The Paris office market is going through a period of transition in 2025, marked by growing disparities between arrondissements and changing demand. While premium rents are peaking in the Central Business District, other sectors, such as Paris Nord Est and Paris Sud, are experiencing a marked slowdown. Between rising vacancy rates, cautious companies and the search for flexibility, prices per m² reflect a complex dynamic. Find out more about the latest trends, variations by arrondissement, and opportunities for companies looking for space tailored to their needs.

Evolution of the Paris office market in 2025

The first half of 2025 confirms a slowdown in the Paris commercial real estate market, with take-up down 26% on 2024. Economic uncertainties, amplified by geopolitical tensions and national political uncertainties, are prompting companies to adopt a wait-and-see stance. As a result, decisions to locate or expand are being postponed, and transaction volumes are down significantly.

This cautious attitude is particularly noticeable in the case of medium-sized properties, where small and medium-sized businesses, more sensitive to economic fluctuations, are reluctant to commit to rents that are deemed too high. On the other hand, large premium surfaces remain sought-after, but their scarcity keeps prices high, reserved for a targeted clientele. A dichotomy that illustrates the market’s current challenges.

Another key indicator: the vacancy rate in Paris, which reached 7% in Q2ᵉ 2025 (+0.7 points on the previous quarter). This rise is explained by space releases and recent deliveries, combined with a slowdown in inflation. A situation that is beginning to ease tensions on supply, paving the way for a gradual stabilization of rents in certain sectors.

Rents by arrondissement: marked differences

Disparities between Parisian arrondissements have never been so pronounced. The Quartier Central des Affaires (QCA), the historic heart of the tertiary sector, will see prime rents of €1,250 excl. VAT/sq.m/year by 1ᵉʳ July 2025. However, this record level concerns exceptional properties, meeting strict criteria in terms of location, services and environmental quality. A rarity that justifies these rates, but limits access to a handful of companies.

In contrast, Paris Centre Ouest is holding up better than other areas, thanks to a qualitative supply and demand sustained by users looking for alternatives to the exorbitant rents of the QCA. Sectors such as the 8ᵉ, 9ᵉ and 16ᵉ arrondissements are benefiting from this dynamic, with prices per m² remaining attractive for high-end space. On the other hand, Paris Nord Est and Paris Sud are struggling to appeal, due to a lack of large transactions and lesser attractiveness.

For companies looking for more affordable solutions, the outlying arrondissements or neighboring communes offer interesting alternatives. The 10ᵉ, 11ᵉ, 12ᵉ and 20ᵉ arrondissements, for example, offer rents well below the Parisian average, while benefiting from good transport links. An option particularly favored by startups and SMEs, who prioritize flexibility and cost control.

The shift towards flexible and peripheral solutions

Faced with rents perceived as too high in central areas, many companies are turning to alternative solutions. Coworking and flexible offices are gaining in popularity, particularly among very small businesses and the self-employed. These formulas, often all-inclusive (charges, services, equipment), reduce fixed costs and enable rapid adaptation to changes in business activity.

In addition, the outskirts of Paris are attracting more and more users, with rents that can be 30-50% lower than those within the city. Towns such as Boulogne-Billancourt, Issy-les-Moulineaux and La Défense are attracting buyers with their modern, accessible offerings, while also offering a living environment that employees appreciate. This trend is set to continue over the coming months, especially if Parisian rents remain under pressure.

Accompanying measures: a lever for attracting tenants

In a tight market, incentives play a key role in encouraging companies to sign. After a year of decline, these benefits are on the rise again, averaging 16.9% of the face rent in Paris Centre Ouest and 18.2% in the rest of Paris. These schemes, which can include free periods, refurbishments or additional services, reduce the effective cost of the lease.

For landlords, these concessions are a way of limiting vacancy and attracting tenants in a competitive market. For companies, they represent an opportunity to negotiate more advantageous terms, especially for medium-sized premises or in less sought-after sectors. A practice that could become widespread if the downward trend in demand continues.

How to choose the right office in Paris in 2025?

In such a segmented market, choosing an office in Paris requires a detailed analysis of needs and budget constraints. Several criteria must be taken into account:

Location remains of prime importance, but the trade-off is between prestige and cost. The CBD offers a prestigious address, but at a high price, while outlying districts or neighboring towns offer substantial savings without sacrificing accessibility.

Flexibility is another key criterion, especially for start-ups. Opting for a coworking office or a flexible rental, such as those offered by Hiptown, means you can adapt to variations in activity without having to make a long-term commitment. These packages often include shared services (reception, meeting rooms, relaxation areas), reducing hidden costs.

Finally, it’s essential to understand the real costs of renting. In addition to the face rent, utilities, taxes and any condominium fees can add significantly to the bill. For a clearer picture, resources such as this article on the fees included in a flexible rental are invaluable.

For companies concerned about their environmental impact, solutions such as recycled and eco-designed offices are gaining in popularity. As this article explains, it is now possible to reconcile design, sustainability and cost control, an approach that is winning over more and more tenants.

Where to find the best office deals in Paris?

To find the ideal office, it’s advisable to consult specialized platforms, which aggregate advertisements and enable you to compare prices and services. Comprehensive guides, such as this one, also offer practical advice on how to avoid pitfalls and negotiate the best deal.

Companies looking for turnkey space or tailor-made solutions can also turn to players like Hiptown, who offer fully-equipped, flexible offices tailored to the needs of startups and freelancers. This is a particularly attractive option for those wishing to concentrate on their business without the constraints of property management.

Outlook for year-end 2025

As we approach the end of the year, experts anticipate that rents will continue to stabilize, especially for medium-sized properties. The combination of a high vacancy rate and sluggish demand should prompt lessors to revise their prices downwards, particularly in less dynamic sectors. Large premium spaces, on the other hand, could continue to post sustained prices, buoyed by targeted demand and limited supply.

Flexible solutions and shared spaces are set to continue their rise, responding to a growing need for flexibility and reduced fixed costs. A trend that could reshape the Parisian commercial real estate landscape for the long term, with an increasingly diversified offering adapted to new ways of working.