Rue de Belleville, with its Asian Market Halls and Chinese canteen. Its corner grocery stores, the aroma of spit-roasted chickens and oriental dishes, its countless mobile phone shops, and the local café offering “counter service” coffee at €1.20. This vibrant corner of northeastern Paris has increasingly captured the attention of international investors looking for authentic Parisian charm with investment potential. Situated in the northeast of the capital, this dynamic and popular area boasts very competitive sale prices and high rental demand, making it an ideal district for rental investment, particularly in residential zones surrounding Parc de la Villette.

A New Frontier in Northeastern Paris

The La Villette district, located in Paris’s 19th arrondissement, has been gaining significant attention from international investors and expatriate buyers in recent months. Once overlooked in favor of more central neighborhoods, this area is now experiencing a remarkable transformation in its real estate landscape, making it a prime target for foreign capital. As one of the most promising areas for rental investment, particularly in residential zones surrounding Parc de la Villette, the 19th arrondissement currently offers very competitive sale prices and high rental demand.

“We’ve seen growing interest from American, British, and Middle Eastern investors over the past couple of years to explore neighborhoods they have previously stayed away from,” explains Pamela Goldman, Client Services Director at Paris Property Group. “Specifically for US and other dollar-based investors, Paris looks more affordable than it did at the market peak when you factor in both price corrections and currency exchange.” The currency fluctuations over the last weeks have added some uncertainty to the picture, further fueling interest in less traditional buying neighborhoods where future upside seems sure. 

Indeed, while the average price per square meter in Paris’s more exclusive neighborhoods can exceed €13,000, La Villette presents more reasonable opportunities with average prices between €7,010 and €9,000 per square meter—a compelling proposition for international buyers looking for both primary residences and investment properties.

Unique Appeal: Culture, Green Spaces, and Authentic Parisian Living

The district’s appeal to international buyers lies in its unique blend of urban dynamics and green spaces. Parc de la Villette, one of Paris’s largest parks, offers 55 hectares of greenery, cultural venues including the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (City of Science and Industry) and the Philharmonie de Paris, offering world-class performances, while the Marché de La Villette provides fresh produce and a vibrant community feel.

“La Villette embodies the evolution of northeastern Paris,” notes Marie Dubois, urban planning deputy for the 19th arrondissement. “We’re seeing increased investment in public infrastructure, transportation improvements, and commercial development that are attracting international buyers and investors to the area.”

This transformation has not gone unnoticed by international property developers. Several new residential projects have emerged, many specifically marketed to foreign buyers, offering modern apartments with improved energy efficiency—an important consideration given recent market trends showing properties with high energy efficiency ratings commanding premiums of up to 7% over lower-rated properties.However, this increasing global interest has consequences. While Paris overall saw a monthly price decline of -0.60% in April 2025, districts like La Villette are experiencing price increases above the Parisian average. 

“Properties that meet specific criteria are selling within days, sometimes even before they’re publicly listed,” Goldman continues. “The competition is intensifying, particularly for properties near the future Grand Paris Express stations.”

Despite this pressure, La Villette maintains its distinctive multicultural character—a significant selling point for international buyers. The neighborhood houses communities from various backgrounds, creating a vibrant atmosphere reflected in its restaurants, shops, and cultural offerings. This diversity is precisely what attracts many foreign investors seeking an authentic Parisian experience away from the city’s more touristic areas.

Investment Potential: Strong Rental Yields and Strategic Development

For investors, the rental potential appears particularly promising. The proximity to universities and major employers ensures steady demand from students and young professionals for long-term rentals. One-bedroom apartments in the 19th arrondissement typically yield rental returns between 4-5%—among the highest in Paris and significantly better than the 2.8-3.2% yields found in the more exclusive central arrondissements.

The investment landscape for non-resident property owners involves careful consideration of transaction costs. Notary fees and taxes amount to approximately 8% of the purchase price, paid by buyers, while selling involves agency fees and potential capital gains taxes. However, the competitive entry price and strong rental yields in La Villette help offset these costs.

As Paris continues its eastward development with the Grand Paris Express project, La Villette stands poised at a pivotal moment in its evolution. With the extension of metro lines and two new stations planned for 2025, the area is expected to benefit significantly from infrastructure improvements and increased accessibility, making it an increasingly attractive proposition for forward-thinking global investors.

Beyond La Villette: Emerging Neighborhood Opportunities

Beyond La Villette, two other emerging neighborhoods have begun capturing international investor attention. The picturesque Mouzaïa district, also in the 19th arrondissement and nicknamed “Quartier d’Amérique,” offers a truly unique proposition with its 250 colorful terraced houses along cobblestone lanes. This village-like enclave with small front gardens creates a countryside atmosphere within Paris city limits—a rarity. Meanwhile, La Chapelle in the 18th arrondissement has emerged as another frontier for international investment, with property prices averaging around €8,030 per square meter—nearly 27% below the city average. Once overlooked, this diverse neighborhood is experiencing gradual transformation as global capital recognizes its strategic position and development potential ahead of upcoming infrastructure improvements in and around the city.

La Villette offers that rare combination in the Paris property landscape,—a genuine French experience with accessible entry points and promising appreciation potential. 

As sophisticated global buyers increasingly look beyond traditional central districts for value, these neighborhoods in the less touristy corners are turning heads.  

Contact Paris Property Group to learn more about buying or selling property in Paris.