Bad surprise for future owners. THE April 10, 2026the Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu announced the end of gas boilers in new collective housing from the end of the year, a decision which marks a turning point for the entire real estate sector. Behind this measure, a profound change is taking place, with direct consequences on the cost of programs and the purchasing conditions for buyers.
Because the market is already experiencing the effects of rising interest rates, inflation in construction costs and geopolitical tensions, particularly linked to the War in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have contributed to the surge and volatility in energy prices. In this context, the gas ban adds an additional constraint to an already weakened sector.
Additional technical costs that pass back to the buyer
The Federation of Real Estate Developers (FPI) warns of the impact of this transition in a sector already under tension. The end of gas requires rethinking certain projects, particularly those designed with hybrid systems.
Result, technical adjustments which can represent several thousand euros per accommodation. In a press release published after the government announcement, the federation believes that this development will “mechanically increase the cost of operations”in particular due to the strengthening of electrical networks and the necessary equipment.
These costs should be passed on to sales priceseven though environmental regulations are gradually tightening their requirements, with reinforced thresholds in 2025, 2028 and 2031pushing promoters towards more complex solutions such as heat pumps.
However, on the ground, this increase remains barely perceptible in the short term. “The buyer will not feel it suddenly, because everything is anticipated in advance by the developers”explain Smahen Amrani, real estate agent in new construction in Île-de-France.
A market under pressure, cautious buyers
In this uncertain context, the behavior of buyers is changing. “It’s not only technical, but it becomes a decision criterion for certain clients”she observes.
But the priority often remains budgetary. “80% of buyers mainly want fast delivery to stop paying rent”she emphasizes. Many therefore prefer a property that is available quickly, even if it means not being completely up to date with the latest standards.
Especially since not all programs are in the same boat. Some housing marketed today still falls under the RT2012an old, less demanding thermal standard, while the most recent ones are subject to the RE2020stricter environmental regulations that sharply limit carbon emissions and promote gas-free heating systems.
“There are still programs underway in RT2012 because of the delays accumulated since the crises”specifies the professional.
Potentially lower charges… but still unclear
On the cost side, the promise is clear: better insulated housing and more efficient equipment should make it possible to reduce energy bills. In the old one, a T2 of 40 m² can still represent €1,200 to €1,600 per year of energy expenditure.
In new construction, these costs should fall, but it is difficult to put forward precise figures in a context of high volatility in energy prices. “It’s the first year of operation that really allows us to judge”tempers Smahen Amrani.
Essential checks before signing
Faced with these developments, certain reflexes become essential. First step, check if the building permit is obtained and if the work has actually started.
Then, it is essential to ask for the descriptive notice before booking. “It’s the DNA of the program. You can find all the technical details there, particularly on heating and hot water »she insists.
Behind the end of gas, the entire economic equation of new construction is evolving, between environmental requirements, technical constraints and household purchasing power.
