Buying a property with a loggia or courtyard
A loggia is an outdoor room set back inside the facade. A courtyard is an outdoor space at ground or first level. Each has its own points to watch.
At a glance
A loggia sits inside the volume of the building, open on one side only. A courtyard is an open-air space surrounded by buildings, often common, sometimes for private use. Neither counts in the Carrez surface when it is open, and their use depends on the co-ownership rules.
What the law says
Loggia. The private surface under article 46 of the law of 10 July 1965 covers enclosed, roofed rooms. An open loggia is not in it; a loggia closed by glazing, roofed and fitted out as a room can be. The listing and the deed must say which applies.
Courtyard. A building’s courtyard is generally common property. When one lot has the exclusive use, the co-ownership rules must say so, as for a terrace (see the ANIL). Access for other owners, for bins, bicycles or utilities, must be set out.
Use. The rules may ban storage, barbecues or potted plants. Closing a loggia or roofing a courtyard alters the building: general meeting approval and the town’s planning rules apply.
Checks before an offer
- For a loggia: open or closed, and whether it is counted in the stated surface.
- For a courtyard: ownership, exclusive right of use, rights of way for neighbours and the managing agent.
- Light: aspect, height of the buildings around the courtyard, overlooking windows.
- Noise: echo in an enclosed courtyard, uses by shops or neighbours.
- Drainage, the state of the ground and its waterproofing if the courtyard covers a basement room.
- The condition of the facades around the courtyard and the renovation calendar.
Where to find a loggia or a courtyard
The selection has loggias in the 14th and the 15th, at Front de Seine, and in Saint-Étienne. Private courtyards are in the 15th and in the 2nd arrondissement, at Montorgueil, on the other arrondissements page. A flat in the 16th comes with a patio, and two houses in Malakoff open onto a shared courtyard (Hauts-de-Seine).
Properties for sale with a loggia or courtyard
Two houses around a courtyard, Malakoff
79 m² 3-room flat on the 10th floor with 10 m² loggia, Paris 14th
28 m² 2-room flat with 12 m² private courtyard, rue Rosenwald
74 m² 4-room flat to renovate with three bedrooms and balcony on a courtyard, rue Spontini
2 bedrooms with shower rooms and 9 m² private walkway over a leafy courtyard, Val-de-Grâce
69 m² 4-room flat with private courtyard access, Montorgueil
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Frequently asked questions
Does a loggia count in the Carrez surface?
An open loggia does not. A loggia closed by glazing and roofed, fitted out as a room, may count. The surveyor and the deed decide; ask for the surface certificate.
Can a loggia be closed in?
Only with the general meeting’s approval and within the town’s planning rules. Closing it changes the look of the facade and can create floor area.
Does the ground-floor owner own the building’s courtyard?
Not automatically. A courtyard is most often common property. The ground-floor lot may have the exclusive right to use it if the co-ownership rules provide for it.
Can I lay a timber deck or plant in a private courtyard?
Yes, within the co-ownership rules and without blocking shared access. Check the waterproofing of the ground if it covers a basement room.
What is the difference between a loggia and a balcony?
A balcony projects from the facade, open on three sides. A loggia is set back inside the volume of the building, open on one side. It is more sheltered but sometimes gets less light.
What should I check about the light in a courtyard?
Aspect, the height of neighbouring buildings and the floor of the lot. Visit at several times of day: a narrow courtyard can stay in shade for much of the year.
Updated 14 October 2026. Sources: law of 10 July 1965, Légifrance, ANIL, balconies and terraces in co-ownership.
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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).