Construction permits rise slightly in September

Construction permits for housing increased by 1.2% in September 2026, according to the statistical service of the housing ministry. This follows a series of revisions to previous data, which now show a more accurate picture of recent trends.

Annual authorizations still below previous average

Over the past twelve months, 377,834 housing units were authorized for construction in France. This number is still 9.1% lower than the average for the previous five years, indicating a continued slowdown in housing development compared to earlier periods.

Collective housing grows, individual declines

In September, authorizations for collective housing—such as apartment buildings—rose by 5.3% compared to August. However, authorizations for individual housing, like single-family homes, dropped by 5.5%, showing a mixed trend in the housing market.

Monthly fluctuations reflect revised data

The SDES revised its data, showing that authorizations had increased by 2.1% in August and decreased by 0.8% in July. These adjustments highlight the importance of viewing monthly figures as part of a single, updated statistical series rather than isolated numbers.

Construction starts lag behind permits

In September, it is estimated that 28,682 housing units would have started construction. However, this is an estimate and may change. Permits are an administrative step before actual construction begins, and they do not directly reflect the number of completed homes.

Industry warns of ongoing challenges

The French Federation of Construction noted that despite a recent uptick in construction starts, new housing remains weak. It also expressed concern about the slowdown in permits and sales, which could affect the long-term activity of construction firms.

Housing bill moves forward in parliament

The housing bill, designed to boost and decentralize housing development, continues its path through the National Assembly. The committee on economic affairs approved the text in late September, though this does not mean the proposed measures will be implemented immediately.

Data source continues to evolve

The SDES collects its data from the Sitadel3 database, which was upgraded in March 2026. As new information is added, the statistics may change, emphasizing the dynamic nature of housing data and the need for ongoing monitoring.