Créteil Property Insight

Creteil is situated at the centre of the Val de Marne department - Paris Ile de France region -, 12km to Paris-Notre-Dame and 7km to the ring roads. An administrative pole, Creteil is the prefecture of the department. It accounts for about 89,939 inhabitants (2006), which make it the most populated town of Val de Marne, and the sixth in the Ile de France.

Overview

The presence of Paris XII University in Creteil makes the latter an important centre offering good rental opportunities. It welcomes 25,000 students each year. The town is a thriving one with a great number of companies.

Creteil has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. From the 10th century, three seigneuries share the land. Although the town underwent difficult times during the Hundred Years’ War, it became a privileged location which welcomed Parisian people searching for nature areas. Urbanization will start only after WWII.

Thirty metre tall, Saint Christophe church was built 900 years ago. It first had a Roman style but was then extended according to a Gothic style. A worthwhile visit. Close to this church, archaeological excavation were organized and experts found about 50 burials dating back to the 4th and 11th centuries.

Créteil Immobilier & Property Market Trends

In 2009, property prices in Creteil are slightly above the national average but remain affordable compared with other departments of Paris-Ile de France. Indeed, a property in the town is €3,360 /sq m against €3,197 /sq m in the country. In some departments such as Hauts de Seine, properties can cost €5,100 /sq m.

Thus, if you plan to invest in the most dynamic region of France but have a low budget, buying a property in Creteil may be a good compromise. It will let you benefit from both the buzzing life of the French capital and the tranquillity of Val de Marne.

The rental market is good in the town centre, mainly due to the presence of a major university. Rental opportunities are numerous and the real estate market is ideal for investors looking for a buy-to-let. 3-room and 4-room properties are more sought-after than studio flats and large houses or apartments. A property is rented €14.66 /sq m a month in Creteil (against €12.22 /sq m on average in France).

To get updated info about the property prices in Val de Marne, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

4 Reasons to Buy a Property in Créteil

• Tranquillity and scenery: Creteil has been receiving for over 20 years four flowers to the French competition called Villes et villages fleuris. Flowers are given to the town and cities who take most care of their land planting trees and flowers. Over 70 different kinds of trees may be seen throughout the town. Its park, fountains and lake are an invitation to relaxation and détente. There, you can benefit from tranquillity although being close to the most dynamic city of France.

• Architectural heritage: some wonderful monuments were built in Creteil. Gaze at the dovecote, the last vestige of a seigniorial manor. This is a unique dovecote in Paris-Ile de France which could house 1,500 pigeon couples. The Château des Mèches is a 1863-italian-style villa. Stare at the Dupeyroux park and French-style garden. The Combattant house is also not to be missed: built in 1758, it is now used for ceremonies.

• Activities: Creteil boasts great sports equipment with prestigious facilities. The open-air leisure centre offers different kinds of activities: canoeing, sailing, swimming, tennis, biking, fishing, climbing, playing mini-golf all year long. Practising sport is even more pleasant when you are surrounded with parks and gardens.

• Location – Transport links: Créteil is well-linked to Paris and as a consequence to its two airports. The underground, buses and local trains called RER will drive you to the French capital, a hub in terms of transport links. From there, you can reach any French, European or international destination.

Property Styles and Architecture in Créteil

• Prestigious properties: if you have a high budget and a large family, investing in one of the luxury houses may be an idyll. They have plenty of rooms (about 10), swimming-pool, large land planted with trees... These massive properties are modern and prestigious: walls are often painted in white and furniture are very modern. Majestuous bedrooms and bathrooms will let you feel in a castle!

• Apartments: in prestigious residences or in traditional buildings, Creteil has many apartments for sale on its real estate market. They are usually of large size (at least 70sqm). When built in residences, they may offer a park and parking. Flats are the best property type for investors, who are likely to find quickly a tenant (student or employee).

• Detached houses: more traditional properties are also on offer in the town. Detached houses have no particular architectural style. They are ideal for those who want to settle in the area. They come with garage, terrace, piece of land and attic. They are however much less numerous than apartments.

Click here for more info about the Architecture of Paris-Ile de France.