Luxury Living by the Eiffel Tower: What Cost?
Some of the most expensive apartments in Paris are found right next to the Eiffel Tower. The streets around Avenue de la Bourdonnais, Avenue Rapp, and Rue de Monttessuy are lined with classic Haussmannian buildings, many offering direct views of the old iron lady!
These are prime real estate, with grand facades, high ceilings, and large windows that bring in plenty of light. Some have balconies or terraces, which drive prices even higher.
Looking at a dreamy building like this, you probably wonder how much these apartments actually cost, and who can afford them?
What’s Special About These Apartments?
These aren’t modern high-rises or sleek penthouses. Most of the buildings in this area date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Inside, they have details like molded ceilings, herringbone parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and delicate ironwork balconies.
Some have been renovated with modern kitchens and bathrooms, while others keep a more traditional look.
These apartments are a short walk from the Champ de Mars, close to the Seine, and surrounded by high-end cafés and boutiques. The area is quiet, upscale, and attracts wealthy buyers from around the world.
But living here isn’t always as seamless as it sounds. The buildings are old, and while the facades may be elegant, many still lack modern insulation, central air conditioning, or soundproofing.
Elevator access can be limited or small, and plumbing or electrical upgrades often depend on the entire building’s willingness to fund shared renovations.
Tourist traffic is another factor. Streets near the Eiffel Tower draw a steady stream of visitors year-round. Even in the quieter side streets, it’s common to have tour groups gathering nearby, photographers loitering under balconies, or drone buzz on weekends.
What’s the Price?
Apartments here sell for anywhere between 20,000 to 30,000 euros per square meter. If there’s a terrace or an exceptional view, prices go up to 30,000 to 50,000 euros per square meter.
For a 150-square-meter apartment with a full Eiffel Tower view, expect to pay between 4M and 4.5M euros. Larger apartments over 250 square meters can go well beyond 6M to 10M euros, especially on higher floors or in well-restored buildings.
For comparison, a similar Haussmannian apartment in the 16th arrondissement, just across the Seine, costs around 12,000 to 18,000 euros per square meter. In the 15th or 14th arrondissement, without direct Eiffel Tower views, prices drop below 10,000 euros per square meter.
The Costs of Ownership
Buying a luxury apartment in Paris comes with ongoing costs beyond the purchase price. Property taxes alone can cost a few thousand euros per year for large apartments in this area.
Building fees (known as syndic fees) cover maintenance, elevator upkeep, and concierge services and can range from 5,000 to 15,000 euros per year.
Many of these buildings still rely on oil or electric heating, which can get expensive, especially with the high ceilings and large windows.
Hefty capital gains tax applies if you decide to sell, and if you rent the property, you’ll be subject to rental income taxes and Paris’s strict short-term rental regulations.
In addition, maintenance work in protected or historic buildings can be subject to heritage rules that limit what changes can be made—and increase both cost and delay. You may not be allowed to modify windows, shutters, or façade features even if they’re drafty or worn. And any shared renovations require approval from the co-owners association, which can be slow and bureaucratic.
Who Actually Buys These Apartments?
The typical buyers are wealthy Parisians, international investors, and second-home owners. Many apartments in this area are used as pieds-à-terre, meaning the owners only stay a few weeks or months per year.
For those who rent, long-term leases in these buildings start at around 4,000 euros per month for a one-bedroom. A two or three-bedroom with an Eiffel Tower view can go for 15,000 to 30,000 euros per month, depending on size and features.
But as these homes often sit empty much of the year, building life can feel a bit lifeless. Fewer permanent residents means fewer neighborly interactions and less vibrancy. Local bakeries and grocers sometimes struggle, replaced by souvenir shops and Instagram cafés catering to tourists instead of locals.
So Is It Worth It?
For most people, these apartments are far out of reach. But for those who can afford them, they offer a level of prestige, history, and location that’s hard to match.
Still, the drawbacks are real: aging infrastructure, heavy tourist presence, and a less lived-in neighborhood feel. These are not minor inconveniences, especially if you’re planning to live here full-time.
Real estate in this area holds its value well, but living here isn’t for everyone. The Eiffel Tower view comes with its share of complications.