realty
Article

Should you buy a property in 2025?

Summary

    Evolution of the real estate market in recent years

    The last few years have been tumultuous for real estate, especially marked by the effects of the conflict in Ukraine. Due to soaring interest rates (multiplied by four in just twenty months) and a fall in prices, the number of transactions fell by 20 % between 2022 and 2023.

    Sellers, caught in the crossfire, have often suspended the sale of their homes in the hope of a recovery in prices. As for buyers, many of them curbed their ambition, unable to engage in the purchase of real estate with such high rates, forcing some to severely reconsider their budgets.

    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 was not until February 2024 that the average interest rate finally fell below the 4 % mark (source: Crédit Logement Observatory).

    This increase in interest rates had a sharp impact on household affordability, mechanically reducing their borrowing capacity by nearly 20 % (for the same monthly payment).

    In 2024, transaction volumes collapsed, falling below the symbolic threshold of 800,000 sales. For the first time in a decade, prices declined across France, particularly in Paris, Lyon, and Nantes.

    Source : Synthèse des données Notaires de France et Banque de France.
    Note

    Between 2021 and 2023, households’ borrowing capacity decreased by around 24 % on average, the average loan term increased to 23.5 years, and the required down payments reached a record level, averaging 23 %.

    In this storm, sales deadlines have extended and prices have fallen, causing the most severe real estate crisis since 2008. After reaching record highs, mortgage rates stagnated around 4 % as of September 2023. It was not until February 2024 for the average interest rate to finally fall below 4% (source: Observatoire du Crédit Logement).

    As for real estate prices, after recording a drop of up to 5.2 % at the peak of the crisis, they seem to have hit a low in the spring of 2024. There are even signs of a slight rebound, but at a slower pace than household incomes. At the same time, good news: inflation fell below 2 %, reaching 1.9 % in August 2024.

    However, each crisis also brings its share of opportunities. The market is currently in imbalance: supply exceeds demand, which places buyers in an advantageous position to negotiate the selling price of the property they want.

    Note

    Negotiating does not mean systematically driving prices down: an offer to purchase must be realistic and justified in relation to market prices. A property listed at the right price is not necessarily open to renegotiation, and insisting may cause you to miss out on a great opportunity.

    The key to succeeding in this context? Adopt a caring approach and present a solid case, especially financially. In some cases, the presence of suspensive clauses can increase the credibility of your offer and reassure the seller.

    By signing a research 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 adapted to your project,
    3. Asking the right questions when viewing an apartment or from a house,
    4. Skillfully negotiate the selling price of the apartment or house of your dreams.

    Are you planning to buy a property with renovation work to be done? After the purchase, our interior designer studio takes charge of the architectural design, work and furnishings so that you can enjoy a home that suits you and has the best possible energy performance. An all-in-one service that considerably improves the chances of success of your real estate project!

    Answer a few questions and receive a personalized estimate for your real estate projec
    “From the search for the property (a 5-legged sheep we had so many criteria) to the completion of the work until the final delivery (on time!!!) everything went very well. The team was very supportive, a high quality architect (attentive and with excellent advice). And above all a better apartment than we expected. I recommend Maison Kyka”
    Amine Achite

    Why buy real estate in 2026?

    With a slowdown in the number of real estate transactions, a resumption of price growth and a fall in interest rates, the year 2026 is emerging as a potential turning point for the real estate market.

    2026 seems to be a good time to invest in real estate for several reasons:

    1. The market seems to have corrected (and is starting to rebound)
    2. The financing capacity of buyers is increasing
    3. The period remains favourable for negotiation
    4. The conditions for obtaining a mortgage are getting lighter
    5. Real estate remains a safe bet, even in times of crisis

    Towards a rebound in the real estate market

    After two difficult years, the positive signs are multiplying. In the second half of 2024, borrowing rates continue to fall and the fall in prices subsides. Apartment prices are even on the rise again in some regions, such as in Ile-de-France.

    In addition, other indicators show a potential market recovery in 2026. For example, between January and June 2024, the deadline for selling a property was shortened by almost 5 weeks (source: Casavo). This acceleration of transactions is another signal that shows that the real estate market has regained some dynamism since the second half of 2024. Although this remains to be confirmed, this trend gives hope for good prospects in 2026.

    Buyers' borrowing capacity is increasing

    Thanks to even a modest drop in interest rates, the borrowing capacity of buyers is increasing. This can lead to a surge in real estate demand, ultimately putting upward pressure on prices. It's the law of supply and demand!

    For example, in 2024, the selling price and the average area of goods sold increased significantly compared to 2023. According to a study by Casavo, buyers bought a property in 2024 that was on average 20 % larger and 10 % more expensive than in 2023.

    Buy in 2026 therefore allows you to take advantage of a time when prices remain low and when competition is still moderate. Becoming an owner before or at the beginning of the takeover allows buy your main residence (or to buy to rent) at an attractive price and then take advantage of a growing market that increases the value of your property.

