Selling an apartment is an important step in any real estate journey. Whether it’s to move into a new home, start a new project, or make an investment, selling a property requires rigor, planning, and a bit of preparation.
Between pricing, preparing the property, mandatory diagnostics, viewings, and signing with the notary, the process can seem complex.
This guide walks you through each step to understand how to sell an apartment efficiently, at the right price and under the best possible conditions.
The first step in a successful sale is to determine the fair market value of your property. Setting the price too high may discourage potential buyers and extend the selling period, while setting it too low could make you lose part of your property’s value.
Start by analyzing the local real estate market. Compare similar properties recently sold in your neighborhood: surface area, floor level, orientation, overall condition, amenities, balcony or storage space… All these criteria directly influence the price.
Real estate listing platforms can provide a first idea, but an accurate valuation relies on professional expertise. Lodgis uses precise analytical tools and databases based on actual sales, ensuring a realistic and well-supported estimate that takes into account market trends, interest rates, and buyer demand. For more information, read our article on how to estimate your property’s value.
Several elements determine an apartment’s value:
One of the most common mistakes is overvaluing your property due to personal attachment. This often leads to months of stagnation on the market and price reductions later on. Conversely, selling too quickly without market research can be a strategic error. To maximize success, rely on objective data and the guidance of an experienced professional.
Do you have a question about your property’s valuation? Feel free to contact one of our advisors to benefit from our expertise.
Once the price is set, it’s time to showcase your property. A well-presented apartment sells faster and often at a better price.
Before listing your property, the owner must provide several legal and technical diagnostic reports. These reassure the buyer and protect the seller. The main required diagnostics are:
These documents must be provided to the buyer upon signing the preliminary sales agreement, within what is called the technical diagnostics file (DDT).
A move-in-ready apartment attracts more buyers. Fix visible issues: cracks, faulty faucets, broken switches. A fresh coat of neutral paint, good lighting, and small decorative touches can transform the atmosphere.
Home staging is a simple and effective technique: declutter, tidy up, harmonize colors. The goal is to help visitors visualize themselves living there. Discover our tips for decorating your property.
Gather all the essential documents for the sale early on:
For condominiums, the ALUR law (2014) requires additional documents:
Thorough preparation will save you time during the signing of the preliminary or final sales agreement.
This is a strategic choice: should you entrust the sale to a professional or handle it yourself?
Selling without an agency may seem cheaper since you don’t pay any commission. You control the entire process: pricing, advertising, visits, negotiation, and contracts.
However, this option requires time, legal knowledge, and a solid understanding of the real estate market. A pricing error or missing document can delay or even cancel the transaction.
Without a professional’s support, it’s also harder to verify a buyer’s solvency, which can cause months of wasted effort if their financing is denied.
Lastly, without a neutral, experienced intermediary, negotiations may take longer and be less effective. A professional often maximizes impact and defends your interests to secure the best price.
Working with a real estate agency offers many advantages:
Your agent handles everything: visits, negotiations, offer management, and coordination with the notary — helping you sell faster and at a better price.
If you choose to sell through an agency, you will sign a sales mandate:
Once your apartment is ready and priced, it’s time to present it to buyers. How you promote it depends on your choice: through an agency or as a private seller.
Our teams handle every stage of the marketing process:
This multichannel strategy ensures maximum exposure for your listing, supported by a dedicated advisor who monitors feedback and adjusts communication as needed.
If you choose to sell privately, you’ll need to create and publish your own real estate listing.
To attract buyers, make sure to:
This approach saves agency fees, but limits your reach: less visibility, fewer potential buyers, and often longer selling times. You’ll also have to handle calls, viewings, buyer vetting, and negotiations yourself.
With Lodgis, you benefit from full support to prepare viewings, evaluate offers, and negotiate with confidence until the preliminary agreement is signed.
Once the offer is accepted, the sale enters its legal phase.
This pre-contract formalizes the agreement between buyer and seller. Drafted by the notary or agency, it includes:
The buyer has a 10-day withdrawal period after signing.
The notary plays a key role in the transaction. They verify all documents, secure the transfer of ownership, and ensure payment is made safely.
A few days before final signing, the notary sends both parties a draft of the authentic deed for review.
Around two to three months after signing the preliminary contract, the authentic deed is signed, officially completing the sale. However, before this stage, several tasks must be completed:
The notary will then:
You are now free of the property, and the buyer becomes the new owner.
Even after signing, keep all documents related to the sale, especially for tax purposes (capital gains calculation).
If you made a profit, it may be subject to capital gains tax unless exempt. Your notary will explain the applicable rules for your situation.
On average, a well-priced and well-presented property sells in 2 to 3 months. Timelines vary depending on the local market and season.
Yes, but specific rules apply depending on the lease type and remaining duration. The tenant may have a preemptive right to buy.
An exclusive mandate provides better visibility and personalized support, which often shortens the selling timeline.
Capital gain equals the difference between the selling price and the purchase price, after deducting eligible costs, improvements, and reductions based on ownership duration.
Selling an apartment takes time, expertise, and strong market knowledge. By choosing Lodgis, you benefit from professional guidance every step of the way:
And to avoid leaving your property vacant, Lodgis offers a unique solution: during the sale period, we can rent it out furnished. This allows you to generate rental income while calmly pursuing your sale project — an effective way to optimize your property’s profitability until the final transaction.
Want to sell quickly and with peace of mind?
Contact our Lodgis team today to get a professional valuation and tailored support for your project.