A buyer's agent in Paris — on your side only

A chasseur immobilier is the French equivalent of a buyer's agent: a licensed professional mandated by the buyer — never the seller — to search, vet and negotiate a property. The profession is regulated by the Hoguet law: agents must hold a professional licence (carte T), carry professional liability insurance, and may only be paid once the final deed is signed.

Comète charges 2.5% of the purchase price, all taxes included, with a minimum fee of €10,000 — payable only if you buy, at the notary's. Charging anything before the deed is illegal in France, so you never pay upfront. On average our negotiation saves clients 8% off the asking price, which typically more than covers the fee.

It depends on your situation. If you are abroad, short on time, or unfamiliar with Paris micro-markets, a buyer's agent gives you speed (the best properties sell within days), access (around 20% of our deals are off-market) and negotiation leverage. If you have time, speak French and know the market, you may not need one.

Yes. France places no restriction on foreign buyers — you do not need to be a resident or an EU citizen to own property. The practical differences are financing (French banks ask non-residents for a larger down payment) and paperwork, which we coordinate with the notary on your behalf.

No. We work in English at every step. The final deed is written in French, and if you don't understand it the notary will require a certified translation or an interpreter at signing — standard practice that we arrange for you.

An estate agent (agent immobilier) is mandated by the seller: their job is to sell that seller's portfolio at the best price for the seller. A buyer's agent is mandated by you: they search the entire market — every agency, notary sales, off-market — and negotiate against the asking price, not for it.

Our average search takes 30 days from briefing to accepted offer. After that, the standard French timeline applies: around 3 months between the purchase agreement (compromis de vente) and the final deed at the notary, mostly for financing and administrative checks.