a more advantageous tax depreciation system.

By deducting a portion of your property's value (up to €12,000) from your taxable income each year, you could benefit from tax-free rental income for several years.

Note

Other benefits of the Jeanbrun scheme include its availability beyond high-demand housing areas (unlike the Pinel scheme) and the possibility of offsetting part of any rental property deficit against your overall taxable income (such as salaries and pensions), up to €10,700 per year.

Property remains a reliable investment

Investing in property in 2026, despite the uncertain economic climate, can offer attractive opportunities to build long-term wealth:

• Security and long-term capital appreciation: Property remains one of the most reliable forms of investment. Unlike more volatile financial assets, real estate has the potential to appreciate over time. Even during periods of economic uncertainty, property continues to attract investors.
• Protection against inflation: As prices rise, property is often regarded as a safe-haven investment. Rental increases and property value appreciation can partially offset the loss of purchasing power caused by inflation.

Despite market fluctuations, buying property can be a sound investment when every stage of the project is carefully managed. At Maison Kyka, we are committed to guiding you through each step, helping you make a well-informed investment with complete peace of mind.

“We chose Maison Kyka for our first investment! We’re absolutely delighted with the result. Our apartment is perfect, and Céline and Anton provided fantastic support throughout. They were attentive and extremely responsive. A huge bonus: the project was completed almost exactly on schedule. We couldn’t recommend them more highly!” Jeanne S.

Benefits of buying a property to renovate in 2026

Buying a property in need of renovation can be a rewarding strategy, allowing you to secure a good deal while creating a home that truly reflects your personality. In 2026, purchasing a property to renovate can be particularly attractive for several reasons:

1. Older properties often offer greater room for price negotiation than new-build homes.
2. Renovation work can help increase a property's value relatively quickly.
3. Renovating an older property allows you to create a living space tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Greater room for negotiation on older properties

Older properties, particularly those requiring renovation, often offer greater flexibility when it comes to price. Unlike new-build homes, where there is generally limited room for negotiation, sellers of older properties are often more willing to lower their asking price, especially if the property has been on the market for some time.

This flexibility presents an opportunity to negotiate a favourable purchase price and potentially achieve a substantial capital gain in the long term.

Note

With the ongoing transition towards greater energy efficiency, many older properties can no longer be rented out because of their poor energy performance. If owners lack the time or budget to bring their properties up to the required standards, they may be keen to sell quickly to avoid continuing to pay the running costs of an empty property. In such cases, you may have considerable room to negotiate the purchase price.

Quickly increase your property's value

Buying a property in need of renovation allows you to transform it and increase its value. By carrying out renovation work, you can significantly improve the property's Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) rating and overall comfort. As a result, you can substantially increase its resale value and potentially achieve an attractive capital gain.

Note

Capital gains from the sale of a main residence are exempt from tax in France. This is a valuable advantage when selling your current home to buy another.

At Maison Kyka, our property project managers are trained by interior architects to identify the improvements that can significantly increase the value of an apartment or house.

Create a unique home, tailored to you

Investing in a property in need of renovation gives you the opportunity to transform it into a home that truly reflects your personality. Every room can be designed and decorated according to your tastes, far removed from the standardised interiors of new-build properties.

Whether you dream of a vintage kitchen, a minimalist living room or a light-filled bedroom, every corner of your future home can express your individuality. With the expertise of our interior architecture studio, we help you create a space that feels entirely your own, and one you can be proud of.

Buying a property in 2026 with Maison Kyka means benefiting from personalised support at every stage of your project.

• Property search: Taking your criteria into account, our property project managers explore the market to find properties that match your expectations.
• Architectural and interior design: We bring your vision to life, incorporating your tastes and design preferences into a bespoke interior.
• Renovation project management: Our project managers coordinate and supervise renovation works on a daily basis, ensuring high standards of quality and timely completion.
• Furnishing and bespoke joinery: From selecting furniture to installing it, our teams help you create a harmonious interior where every detail matters.
• Resale: When you are ready to sell, Maison Kyka puts its expertise at your service to showcase your property, manage listings and maximise your potential capital gain.

2026 could therefore be the right time to buy a property. To get started, complete our online project simulation, book an appointment with one of our property project managers and discover how we can turn your property ambitions into reality.

The perfect property exists, let's create it together.

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