Terrace, balcony, garden: the outdoor spaces
Five kinds of outdoor space appear in the selection. Each has its own legal status, its own running costs and its own points to check before an offer.
At a glance
An outdoor space is not bought like a room. It does not count in the Carrez surface, its status depends on the co-ownership rules or on the title deed, and its upkeep follows rules of its own. The five pages below give, for each kind, the legal framework with its sources, the checks to make and the properties for sale.
The five kinds of outdoor space
| Outdoor space | What sets it apart | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace | Open to the sky, on an upper floor or at ground level, often common property with an exclusive right of use | Terrace |
| Balcony | Projects from the facade, the most common kind in Paris; watch the railing and the facade works | Balcony |
| Garden | Rare with a flat, usual with a house; planting and neighbour rules | Garden |
| Roof terrace | A terrace built on a roof; waterproofing and access decide everything | Roof terrace |
| Loggia and courtyard | A recessed outdoor room, or a ground-floor courtyard; overlooking and light | Loggia and courtyard |
What every outdoor space has in common
The size of the outdoor space is measured separately. Article 46 of the law of 10 July 1965 requires the seller of a co-owned lot to state its private surface in the preliminary contract and in the deed, but that surface covers enclosed, roofed rooms only. A terrace, a balcony or a garden is not in it.
The right of use is written down. For a lot in a co-owned building, the co-ownership rules (règlement de copropriété) say whether the outdoor space is private, or common with an exclusive right of use. The ANIL, the French housing information agency, says balconies and terraces are generally common parts for private use, and that upkeep is shared as the rules set out.
Works need a vote. Closing a terrace, adding a pergola or changing a railing alters the look of the building: the general meeting of co-owners may have to approve it, and the town's planning rules apply on top.
Properties for sale
60 m² 3-room flat with 9 m² terrace, parc Georges-Brassens
105 m² top-floor duplex with two long balconies, 30 m² of outdoor space
69 m² 4-room flat with private courtyard access, Montorgueil
133 m² rooftop duplex with sea view, Montredon, Marseille 8th
410 m² property with sea view and two pools, Porticcio
239 m² house with two terraces, Fontenay-aux-Roses
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Frequently asked questions
Does a balcony or terrace count in the Carrez surface?
No. The Carrez surface is that of the enclosed, roofed rooms of a co-owned lot. Balconies, terraces and gardens are measured separately, and a good listing gives the two figures apart so that properties can be compared.
What is the difference between a terrace and a roof terrace?
A terrace extends a home, on an upper floor or at ground level. A roof terrace is a terrace built on the roof of the building, usually on the top floor. Its waterproofing and its access need checks of their own, set out on the roof terrace page.
How does the selection spot outdoor spaces?
Each property is here because its listing declares a balcony, terrace, garden or courtyard, or because its description mentions one. When the outdoor space only appears in the text, the property page says "according to the listing". The method is described on the Method and sources page.
Where can I find properties with outdoor space?
In Paris, in Hauts-de-Seine, Val-de-Marne, Yvelines and in several regions. The Paris hub and the regions hub link to every area page.
Updated 14 October 2026. Sources: law of 10 July 1965, Légifrance, ANIL.
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Related reading
Other areas
Same group: luxury-real-estate-paris.com (luxury properties in Paris) deferla.com (the agency network, valuations and buying) choisirsonagence14e.com (how to choose an agency in the 14th).