How can you know exactly which property sales have been completed in your town in recent years?
Where can you consult price and transaction history to prepare a valuation, a sale or a purchase?
In this guide, we explain how to consult local real estate sales history to obtain reliable benchmark prices.
We present the main sources of property sales data—public and private—and their limitations.
Finally, we explain how to interpret this information and invite you to contact your local real estate advisor for personalised support.
Understanding real estate sales history: definitions and why nearby price per m² matters
Real estate sales history brings together information relating to transactions completed in a given area.
It includes the sale price, the transfer (registration) date, the type of property and often the surface area.
These data come mainly from notarial deeds and tax declarations. They are then aggregated into public and private databases.
Sales history serves as a reference point to value a property. It also helps you understand local market dynamics.
The price per m² calculated from comparable sales is a key indicator. It helps establish a realistic range for a valuation.
These data are useful for buying, selling or valuing a property, but they do not replace on-the-ground expertise.
What is real estate sales history? DVF Etalab and “Demande de valeur foncière”
Sales history is the compilation of information drawn from notarial deeds and tax declarations.
It covers the sale of apartments, houses, land and sometimes commercial premises.
The files are centralised by the tax administration and published via the Demande de valeur foncière (DVF).
Public dissemination is handled by Etalab and data.gouv.fr. This guarantees access to official sales data.
To protect privacy, some addresses are partially masked. This sometimes explains imprecision for very specific searches.
Why is real estate sales history essential for a reliable valuation?
A price based on completed sales is more reliable than an asking price shown in listings.
Actual transactions provide objective benchmarks to assess the value of a comparable property.
Sales history makes it possible to identify local trends and adjust a price depending on property type and current market conditions.
A local advisor complements these data with field observations: the property’s condition, diagnostics and any nuisances.
By combining comparable sales and expertise, you reduce the risk of over- or under-valuing.
How to access real estate sales history in your town
Several reliable sources provide access to sales history: the DVF database, notaries’ websites and private “property data” portals.
The DVF real estate sales database can be consulted for free on data.gouv.fr.
A map interface is available on app.dvf.etalab.gouv.fr.
Notaries also publish local maps and indices. These summary tools complement DVF.
Private portals enrich public data with analyses, filters and sometimes off-market transactions.
Each source has strengths and limits. For an “official” benchmark, prioritise public data and cross-check with local sources.
Etalab’s DVF database: the main public data source
Demande de valeurs foncières (DVF) is the public reference for transactions in France.
It centralises deeds collected by the tax services and makes them available to the public.
DVF lets you consult the price, transfer date, surface area and property type.
The app.dvf.etalab.gouv.fr interface provides map visualisation and filters by town and period.
Advanced users can download the full dataset from data.gouv.fr and run their own sorting.
Note that publication can lag several weeks to a few months after the notarial deed.
Other sources: notaries’ websites, private portals and major property databases
Notarial chambers provide price maps by department and by town.
These publications, such as notaires.fr, provide standardised indices and local history.
Major property websites and some “data immo” portals combine listings and declared sales.
They often allow segmentation by property type, time period or specific criteria.
For very local research, a notary or local advisor may share additional information not available online.
Cross-checking DVF, notaries’ tools and private portals gives the most complete and reliable view of the local market.
How to analyse nearby transactions and use sales history for your project
Accessing the data is one thing; interpreting it is another.
Start by selecting comparable sales by property type, surface area, location and time period.
Calculate a median price per m² from these comparables.
Remove outliers, such as exceptional lot sales or properties in very poor condition.
The Friggit curve helps put price variations into a long-term perspective. It distinguishes cyclical movement from structural trends.
Cross-check prices with transaction volumes: rising volumes often indicate renewed attractiveness.
Finally, factor in the property’s specific characteristics: condition, orientation, parking, diagnostics and upcoming urban projects.
Understanding variations in price per m² in your town
Price per m² varies strongly depending on the exact location and property type.
Comparing a city-centre one-bedroom apartment (T2) with a suburban house would distort the analysis.
Mini case study: in a fictional town, the median apartment price in 2024 is €3,200/m².
In the same area, the median house price is €2,600/m².
A 100 m² house sold for €290,000 will remain below the median if it needs renovation work.
