Heatwaves are beginning to reshape the real estate market in Bordeaux, as rising summer temperatures have turned some homes into uncomfortable, almost unbearable spaces. High temperatures are influencing buyers’ preferences and causing certain properties to become unsellable, while others are gaining value due to improved cooling features. This summer’s repeated heatwaves have already had a noticeable impact on the housing market. One-third of the French population is considering relocating, and half are thinking about renovating their homes to improve comfort. As autumn begins, some are already planning for the next summer’s heat. Fred, a resident of Bordeaux, shared his concerns after visiting a 1980s home. He recalled last summer when temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius in his bedroom at night. To cope, he installed a ceiling fan and slept on the couch in the living room. Now, Fred is seriously thinking about moving to a neighborhood undergoing renovation, even if it means doing some work himself. He notes that installing air conditioning in the attic can help cool the entire house, which is becoming a more common consideration. Rémy Guarguet, a real estate agent with Orpi, has noticed a shift in buyer preferences. Previously, south-facing homes were highly sought after for their natural light. However, now buyers are realizing that even north-facing homes can be comfortable, as the focus has shifted from maximizing sunlight to managing heat. This change in priorities reflects a growing awareness of the need for better summer cooling in homes. Kenza Chraibi, a thermal engineer at the Ithaque firm in Bordeaux, explains that there has been a significant increase in requests for improving summer comfort since July. While issues like humidity, energy costs, and winter comfort were more common before, this year has seen a surge in concerns about overheating. Poor insulation and materials, such as glass wool, allow heat to enter homes more quickly. In contrast, materials like wood fiber can slow the entry of heat by about ten hours, offering better protection against extreme temperatures. This year, Bordeaux experienced seven instances where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius during the summer. In response, the real estate developer Cogedim has made a major change by incorporating air conditioning into all its new developments. Mathieu Maillard, the regional south delegate director, says that air conditioning is no longer seen as a luxury but as a standard feature. The company now uses collective cooling systems that are more environmentally responsible, with lower operating costs than individual units. These systems are set to a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius in summer, similar to how heating is capped at 19 degrees Celsius in winter. New apartments with these features are expected to be delivered in two to three years.