Last updated: October 2026.
In short: you can relocate to Paris on your own, and many people do. A relocation agent is most useful when time is short, when you are moving from abroad, when your profile makes the housing file harder (for example no French guarantor), or when you want one point of contact for the administrative steps.
What a relocation agent does
Housing search and settling in, administrative and daily-life assistance, and help with social and professional integration. In practice: the housing search and visits (in person or by video), the application file, the lease, the move-in, and the administrative steps such as the bank account, insurance, energy and phone contracts, school enrolment and the health registration. See the full list of services.
Doing it yourself or with an agent: the main differences
| Task | On your own | With a relocation agent |
|---|---|---|
| Housing search | You search the listings, contact agencies and landlords, and book the visits yourself. | The agent searches with you, filters the listings and organises the visits, in person or by video. |
| Application file | You assemble the documents and find a guarantee solution. | The agent prepares the file and advises on the guarantee options. |
| Lease and move-in | You read and sign the lease and attend the condition report. | The agent supports you through the lease, the signing and the move-in. |
| Administration | You open the bank account, insurance, energy, internet and phone contracts, and handle the school and health registrations. | The agent can take care of these steps with you, as one point of contact. |
| Time and effort | It costs you time, especially if you are abroad or working full time. | It saves you time, in exchange for the agent’s fee. |
When doing it yourself works well
- You are already in Paris and can visit homes quickly.
- You speak French, or have someone who does.
- Your file is standard and you know your guarantee options.
- Your move date is flexible.
When an agent makes the difference
- You do not speak French, or only a little: this can cost you viewings (see below).
- You are moving from abroad and cannot visit in person.
- You are short of time, or relocating a family.
- You have no French guarantor or are not yet a French tax resident: my guide explains the options.
- You are looking for a property in high demand.
- Your employer wants one point of contact for the whole relocation: my checklist for HR teams.
Language matters more than most newcomers expect. Many landlords and letting agents do not speak English, far from it. The Paris market is very competitive, and in my experience a single listing can receive several hundred replies. Landlords and agents tend to choose the easy option: if your French is halting, or you do not speak it, you risk not being called back or not being shortlisted. An agent who speaks French and handles the contact on your behalf removes that obstacle.
What an agent cannot do
No agent can promise that a landlord will accept a file. For visas and residence permits, I work with expert partners who can find the best solution for each situation.
Questions to ask before hiring a relocation agent
- What exactly is included in the service?
- How are the fees set, and when are they due?
- Who carries out the visits, and in which languages?
- How does the agent work if the search takes longer than planned?
- Can you read reviews from previous clients?
My approach
I work with all types of profiles, from higher to more modest housing budgets, and I act as one point of contact for the whole relocation. The first call is free: book a free 30-minute call, or read our FAQ.
FAQ
Is a relocation agent worth it?
It depends on your time, your profile and your situation. If you are already in Paris, speak French and have a standard file, you may not need one. If you are moving from abroad, are short of time or have a more difficult file, it can save you a lot of effort.
Does a relocation agent guarantee that I will find a home?
No. No one can promise that a landlord will accept a file. An agent can prepare it, present it well and search with you, but the landlord decides.
Do you only work with high housing budgets?
No. I work with all types of profiles, from higher to more modest budgets.