Prefer the median over the average. It reduces the influence of exceptional sales.
How much weight should you give sales history for valuation or negotiation?
Sales history is a strong foundation for a realistic valuation and for supporting a negotiation.
Official sales data are factual evidence you can show to a buyer or seller.
But you must add context: property condition, renovation work and any easements.
A local advisor combines these elements with local supply and demand to define a relevant price range.
In a sales meeting, DVF extracts and comparable sales increase the credibility of the valuation.
Recent developments and 2026 trends in the French property market based on sales history
The 2024–2025 data show a stabilisation in prices after a period of decline.
Transaction volumes have gradually recovered, supported by improved borrowing conditions.
Notarial indices and INSEE confirm that price drops have moderated and that some local markets show recovery signals.
The situation remains uneven across regions, including overseas territories.
The Friggit curve reminds us the market is cyclical. Caution remains appropriate in 2026.
For a valuation, integrate these local and national trends and update the value using recent sales.
Trends in prices and transaction volumes
Between 2023 and 2025, observed declines vary depending on the area, from around -3% to -6% in certain markets.
Notaries and the DVF database point to a gradual recovery in sales volumes.
In high-demand areas, the correction has been more limited than in smaller towns.
Overseas territories show mixed momentum from one island to another.
These trends make it necessary to update valuations regularly and rely on recent sales.
How these changes affect fair pricing of properties
Variations of a few percentage points often change the selling strategy.
It may be relevant to reduce the price slightly to speed up the sale.
Conversely, holding your price can work if the local market shows signs of recovery.
A local Optimhome advisor incorporates trends, urban projects and credit conditions.
This secures decision-making whether you are selling, buying or investing.
Special cases when analysing sales history: new builds, viager, commercial, prestige
Some categories require a specific approach: new builds, viager, prestige and commercial premises.
Comparable sales in these segments are often scarce and atypical.
You should therefore rely on local expertise or a specialist to value these properties correctly.
If in doubt, consult an advisor or expert to secure your analysis.
New-build sales history and specific constraints
New builds can be sold off-plan. Indicative prices evolve with the market.
Official new-build data are published after completion. They are rarer and sometimes delayed.
Consider warranties, reduced fees and schemes (e.g., PTZ) to judge the competitiveness of new builds.
Sales history for atypical assets: viager, prestige, professional premises
Viager includes an annuity. Its value depends on life expectancy and contractual terms.
Prestige sales are often isolated and sensitive to international conditions.
Commercial premises are valued using yield and lease logic, different from residential property.
In these cases, specialist expertise is essential: contact your local Optimhome advisor specialised in the segment you are considering.
Why contact a local real estate advisor to analyse sales history?
A local advisor provides an expert reading of data and the territorial context.
They cross-check DVF, notarial indices and market information to produce a well-argued valuation.
They also secure the transaction: diagnostics, coordination with the notary, banking follow-up and legal tracking.
For a successful project, local expertise remains key. Contact an advisor in your area for a personalised valuation.
Key takeaways
Start with public sources (DVF / data.gouv.fr) to access actual completed sales.
Cross-check with notarial maps and analyses from major property portals.
Calculate a median price per m² from truly comparable sales.
Be cautious with isolated sales and public database update delays.
For special cases (new build, viager, prestige, commercial), prioritise local expertise.
Use the Friggit curve and notarial indices to put changes into perspective.
Contact a local Optimhome real estate advisor for a personalised valuation.
FAQ
Which website shows the price of sold houses?
The most reliable sources are the DVF database on data.gouv.fr and the notaries’ website (notaires.fr).
How can you know if a house has been sold?
You can check via the DVF database or by contacting a notary or local real estate advisor.
Where can you find real estate sales history?
Sales history is available via DVF, notaries’ websites and certain private portals.
How much did a house sell for?
The exact price appears in DVF files and in the notarial deed. This information is public, within privacy rules.
How reliable are historical sales data?
Official data are reliable but may be delayed. They also do not always reflect the property’s condition. Cross-check with local expertise.
Author :
Fabrice DOBROWOLSKI - Optimhome Network Development Director
Optimhome offers you personalized support for your real estate project. Benefit from all my advice, based on several years of experience, to ensure the success of your project.
