House Hunters International Season 36 Episode 4 Investment Property in Paris
- TV-G
- April 24, 2012
- 21 min
In this episode of House Hunters International, titled "Investment Property in Paris," viewers are introduced to a family looking to expand their real estate investment portfolio overseas. The family, consisting of a husband and wife with two children, has had success with rental properties in their home country but is now setting their sights on the City of Light.
The couple is hoping to find a property that they can rent out to vacationers or business travelers, with the goal of generating steady income throughout the year. However, they are quickly met with a harsh reality - the Paris real estate market is notoriously expensive and competitive, even during a global pandemic.
Undeterred, the couple enlists the help of a local real estate agent, who shows them a range of properties across the city. The first property they view is a charming studio in the Marais district, known for its trendy shops and cafes. While the space is small, the couple is drawn to its cozy atmosphere and prime location near some of Paris's most popular tourist attractions.
However, the price tag is steep, even for a small space, and the couple worries that they won't be able to generate enough rental income to offset the cost. They decide to keep looking and are shown a spacious one-bedroom apartment in the bustling neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This property boasts high ceilings, large windows, and a balcony overlooking the Seine river.
The couple is impressed with the size and layout of the apartment, but they are again concerned about the high price and ongoing maintenance costs. They are also hesitant about the apartment's central location, which may not appeal to all renters.
The third property they view is a two-bedroom apartment in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Belleville. This property is significantly cheaper than the previous two, but it requires some renovation work to make it marketable to renters. The couple is initially daunted by the prospect of renovating a property long-distance, but they soon realize that the potential savings are worth the effort. They decide to make an offer on the apartment and begin the renovation process remotely.
Throughout the episode, the family grapples with the challenges of investing in a foreign market, from language barriers to cultural differences. They also must navigate the fast-paced and often overwhelming Paris real estate market, as well as the logistical challenges of managing a rental property from afar.
In the end, the family emerges with a greater appreciation for the complexities of real estate investing and a newfound confidence in their ability to diversify their portfolio on a global scale. Overall, "Investment Property in Paris" offers a compelling look at the unique challenges and rewards of investing in one of the world's most beautiful and expensive cities.