For many foreigners moving to Paris, the notion of owning an apartment with views over the rooftops is part of the dream. But, if you want to live in the centre of the city, be prepared to pay extortionate prices. Whether to rent or buy is a question difficult to answer. How long will you stay in Paris? What can you afford? Often the apartment you can afford to rent is not the apartment you can afford to buy. If you do buy, are you doing so as an investment? Do you plan to rent the apartment when you’re not in Paris? Long term or short term? All of these factors will play a role in helping you decide where and if to buy.