Housing costs weigh heavily on French households

A survey by Ipsos BVA for Figaro Immobilier and France Info shows that 79 percent of French people feel housing costs are more burdensome now than a few years ago. Nearly half of respondents find this financial pressure difficult to manage, with renters being more affected, as 62 percent of them consider the burden hard to bear.

Financial strain affects essential needs

The survey reveals that 39 percent of those surveyed have had to cut back on essential expenses like food or heating to cover housing costs. This indicates a significant level of financial stress linked to housing, which is affecting daily life and basic necessities for many households.

Housing influences political priorities

Housing is increasingly shaping voter priorities in France, with 43 percent of respondents saying it will influence their vote in the 2027 presidential election. Among those under 35, this figure rises to 57 percent, showing that younger voters are particularly concerned about housing issues.

Life projects are delayed by housing challenges

More than a third of those under 35 say housing-related issues are delaying their life projects, such as starting a family or moving out of their parents' home. This proportion is significantly higher than the 18 percent among all respondents, highlighting the generational impact of housing difficulties.

Access to housing is seen as difficult

A majority of respondents believe it is hard to find affordable housing. Specifically, 84 percent think it is difficult to find a social housing unit in their area, while 75 percent find it challenging to rent a private property and 64 percent struggle to buy a home, reflecting widespread difficulties in accessing housing.

Price and comfort are top priorities in housing choices

When choosing a home, 76 percent of respondents prioritize price, followed by location (52 percent) and the condition of the property (46 percent). Energy efficiency is also important, with 73 percent considering insulation crucial for heating in winter and 61 percent emphasizing the need for effective cooling in summer.

Renovation preferred over new construction

Most respondents favor housing rehabilitation over new construction, with 53 percent believing public authorities should focus on renovating existing homes. Only 17 percent support promoting new housing construction, showing a clear preference for improving current housing stock.

Public health concerns over poor insulation

Opinions are split on allowing the rental of poorly insulated housing. While 56 percent oppose such rentals for public health reasons, 44 percent support them to accommodate more people, indicating a tension between health and housing availability.

Homeownership is a strong aspiration but seen as unattainable

A majority of renters, especially the young, aspire to become homeowners, with 75 percent of those under 35 expressing this desire. However, only 21 percent believe they can achieve it soon, and nearly half have already postponed or given up on the idea due to financial barriers.

Financial barriers hinder homeownership

The main obstacles to buying a home are financial, with 61 percent citing the purchase price as the biggest barrier, followed by the cost of a mortgage (51 percent) and the need for a down payment (36 percent), highlighting the significant financial hurdles to homeownership.

Popular policy measures for housing reform

Extending rent control nationwide and reducing taxes on rental investments are widely supported, with 83 percent and 81 percent of respondents, respectively, backing these measures. However, many remain doubtful about the ability of political leaders to address the housing crisis effectively.

Survey details and methodology

The survey, titled The French and Housing, was conducted online on October 7 and 8, 2026, among 1,000 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over. Results by political proximity are based on sub-samples and include wider margins of error.