Becoming owners: Sarah and Jimmy have dreamed of it for a long time. Despite their rather comfortable salaries – they each earn around 2,400 euros net per month – the two thirty-somethings, originally from Strasbourg, took several years to realize their purchase project. “ We both work in the heart of Paris, in the Odéon district. Also, we wanted to live in Paris, where the prices of goods are high…” Sarah says.
In spring 2023, after defining a budget with their banker, the couple begins their research with the help of a real estate agent. “ We were looking for a two-room apartment, around 50 square meters, in the 15th or 16th arrondissement of Paris, mostly on high floors, in a well-maintained condominium. Our budget was tight: 420,000 euros, excluding notary fees », summarizes the young woman, who works in retail.
An apartment sold occupied
After several months of fruitless searching, Sarah and Jimmy choose an apartment which, on paper, ticks all the boxes. Except one: it was occupied by a tenant. “As the apartment met all our criteria and was within our budget, we contacted the real estate agent to visit it. We learned at that time that its price had been discounted by around 15% compared to the market, precisely because it was sold occupied. Normally, it’s an apartment that would cost between 480,000 and 490,000 euros.», says Sarah.
For the young couple, the fact that a tenant is in place is not a hindrance. “ At that time, we thought it was relatively easy to end a lease. When we discovered the deadlines that had to be respected, the principle of “protected tenants”, the list of legitimate reasons for terminating a lease, etc., we quickly became disillusioned.», she smiles.
Rents used for work
No matter, in March 2024, the couple made a purchase proposal at a price – 425,000 euros – which was immediately accepted by the owner. For several months, the two thirty-somethings took on the role of landlords. Six months before the lease expires, Sarah sends a letter by registered letter to give notice to her tenant. The reason for the leave was legitimate since the couple was recovering the accommodation to establish their main residence there. “We had the courtesy to warn our tenant in advance, so that he could turn around,” she confides.
At the end of 2025, the thirty-somethings were finally able to move into their 2-room apartment. “Thanks to rents – 1,300 euros – which we received for 8 months, we were able to build up an envelope to do some work. For example, this will allow us to redo the bathroom.», concludes Sarah.
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