Which cities are the most expensive to buy an apartment in Europe?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-08-30T05:17:20.616Z • Permanent link

London's property market has long been considered the most expensive in Europe, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. According to data from Knight Frank, the average price per square meter for apartments in the heart of London is around €24,000, making it the priciest city center in Europe. However, Paris has taken the top spot in the latest ranking from Savills, with the average price per square meter for apartments in the city center reaching €22,000. These two cities have consistently been among the most expensive places to buy an apartment in Europe, and their high prices are not just a reflection of their popularity with tourists and wealthy residents, but also due to strict regulations and limited supply.

In 2020, the French government introduced new measures to curb speculation in the housing market, including stricter rules on foreign buyers and increased taxes on luxury properties. These measures have helped to reduce prices in Paris, but the city remains one of the most expensive places to live in Europe. Meanwhile, in London, the government has implemented a range of measures to cool down the property market, including a ban on letting out long-term rentals in certain areas. These measures have helped to slow down price growth, but the city remains one of the most expensive places to buy an apartment in Europe.

Despite these efforts, both London and Paris continue to attract wealthy buyers and investors, who are willing to pay high prices for properties in these cities. According to data from property consultant Knight Frank, the top 10 most expensive cities in Europe for buying an apartment in the city center are: London, Paris, Zurich, Geneva, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Berlin. These cities offer a range of benefits to buyers, including access to top-notch amenities, excellent transportation links, and strong economies.

The high prices in London and Paris have significant implications for the broader property market in Europe. For example, the high prices in these cities make it difficult for buyers to enter the market, which can limit the availability of properties for sale. This can drive up prices even further, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Moreover, the high prices in these cities also make it challenging for researchers and analysts to gather reliable data on property prices, as many buyers are reluctant to disclose their transactions.

Companies such as Savills and Knight Frank, which specialize in property research and analysis, have to rely on data from a range of sources, including property agents, developers, and government agencies. However, the high prices in cities like London and Paris can make it difficult to gather reliable data, which can limit the accuracy of their reports. As a result, researchers and analysts have to be careful to interpret their data carefully, taking into account the potential biases and limitations of the data.

The high prices in London and Paris are not just a reflection of the cities' popularity with wealthy buyers, but also due to their strong economies and excellent quality of life. Both cities are major financial centers, with London being home to the UK's financial district and Paris being a hub for European finance. These cities also offer a range of cultural and entertainment options, including world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants.