The election of Donald Trump: catalyst for a new American enthusiasm for luxury real estate in France

Donald Trump's return to the White House marks a major turning point for the luxury real estate market in France. While diplomatic relations between the two countries are strained, the interest of American investors in exceptional French properties is paradoxically intensifying. This phenomenon, already observed during Trump's first term, is now reaching unprecedented proportions. It is worth examining this trend, which is reshaping the landscape of high-end French real estate, with a particular impact on destinations like Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.

The post-election phenomenon: an influx of American investors into the French market.
The figures speak for themselves. Since the announcement of the results of the US presidential election in November 2024, French luxury real estate professionals have observed a dramatic increase in demand from across the Atlantic. According to data collected by the main specialist networks, searches for exceptional properties by American clients have jumped by more than 30% compared to the same period of the previous year.

"We have seen a sharp increase 
in requests for viewings and information since Donald Trump's election," confirms Alexander Kraft, CEO of Sotheby's International Realty France.

This trend is reflected in the growing number of transactions, following a period of pre-election uncertainty during which many Americans put their plans on hold, waiting to see the outcome of the election.

The profile of these potential buyers is revealing: most of them come from strongly Democratic states such as New York, California and Massachusetts, and belong to a wealthy socio-professional category – entrepreneurs, senior executives, professionals or heirs. Their average budget for a purchase in France often exceeds €2 million and can reach tens of millions for the most exceptional properties. This dynamic is reminiscent of that observed during Donald Trump's first election in 2016, but with increased intensity. At the time, American demand rose by around 15% in the months following his inauguration. The current recurrence, which is twice as significant, reflects a structural phenomenon that goes beyond a simple cyclical reaction.

The political and economic factors behind this craze.
Donald Trump's election has acted as a catalyst on several levels, creating a context conducive to this craze for French property. The protectionist policies announced by the American president, notably the threat of increased customs duties on European products, have paradoxically had a positive effect on France's property market appeal. This paradox can be explained by the climate of growing political and economic uncertainty in the United States. American investors, particularly those who oppose Trump's policies, are seeking refuge abroad, both to secure part of their assets and to consider possible alternatives for residence. France, with its institutional stability and the historical resilience of its high-end property market, offers this much sought-after security.

Beyond purely political considerations, economic factors also come into play. The Trump administration's US tax policy, which favours the wealthiest, paradoxically allows them to increase their investment capacity, which they choose to diversify internationally.  Furthermore, the anticipation of a possible depreciation of the dollar against the euro is prompting some investors to secure their assets in the eurozone. This paradoxical link between diplomatic tensions and real estate appeal is part of a broader phenomenon: in times of uncertainty, tangible assets such as luxury real estate traditionally serve as safe havens for large international fortunes.

The French regions and types of property most sought after by American consumers.
American demand is mainly concentrated in a few iconic areas, notably Paris and its most prestigious neighbourhoods. The Golden Triangle (8th arrondissement), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) and the Marais (3rd and 4th) are among the most sought-after areas. Haussmann-style apartments with views of iconic monuments or panoramic terraces are the archetype of coveted real estate in the capital. The French Riviera retains its privileged position with this clientele, with a preference for contemporary villas offering sea views in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes or Antibes. Provence, and more particularly Luçon, occupies a special place.