New Orleans Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(New Orleans, Louisiana - LA, USA)



Photo of New Orleans featuring the Riverwalk MarketplaceNew Orleans is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the US, known for its lively street culture, roaring Mardi Gras celebration and world-famous culinary tradition. Home buyers are especially drawn to elegant turn-of-the-century homes in New Orleans.

The best place to buy a freestanding house is in communities that are on the fringes of downtown, such as Metairie or Uptown. The Garden District has the finest upmarket properties, while the central business district is where many apartments and condominiums are located.


Beautiful homes are available well below the standard rate in northern US cities. Prices have fallen considerably following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, though they have since stabilized. As such, this is an optimistic time for property investors in New Orleans, as many expect prices to continue to rise over the medium to long term.

Renting Serviced Apartments

The Lower Garden District is the premiere location for serviced apartments in New Orleans. There are several resort-like communities here that offer fully furnished units with varying degrees of service. These are especially well suited for longer-term vacationers, business travelers and property hunters.

In general, a serviced apartment in New Orleans will cost 30 percent more than a comparably sized unfurnished apartment. At the same time, a serviced unit trumps hotels by offering better amenities for the money, as well as the option to secure better discounts for extended stays.

Buying Apartments and Houses

There are many real estate agencies in New Orleans who will show visitors around properties in central districts like the French Quarter and central business district, where prices are highest. Some will also arrange to take prospective buyers to the suburbs or even as far out as Baton Rouge (just over 80 miles / 129 km away), where prices are much more competitive.

There are no outright restrictions on foreigners buying property in New Orleans, although it is still a good idea to operate through a well-versed realtor who understands implications of international property buying. In many cases, the agencies with the highest degree of specialisation may have relatively small portfolios.

Real Estate Agents

Finding the agent who best suits your needs is an essential part of buying property in New Orleans. There are several to choose from in and around the central business district. Picking an agent who seems well connected with the local community is to the home buyer's advantage.

Check out the following New Orleans realtors and real estate agents:

Soniat Realty
Address: 3940 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana LA, 70119, USA
Tel: +1 504 488 8988
Email: contactus@soniatrealty.com
Website: www.soniatrealty.com
Soniat Realty is located in the heart of Mid-City and has been active in New Orleans real estate for more than 70 years.

French Quarter Realty
Address: 1041 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana LA, 70116, USA
Tel: +1 504 949 5400
Email: admin@fqr.com
Website: www.fqr.com
French Quarter Realty specialises in luxurious and historic properties around the French Quarter.

Talbor Realty Group
Address: 747 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Lousiana (LA), 70130, USA
Tel: +1 504 525 9763
Email: info@talbot-realty.com
Website: www.talbot-realty.com
This real estate agency works with a mix of residential and commercial properties in the Greater New Orleans area.