    A favourable period for negotiation

    Even though interest rates have fallen slightly, they remain high, allowing buyers to exercise some bargaining power. According to the September 2024 LPI-IAD barometer, the level of negotiation margins increased a lot in 2024, both for apartments (+80 % compared to 2022) and for houses (+110 % compared to 2022).

    As a buyer, you have a real card to play in 2026, provided you offer a realistic and consistent price with respect to the market. To properly target your offer, compare the property you want with other similar properties in the same sector and refine your negotiation margin. Even in a period of crisis, the reference prices remain. It should be used to calibrate a fair and attractive offer for the seller.

    Reducing the conditions for obtaining a mortgage

    With interest rates falling, banking institutions are looking to attract new borrowers. Credit professionals note a gradual return to more flexibility in the conditions for granting loans.

    Buying in 2026 can be a good time to create competition between banks and to negotiate favorable terms.

    Note

    By borrowing at a high interest rate, some banks agree to renegotiate the loan terms after a few years. If interest rates continue to decrease in 2025, this gives you the opportunity to plan a renegotiation in order to reduce the overall cost of your mortgage (and your monthly payments).

    Investing in real estate remains a safe bet

    Investing in real estate in 2026, despite an uncertain economic context, can offer interesting prospects for the valorization of your assets:

    • Long-term safety and value: Real estate remains one of the safest investments. Unlike more volatile securities, the stone values over time. Even in times of crisis, real estate remains attractive.
    • Inflation protection: Faced with the general rise in prices, real estate is often perceived as a safe haven. The increase in rents and the increase in the value of the property partly compensate for the loss of purchasing power due to inflation.

    Despite market fluctuations, buying real estate is a safe investment if the project is well controlled from start to finish. Buying a new or old property requires good preparation and persistence. At Maison Kyka, we are committed to supporting you at each stage of your project so that you make a good investment in the best conditions.

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    Answer a few questions and then receive a personalized estimate for your real estate project
    “We went through Maison Kyka for our first investment! We are super happy with the result, our apartment is perfect, we were very well supported by Céline and Anton who were attentive and very responsive.
    Big plus: the timing was respected almost to the day. We highly recommend it!”

    Jeanne Sergent

    Advantages of buying a property to renovate in 2026

    Buying a property to renovate can be a winning strategy because it allows you to make a good deal while creating a living space that suits you. In 2025, moving towards the purchase of a property to be renovated can be interesting for several reasons:

    1. The bargaining margin for old properties is often greater than that of new properties.
    2. Carrying out renovation work makes it possible torapidly increase the value of housing
    3. Renovating an old property allows you to create a living space in which you feel good.

    More negotiation margin on old properties

    Older properties, especially those requiring work, often offer greater price flexibility. Unlike new properties, for which there is limited room for negotiation, sellers of antique properties are often more likely to lower their price, especially if the property is struggling to find a buyer.

    This margin of manoeuvre is an opportunity to negotiate an advantageous purchase price and achieve significant long-term added value.

    Note

    In this period of energy transition, many older properties can no longer be rented out due to their energy performance. If owners do not have the time or budget to bring them up to standard, they may wish to sell them quickly to avoid carrying the costs of a vacant property. In this case, your room for negotiation can be particularly significant.

    Rapidly increase the real estate value of the property

    Buying a property to be renovated allows you to transform and value it. By carrying out renovation work, you can greatly improve the Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) and the comfort of the home. As a result, this considerably increases its resale value and allows you to make a nice gain in value.

    Note

    Capital gains on the sale of a primary residence are exempt from tax. This is an advantage when selling your main home to buy another one..

    At Maison Kyka, our real estate project managers are trained by interior designers in order to know how to identify the work that makes it possible to increase the real estate value of an apartment or a house.

    Create a unique space, a tailor-made “home”

    Investing in a property to be renovated offers you the opportunity to transform it into your image. Each room can be arranged and decorated according to your tastes, far from the standardized standards of the new.

    Whether you dream of a vintage kitchen, a minimalist living room, or a bright bedroom, every corner of your future home can reflect your personality. Thanks to our interior design studio, we support you to design a space that suits you and that you can be proud of.

    Appartement après rénovation

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

    • Real estate hunting: taking into account your criteria, our project managers explore the market in order to find the properties that suit you.
    • Architectural design: we bring to life the style of home you want, integrating your tastes and design preferences.
    • Work management: our project managers orchestrate and monitor renovation work on a daily basis, ensuring quality monitoring and timely completion.
    • Custom furniture and carpentry: From the selection of furniture to its installation, our teams support you to create a harmonious space, where every detail counts.
    • Resale: when you are ready to sell, Maison Kyka puts its expertise at your service to promote the property, manage the ads and maximize your added value.

    So 2026 can be a good time to buy real estate. To get started, simulate your project, make an appointment with one of our project managers and find out how we can turn your real estate dream into reality.

    Answer a few questions and then receive a personalized estimate for your real estate project
    “I recommend the Maison Kyka experience 100 %! No mental load because they manage absolutely everything and the team is receptive to needs and requests, so it makes the whole process very fluid. A big thank you Maison Kyka! ”
    Perrine Jouve