France currently has 3.1 million vacant homes, a number that has continued to grow since January 1, 2025, when the figure stood at 3.0 million. These vacant homes make up 7.7% of the country’s total housing stock, which includes 31.7 million primary residences and 3.8 million secondary homes. Among these, 1.1 million homes have been unoccupied for more than two years, a category known as structural vacancies. This trend has been ongoing since 1990, with a 60% increase in vacant homes over that period, affecting nearly every region in France. Between 2005 and 2023, the rate of housing vacancies grew 2.3 times faster than the overall growth of the housing stock, highlighting a growing imbalance in the market. A significant portion of these homes are either awaiting sale or repairs, but the more pressing issue remains the long-term structural vacancies. These are often the result of inheritance disputes, high renovation costs, and the financial risks associated with renting. When a property owner passes away and leaves multiple heirs, the property becomes subject to a legal process that requires unanimous agreement before it can be sold or rented. This often leads to lengthy delays due to notary fees, bureaucratic hurdles, and family conflicts. Additionally, some homeowners choose to keep their properties vacant in anticipation of future price increases, waiting for the right buyer or avoiding the costs of necessary renovations. The fear of rental-related complications also plays a key role. Many owners are wary of the risk of non-payment, the difficulty of evicting tenants, and the potential for legal disputes. As a result, some prefer to pay the Vacant Housing Tax, introduced in 1999 to discourage prolonged vacancies, rather than risk the uncertainties of renting. This tax, however, has not achieved the desired effect, as the financial burden of the tax is often seen as less risky than the uncertainties of the rental market. This has led to a situation where many homes remain unoccupied, despite the existence of a growing population in need of housing. The contrast between the number of vacant homes and the number of people inadequately housed is stark. According to the Abbé Pierre Foundation, over 4 million people in France are currently living in substandard housing conditions. In Paris, this paradox is especially visible, with 105,785 vacant homes recorded, representing a 9.4% vacancy rate. Meanwhile, housing remains unaffordable for many residents. To better understand this situation, the French government now uses the Lovac database, updated in 2026, which tracks the number of vacant homes annually. These data confirm that the issue is not simply about aging properties or neglect, but rather a complex interplay of legal, financial, and human factors that have frozen a significant portion of France’s housing stock.