Luxury real estate : 2025, an unexpected year that breaks all records

Despite an unprecedented political and socio-economic environment marked by a new U.S. administration, ongoing geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressure, reduced purchasing power and global uncertainty Sotheby’s International Realty France-Monaco has delivered one of the strongest performances in its history in 2025.

As France’s leading luxury real estate network, with more than 70 offices nationwide, the brand reports exceptional results, reaffirming the resilience and enduring appeal of prime property.

Nearly €2 Billion in sales volume

In 2025, the French network achieved approximately €1.95 billion in total sales volume, representing a 40% increase compared to 2024. This performance was driven by nearly 1,000 transactions (over 970 sales), reflecting a 30% rise in deal count year-on-year.

The average sales price reached €1.95 million the highest ever recorded underscoring a clear concentration of demand on best-in-class assets defined by prime locations, architectural quality and turnkey condition.

The fourth quarter alone marked the strongest quarter in the network’s history, with more than €650 million in sales completed between October and December.

Strong momentum in the ultra-prime segment

Beyond the numerous transactions above €1 million, 2025 stood out for a significant resurgence in the upper tiers of the market:

• More than 150 sales between €2 million and €5 million
• Over 50 transactions between €5 million and €50 million
• 4 sales above €40 million
• 1 transaction exceeding €50 million

The traditionally high-performing markets Paris, the South of France and the Alpine destinations remained key pillars, while new records were also achieved in other regions, from the Southwest to Brittany and Normandy.

A more fluid and balanced buyer’s market

Following the post-lockdown surge and the subsequent slowdown, 2025 marked a gradual return to equilibrium.

From the spring onward, three structural factors supported market stabilization:

• the sustained return of international buyers,
• price adjustments across the country,
• and progressively easing financing conditions.

This environment created a genuine buyer’s market, offering broader inventory and strategic opportunities for sophisticated investors. Demand focused primarily on exceptional, flawlessly presented properties in historically sought-after locations.

Alongside American, Middle Eastern and European buyers, affluent French clients also increased their exposure to real estate, viewing it as a secure store of value in uncertain times.

Strong nationwide performance

Robust activity was observed across major metropolitan areas, coastal destinations, Alpine resorts and inland regions alike.

In Paris and the greater Paris region, network offices completed more than 30 transactions between €3 million and €10 million, along with around ten sales exceeding €10 million.

On the French Riviera, the six regional offices recorded 72 sales between €1 million and €5 million, several transactions between €5 million and €10 million, and seven sales above €10 million.

In the Alps, the Megève and Méribel offices alone closed multiple transactions ranging from €2 million to €40 million, confirming the sustained appeal of premier mountain destinations.

Among the year’s notable sales:

• An 800 sqm triplex apartment with private garden in Paris, sold for nearly €40 million
• A château located 20 km from Paris, sold for €40 million
• A villa in the private domain of Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez, sold for €18 million
• Several landmark chalets in Megève and Méribel, ranging between €7 million and €15 million
• A contemporary lakeside property on the shores of Lake Annecy, sold for €4 million

A structuring international dimension

On a global scale, Sotheby’s International Realty, with more than 1,100 offices across 84 countries, also achieved remarkable and in some cases record-breaking transactions throughout Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia-Pacific in 2025.

The network recently released its 2026 “Luxury Outlook” report, identifying five key trends expected to support the global prime property market:

• substantial global inventory levels,
• a strong calendar of major international events,
• growing demand for multigenerational living,
• renewed interest in traditionally prestigious locations,
• buyers willing to set new price benchmarks for truly exceptional properties.

2026 Outlook : cautiously optimistic

The first quarter of 2026 opens with approximately €300 million in transactions currently under completion.

Supported by a healthier market structure, price recalibration and the prospect of monetary easing in the United States followed by Europe, the positive momentum observed at the end of 2025 appears to be continuing.

In a persistently uncertain global environment, prime real estate once again demonstrates its ability to combine capital preservation, desirability and performance.

More than ever, 2025 has reaffirmed the strength of the model and the power of a network built on selectivity, expertise and long-term vision.