Land prices rise sharply in France

The cost of buildable land in France has risen by 73% since 2010, according to the Service des données et des études statistiques (SDES). For single-family homes, the price per square meter increased from 59 euros to 102 euros over this period.

Regional disparities in land price growth

Certain regions have seen even more dramatic increases in land prices. In Pays de la Loire, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Corsica, prices more than doubled since 2010, while Brittany and Normandy also experienced significant rises. Île-de-France, already the most expensive region, saw a more moderate increase of 37%.

Land prices and housing costs

On average, a 930 square meter plot of land cost 95,000 euros in 2024, which represents about 30% of the average final purchase price of a house, which was 313,000 euros. Prices vary widely by region, with Île-de-France land costing 211,000 euros on average, compared to 51,000 euros in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

Proposals to address the housing crisis

The sharp rise in land prices has led to discussions about policy solutions to address the housing crisis. Some presidential candidates have proposed implementing "price caps" on buildable land to prevent speculation and encourage construction. Thierry Repentin, a former president of the National Housing Agency, supports this idea, comparing it to rent control.

Concerns from real estate developers

Real estate developers have expressed concerns that price caps could reduce the supply of buildable land, as sellers may be less willing to part with their property. Pascal Boulanger, president of the Federation of Real Estate Developers, argues that increasing the supply of land through more building permits would be a better approach.

Taxation and funding proposals

Boulanger suggests allocating more of the VAT from construction projects to municipalities, arguing that each euro invested in construction generates two euros in consumption tax. Thierry Repentin has called for extending financial support for mayors who build housing, a program that ended in March 2026 and was criticized as insufficient.

Debates over mayoral powers

The Ministry of Housing believes giving mayors more authority over social housing will help restore their confidence. However, some officials argue that this is not the main issue. Senator Dominique Estrosi-Sassone proposes allowing municipalities to "preempt" land that is priced excessively, adding a new reason for preemption to regulate land and housing markets.