In recent time the prices on apartments in the country are going down, even in Paris. Sales surge in the period from November 2011 to January 2012 in the market of real estate was explained as a result of coming into force tax on sale of real estate reform.
From November 2011 till January 2012, 43 000 apartments were sold in the historic heart of France Ile-de-France, that is 11% more than in November 2010 - January 2012.
The increase in the level of sales of apartments was explained as a result of coming into force tax on sale of real estate reform, which entered into force on February 2012. After that the number of sold objects in average was decreased.
In overall the growth of real estate objects sales values was typical for Paris: +32% compared to the previous year. While in other parts of the country there were insignificant changes. For example, in the Northern regions of France petite couronne and grande couronne market grew by only 1% and 9%, respectively.
Despite the growth of the market, there is a tendency on apartments price falling, which began at the end of 2011. It makes sense even for Parisian housing market. For example, the price of one square meter fell by 0.4% from 8 370 Euro (December 2011) to 8 340 Euro (January 2012). According to preliminary one can expect a price reduction up to 8 100 - 8 200 Euros per square meter. The highest level of prices decrease is observed in the Seine-Saint-Denis (Ile-de-France) : –1,4%.
Source: http://votreargent.lexpress.fr/immobilier/immobilier-les-prix-baissent-meme-a-paris-malgre-un-rebond-des-ventes_180326.html