Housing now represents a third of the household budget, or around 700 euros per month on average. It is both the leading item of expenditure for the French today, but also the one which has seen the greatest increase over the last 10 to 15 years. However, if housing is expensive, housing, above all, is becoming scarce. It is therefore no surprise that this subject of concern is entering the public debate, a few months before the municipal elections.
Produced on the occasion of the mayors’ show, the latest Odoxa-Nexity-BFM barometer, in partnership with Capital, shows this very clearly: the French expect strong decisions from their elected officials, and from their municipality in the first place, to promote access to housing and renovation work.
More homes available to rent and purchase
According to this new edition of the housing barometer, 70% of French people believe that it is “difficult” to find housing in their city. 72% even ask their municipality to make more housing available, whether for purchase or rental.
The first to suffer from this shortage of housing? Young people. More than three quarters of French people believe that the number of housing units for them is largely insufficient and expect their elected representatives to make a real effort in this area.
A more proactive policy in favor of housing
Another expectation of the French: that the public authorities take strong measures in favor of long-term housing landlords. 73% of them, owners and tenants combined, request that evictions of “bad payers” tenants be made easier. And there are barely fewer of them – 65% – who would like to see “more tax advantages for those who buy housing for long-term rental“. A request which reflects a real fed up with seasonal rental platforms which largely contribute to the shortage of accommodation in certain cities and tourist regions.
More aid for energy renovation
Another salient point of the barometer: the French are very keen on support systems for the energy renovation of housing. There is no question for them to cut corners on these financial boosts which allow them to improve their comfort and the energy diagnosis of their home! 68% of them are asking for more public aid such as “MaPrimeRénov’” accessible to all households… Even though the system was restricted in 2025, and significant changes are announced for 2026 and 2027.
